DAMAGE CONTROL: FDA Links Dog Food to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy & Why You Should Not Panic
Posted by Sarah Shelman
On June 27th, 2019, the FDA released a report on an ongoing investigation that MIGHT link several high quality grain-free brands of dog food to cause canine dilated cardiomyopathy and we want to clarify first and foremost that this report is nothing but a report on an investigation that is not conclusive by any means. Secondly, before you panic and begin switching brands of dog food, we strongly urge everyone to do your own research. We have done research for YOU and to help you even further, the original FDA report can be found here. At the end of this post we have also included several other sources to help you with your own investigation.
What is DCM?
Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic, progressive heart disease that causes the heart muscle to function improperly by decreasing the strength of the heart and impairing the ability to pump blood and the progression of the disease can cause congestive heart failure and death. Large and giant breeds are predisposed to DCM however, the Cocker Spaniel is also included.
Why Should You Not Panic?
Now, according to the FDA article, the data they have studied is inconclusive and "DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors". In their report they have several graphs displaying statistical data collected from the reported cases. It's important to be aware of statistical manipulation and to keep in mind that it has been stated that other factors may be involved.
Here are some of the statistics we've found through our own research previously posted in our stories on Instagram and formatted into a slideshow for you to view below.
Additional Information
FOODS ARE NOT CAUSING HEART DISEASE…READ COMPLETE UPDATES FROM FDA (NOT JUST NEWS HEADLINES), EDUCATE YOURSELF!
HERE ARE SEVERAL RESOURCES. IN ADDITION, VISIT YOUR CURRENT FOOD’S WEBSITE OR CALL THEIR STAFF NUTRITIONIST IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS.
“Please note that the FDA’s headline did not say anything about “grain-free diets” causing heart problems – though almost all the blog posts and articles in other publications have been saying exactly that.”
“In a full year of FDA investigation into an increase of pet food/feed related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases in dogs, the Agency appears to be no closer to providing pet owners any answers.”
“This is not the first time that diet has been linked to heart disease in dogs. In the early 2000’s, before grain-free diets became mainstream, lamb and rice diets were identified as being correlated with low taurine and heart disease in dogs.”
“The framing of a possible connection between grain-free diets and DCM in dogs was premature and set off alarm bells across the veterinary and dog world communities.”
