As grain-free pet foods rose in popularity, vets started noticing a potential connection between dogs who were on a
grain-free diet
and a type of
heart disease
called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Does grain-free dog food cause heart problems 2021?
The dogs eating grain-free diets and diets high in peas, lentils and legumes had a
higher likelihood
of low-level injury to cardiac muscle cells The authors of the study noted that the low number of dogs eating grain-free foods meant one or two abnormal readings would skew the results significantly.
Are grain-free diets harmful to dogs?
Grain-free dog food does not contain wheat, rice, or other types of grains. Grains are usually substituted for legumes, which could cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). When you cut out grains, dogs can miss out on fiber, fatty acids, and protein.
Does grain-Free lead to heart disease?
Woodall said scientific studies have shown grain-free diets can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy , which is a thinning of the heart wall that can lead to heart failure.
What foods can cause heart failure in dogs?
Pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients, are what’s being linked to DCM, which leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size.
What should dogs with heart problems eat?
The mainstays of a good low-sodium diet may be fresh beef, pork, chicken, bland macaroni and/or low-sodium Do not give “dog snacks.” A good diet is 1/4-pound ground round or other lean beef, 2 cups cooked white rice without salt, add a tablespoon vegetable oil, and one tablet of Pet-Cal supplement.
Does grain free actually cause DCM?
No. FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets Most of the diets associated with reports of non-hereditary DCM have non-soy legumes and pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.).
Which is better for dogs grain or grain free?
Despite the benefits for some dogs, there are downsides to feeding a grain-free dog food Many people assume grain free means low carb, but that’s not the case. In fact, some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas. This could result in unintentional weight gain.
How can I improve my dog’s heart health?
Frequent exercise : Getting your dog adequate exercise including frequent cardiac exercise, helps keep your dog or cat healthy and happy. Consider walking, running, playing, swimming, hiking, or dog-related sports such as flyball and agility.
Can grain free food cause heart murmur in dogs?
Some dog parents are concerned about grain-free diets potentially causing heart issues in their dogs. There is growing evidence that grain-free dog foods are linked to a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
What ingredient in dog food causes heart disease?
The ingredient that was most strongly associated with those compounds was peas , which have been a focus of the FDA’s investigation. Because some of the ingredients have been found in dog foods that haven’t been linked to the heart condition, the issue may be how much of them is used, according to the FDA.
What dog food is causing enlarged hearts?
- Acana (67 cases)
- Zignature (64 cases)
- Taste of the Wild (53 cases)
- 4Health (32 cases)
- Earthborn Holistic (32 cases)
- Blue Buffalo (31 cases)
- Nature’s Domain (29 cases)
- Fromm (24 cases)
What are the pros and cons of grain free dog food?
- Easily Digestible
- It is Less Allergenic
- Helps Boost Health and Activity Level
- It’s Beneficial for Dogs with Diabetes and Cancer
- More Expensive
- Not Ideal for Less Active Dogs
- It Can Be Challenging for Picky Eaters
- High in Carbohydrate.
What foods should dogs with heart disease avoid?
Foods that tend to be high in salt include ham, canned fish and cottage cheese along with table scraps and some store bought treats. Reducing these, and other high-salt foods in your dog’s diet will help to reduce their sodium intake.
What is a good dog food for dogs with congestive heart failure?
Some balanced diets include Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Cardiac, Rayne Clinical Nutrition™ Restrict-CKD™, or Hill’s® Prescription Diet® h/d® Your veterinarian will help you determine the most appropriate nutrient profile at each stage of your dog’s heart disease progression.
Are eggs good for dogs with heart disease?
While the cholesterol in eggs may be harmful to us, it doesn’t have the same effect on your dog. They don’t suffer from those cholesterol-related diseases that we do So your dog can enjoy the whole egg, and if you’re giving him too much, you’ll notice the weight gain long before any other health issues arise.
Do chickpeas cause DCM in dogs?
If untreated, DCM can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure. The FDA found most reported cases ate pet food containing peas, lentils, chickpeas, and different kinds of potatoes.
Is DCM in
dogs reversible
?
What is the prognosis for dogs with DCM? Unfortunately, DCM is rarely reversible and individuals that have it usually have it for life. A rare exception is
taurine deficiency
in a small subset of the population as discussed above. Medical therapy can help, but long-term survival is variable for each animal.
Is grain free dog food OK if it has taurine?
If the diet is well balanced, has adequate digestible protein, and no other factors that may affect absorption of protein (possibly high fiber or maybe certain bacteria in the gut or other causes), taurine should not be needed It is a safe supplement, though, and can be added to the diet.
How do I know if my dog needs a grain free diet?
- Itchiness.
- Excessive hair loss.
- Bald patches.
- Inflamed skin.
- Sores and scabs.
- “Hot spots”
How do you slow down heart disease in dogs?
The use of a diuretic can be life saving when a dog is in a crisis caused by heart failure. Some drugs, such as the digitalis glycoside called digoxin, increase the force of heart muscle contraction, slow the heart rate, and allow blood pressure receptors to work better.
How do you reverse heart failure in dogs?
Can congestive heart failure be corrected? Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely reverse congestive heart failure Surgery is generally not a viable option, and your dog’s vet will likely recommend ways to treat the symptoms only, which will give your dog some relief.
What vegetables are good for a dog’s heart?
Green Leafy Veggies- Another antioxidant boost that the heart appreciates comes from dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and swiss chard All can be added to your dog’s diet and have a multitude of benefits beyond the heart as well! Be sure to steam the veggies or puree them before feeding to your dog.
References
The Link Between Grain-Free Pet Foods and Canine Heart Disease
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Heart-Disease-flyer-5-29-19.pdf
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy