The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) recently released a pet health report on a potential link between certain brands of dog food and canine heart disease. After learning of several cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that had eaten grain-free dog food, the agency investigated further and published their results. Find out everything you need to know about the possible implications of their findings for your pet’s health.

Important Information for Dog Owners About the F.D.A. Dog Food Study

How the Study Affects Dog Owners

As of July 2019, this F.D.A. study has linked 524 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in pets on grain-free diets. Dilated cardiomyopathy weakens the heart by thinning the left ventricle. It can allow fluid to enter the dog’s lungs and cause coughing or illness. While the number of reported cases is not very large when compared to the estimated 77 million pet dogs in the U.S., dog owners should still take this information into account when choosing a diet for their pets. If your dog is on a grain-free diet, watch for signs of illness or coughing. The disease can be treated with medication if diagnosed early.

What Products Are Mentioned in the Study

In the F.D.A.’s report, the agency named 16 dog food brands that have been linked to occurrences of DCM. The brands that were named 10 times or more by dog owners include Acana®, Zignature®, Taste of the Wild®, 4Health®, Earthborn Holistic®, Blue Buffalo®, Nature’s Domain®, Fromm®, Merrick®, California Natural®, Natural Balance®, Orijen®, Nature’s Variety®, Nutrisource®, Nutro®, and Rachael Ray Nutrish®. If your dog has eaten food made by any of these brands, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a pet health checkup.

Misconceptions About Grain Dog Food

The rise in popularity of grain-free dog food in recent years has largely been due to corn and other grains being falsely described as low-quality filler in pet foods. Grains have also been said to be the cause of food allergies in pets, with claims typically coming from competitor pet food companies. While grains can trigger food allergies in certain sensitive dogs, they should only be eliminated from your pet’s diet if sensitivity has been proven. Otherwise, corn and other grains are excellent sources of nutrition that haven’t been proven to be detrimental to pet health.

Learn more about the best diet for your pet’s health by contacting Clark Animal Care Center LLP in Penfield, NY. This AAHA-accredited practice is staffed by a qualified team of veterinarians and technicians who are dedicated to providing premium care while treating every pet like their own. These expert veterinarians are also focused on prevention as the best tool for improving pet health, including prescribing a proper diet. Schedule your first appointment today by calling (585) 377-1160 or visit the website for more information.