Grain-Free Diets and the Link to Heart Disease in Dogs

Did you know that 63% of veterinarians say grain free diets are unhealthy for dogs? 

Barley one month after her DCM diagnosis 

In July 2018 the FDA began investigating the link between heart disease and grain-free diets.    The crux of the argument is that grain-free diets are substituting grains with legumes which may be potentially harmful to a dog's health and heart. 

The FDA report caught a lot of attention in July and raised concerns because they are seeing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dog breeds who are not prone to genetic heart disease.  Of these cases, dogs shared one common theme - their diets. 

In the cases reported to the FDA, the dogs were being fed diets that commonly listed potatoes or multiple legumes as well as their protein, starch, and fiber sources early in the ingredient list, indicating that those were the main ingredients. High levels of legumes or potatoes are found often in products labeled as “grain-free.”  - FDA, July 12, 2018

Grain-free diets routinely substitute ingredients such as corn for legumes. While this may be healthier for humans, it does not necessarily mean it is better for your dog.  There is a belief that grain-free diets may impact the dog's ability to process a critical protein called taurine.  There is also a link between taurine deficiency and heart disease in dogs and cats. 

The connection between grain-free diets and DCM is just being uncovered.  The biggest take-away is that overall it is not worth the risk of feeding your dog grain-free.  The American Veterinarian hits the nail on the head with the issue.  There is a major disconnect between what our veterinarians recommend and what the consumer thinks is best for their dog. 

The pet food industry is a competitive one, with more and more companies joining the market every year. Marketing is a powerful tool for selling pet foods and has initiated and expanded fads, that are unsupported by nutritional science, including grain-free and exotic ingredient diets. All this makes it difficult for pet owners to know what is truly the best food for their pet (as opposed to the one with the loudest or most attractive marketing).  - Lisa Freeman

Our cardiologist recommends looking for diets from reputable brands who have studied the effects and who have a full time veterinarian on staff. Additionally, look at the ingredient list to ensure that peas, lentils and potatoes are not included in ingredients leading up to the vitamins and minerals.   

We were on Taste of the Wild and Taste of the Wild Prey for a combined three years leading up to Barley's diagnosis.   Lentils were the second ingredient on the list for Prey. We have since switched to Purina Pro-Plan Sport (canned and dry).

*** Please report any cases of suspected DCM and grain-free diets to the FDA! Click here to report ***