Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Dog Food
Source: https://www.petcurean.com/
There has been a lot of buzz about a recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement alerting pet owners about a possible link between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease, in dogs eating diets containing peas, lentils, potatoes and other legume seeds as main ingredients. These ingredients are commonly found in diets that are advertised as “grain-free”.
The statement suggests a potential relationship between the amino acid taurine and DCM in dogs. It is thought that foods with high levels of peas, potatoes, and lentils may cause low taurine levels in dogs and contribute to heart disease. However, some dogs with DCM on grain-free diets showed normal blood taurine levels. DCM is also reported to occur in dogs eating diets that are not grain-free.
Research Update
Since the FDA report was released, two research papers and one review paper have been published on this issue. The results of both studies showed that dietary-associated DCM occurs with some grain-free diets, but suggests that the cause is likely multifactorial, resulting from a combination of dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors. Even with the publication of this research, a cause-and-effect relationship between DCM and grain-free diets has not been proven.
On February 19th, 2019, the FDA released an update regarding their ongoing investigation into a potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs.The report outlines the characteristics of the 294 dogs with DCM reported to the FDA between January 1, 2014 and November 30, 2018, as well as the results of some preliminary product testing that has been performed. The product testing revealed similar levels of multiple nutrients in grain-free and grain-containing products, including taurine, cysteine and methionine. The FDA is continuing their investigation to identify if there is a link between the diet and development of DCM in dogs.
On June 27th, 2019, the FDA released their third status report related to their ongoing investigation.13 The newest report states that a total of 524 reports of DCM (515 in dogs, 9 in cats), most of which were submitted after the initial public alert was released in July 2018. The report also identifies pet food brands that have been most frequently named in DCM cases reported to the FDA. However, the FDA has not yet confirmed whether or how these case reports are linked to diet.
One of the purposes of these updates is to bring this issue to consumers’ attention so that any new information can be reported and collected by the FDA. The FDA continues to encourage pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs and cats that are suspected to be linked to diet.
What Can We Conclude?
Overall, it is important to remember that “correlation does not equal causation”. Not all grain-free diets are nutritionally equal, and it is likely misguided to point fingers at single ingredients or the “grain-free” aspect of diets as the cause of heart disease in dogs. The evidence shows that the issue is much more complex than suggested by the FDA statement, and that protein quality and quantity, processing techniques, fibre content and other characteristics of a diet can all contribute to taurine status.
Dr Jones Comments..
This article does highlight the fact that this is not clear cut..grain free seldom leads to low taurine which then leads to heart disease..
And that millions of dogs have eaten grain free diets without ever showing signs of heart disease
Yes it is multifactorial
Some breeds seem to be genetically predisposed to taurine deficiency ( ie Golden Retrievers)
But most dogs that develop DCM have normal taurine levels.
SO...
If you are feeding Grain Free, then my current thoughts are too mix it up..
As in homemade 1-2 times/week, try raw, some canned...Tula (and the rest of my family) are having stew tonight...
So I am comfortable keeping her on the Grain Free Instinct Kibble as part of her diet. | 
