DCM Still A Mystery
An Update On Grain-Free Diets And Heart Disease In Dogs
By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ
In July, 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened an investigation into concerns about the association of grain-free diets being associated with a marked increase of the diagnosis of a heart disease in dogs — called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) — by veterinary cardiologists across the country. There were a few interim reports in 2019 and then the pandemic took focus.
The FDA did hold a meeting in late September 2020 with some interesting updates, but no definitive answers. The final report from the ongoing investigation has been delayed, with no known target date for completion. This leaves owners, veterinarians and manufacturers with a difficult void of knowledge to help in guidance.
Highlighted in their meeting notes from case reports were that there had been cases of DCM found in several households with multiple dogs each that were genetically unrelated. That removes genetics as a cause, leaving the only common factor as the food product fed to the pets.
Several ongoing research studies have made the conclusive link to nontraditional [grain-free] dog foods having an association with the development of DCM in breeds of dogs not known to have a previous genetic disposition to the disease. But there is not yet a definitive answer about causation.
It is likely that not every grain-free diet recipe holds the same degree of risk, but we do not have enough information yet to say exactly. Ongoing research is showing that diets with legumes such as peas or lentils or potatoes (white or sweet) in various forms in the first 10 ingredients may be a risk factor, but the exact mechanism causing taurine deficiency has not been found.
Another key point from a large study evaluating patient medical history from 2014 through 2018 found that, “For dogs for whom the diet was changed from the nontraditional diet after diagnosis, there were improvements on echocardologic examination and longer survival time than those dogs who’s diet remained unchanged.” (Retrospective Study Of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Dogs; Freid, Freeman et al; Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, December 2020.)
Clinical signs of concern for DCM can include sudden collapse, weakness, exercise intolerance, increased breathing rate and coughing. At veterinary exams, new heart murmurs or arrhythmias have also been noted.
At our veterinary hospital, since late 2017, we have diagnosed over 15 dogs with DCM and the majority have been diet-associated. Many improved with transition to a traditional diet, but sadly, others died suddenly or have continued serious cardiac changes that impact their quality of life.
Ultimately research will give us more answers about causation and specific diets to allow better guidance about diets, taurine and DCM, but what can you as a pet owner do until then?
First, speak with your veterinarian about any clinical concerns or for evaluation of your dog’s current diet with a review of the ingredients.
Become familiar with the AAFCO statement found on commercial pet products. This tells you the life stage the food is meant for as well as how the food was tested for market. The majority of boutique or exotic foods are only laboratory tested to meet AAFCO established nutrient profiles. The best standard is diets that have been put through feeding trials for at least six months. And, remember, “All Life Stages” means that the diet is equivalent to puppy food – high in fat and calories to meet the needs of gestation and growth.
Finally, visit wsava.org or for their Global Nutrition Guidelines on selecting the best food for your pet.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit parkhillvet.com