FDA Finds a Link Between
grain-free dog foods
and
heart disease
in Dogs. In 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement regarding a
heart condition
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.
What dog food is best for heart disease?
- Royal Canin Vet Diet Early Cardiac Dry Food – Best Overall
- Spot & Tango Dog Kibble – Best Value
- Hill’s Prescription Heart Care Chicken Flavor
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
- Purina One +Plus Joint Health
- ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe.
What dog foods are causing heart problems in dogs?
- 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)
Why is grain-free not good?
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.
Do peas and lentils cause heart disease in dogs?
Certain types of grain-free dog food seem to be involved, FDA says. Dogs fed “grain free” food based on peas, lentils or potatoes are developing an unusual condition that can cause an enlarged heart , the Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday.
Is taste of the wild linked to heart disease?
In descending order of most incidents of heart disease , the brands are 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.
Do dogs need grains for heart health?
There’s no scientific reason for going without grain Heart failure is a known issue for larger breeds of dogs, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds, Gelzer said. The breeds most frequently reported to the FDA for the heart disease were golden retrievers, mixed and Labrador retrievers.
Do vets recommend grain free dog food?
When it comes to the question of grain-free diets, veterinarians recommended that dogs be fed a grain-inclusive diet unless there is a reason that makes it unsuitable One thing to always look out for when choosing a food is an adequacy statement on the label.
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.
Can you reverse an enlarged heart in dogs?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is often a progressive condition and there is no cure Treatment is aimed at lengthening your treasured companion’s life and making your pet as comfortable as possible.
Are eggs OK 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.
Why is grain free heart disease in dogs?
Researchers found dogs eating some of these “boutique” diets are not making or maintaining enough taurine , an amino acid important for heart health.
taurine deficiency
has been known for many years to lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, a heart muscle disorder that can lead to congestive heart failure and death.
What happens if I stop eating grains?
A grain-free diet may reduce inflammation, aid weight loss, and improve digestion and blood sugar levels It may also promote mental health and alleviate pain in people with fibromyalgia or endometriosis, though more research is needed.
Is oatmeal a grain?
Oats, formally named Avena sativa, is a type of cereal grain from the Poaceae grass family of plants.
Do humans need grains?
Grains are naturally high in fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy body weight Whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.
Is quinoa a grain or a seed?
Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fiber. One cup cooked provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
What is taurine deficiency?
Taurine deficiency is the lack of an amino acid critical to a dog’s health Normally dogs are able to make this amino acid themselves, but if this ability is impaired, taurine must be derived from the animal’s diet. Taurine Deficiency Average Cost. From 15 quotes ranging from $200 – $1,500. $850.
Is salmon good for dogs with heart disease?
The short answer is yes Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation, and can keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy. It’s also a good protein source.
How can I strengthen my dogs heart?
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.
Does grain free dog food cause heart murmurs?
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 can I eat instead of grains?
- Try veggie “rice.” .
- Spiralize your vegetables
- Use steamed vegetables as “pasta.” .
- Make a vegetable-based pizza crust
- Swap your lasagna noodles
- Lettuce wraps.
Is quinoa grain-free?
Even though quinoa is a gluten-free grain , it is still considered a “high risk” ingredient. That’s because quinoa and other gluten-free grains are often grown and harvested with wheat, barley and rye. Cross-contact can occur because of this, making a gluten-free grain no longer safe for a person with celiac disease.
Can I eat quinoa on a grain-free diet?
Grain-free diets exclude all grains including wheat, bulgur, spelt, farro, quinoa , rice, millet and products made from grains like pasta, crackers, breads, cereals, some plant milks, and more. Many grain-free plans also consider corn and corn products off limits.
Do sweet potatoes cause heart disease in dogs?
Researchers analyzed more than 800 compounds in foods that the FDA flagged as being associated with the severe heart disease and found that peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were most frequently tied to canine DCM cases.
Do chickpeas cause heart issues in dogs?
Symptoms include lack of stamina, coughing, and difficulty breathing. 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 The FDA has not asked pet food companies to recall products.
Why should dogs not eat peas?
Don’t give them to dogs that have kidney problems Peas contain purines, a naturally occurring chemical compound, also found in some food and drinks. Purines produce uric acid that’s filtered through the kidneys. Too much uric acid can lead to kidney stones and other kidney conditions.
Is Blue Buffalo linked to heart disease?
FDA cites Blue Buffalo and 15 other brands that might be linked to dog heart failure. Wilton-based Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc. is one of 16 dog food brands cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as being a probable contributing cause of canine congestive heart failure.
Does grain free cause DCM in dogs?
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.).
Do dogs really need grain free food?
There are a lot of dog and cat foods sold as grain-free with marketing suggesting that feeding no grains is healthier. This is not true and can, in fact, cause illness for some dogs and cats. There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet.
What causes enlarged heart in dogs?
The three most common causes of an enlarged heart in dogs are pericardial effusion, dilated cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease Each of these conditions can lead to an enlarged heart and should be taken seriously. An enlarged heart can be a sign of serious health conditions in dogs and should not be ignored.
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.
Does grain free food hurt dogs?
In addition, recent evidence suggests that grain-free diets may actually cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a life-threatening heart disease in dogs.
Is peanut butter good for dogs with heart disease?
No, dogs cannot eat peanut butter Even dog-friendly peanut butter should not be fed to dogs, it contains inflammation-causing ingredients, dangerous mould, rancid fats and is linked to heart disease and obesity. My advice to you is to completely cut it from your dog’s diet. Peanuts do much more harm than good.
Citations
The Link Between Grain-Free Pet Foods and Canine Heart Disease
https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/diet-associated-heart-disease-dog
https://northpointpets.com/npp-journal/grain-free-diets-heart-disease-update/
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Heart-Disease-flyer-5-29-19.pdf