On July 12th the FDA had announced that it is investigating a potential connection between certain diets and a heart condition named Canine Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These diets contain peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.
About DCM
This is a disease of a dogs heart muscle that leads to an enlarged heart which in turn may cause congestive heart failure. The causes of the disease are unknown but until now believed to be mainly genetic. If the disease is caught on time, heart functioning may be improved with drug therapy and diet modification. Large breeds (such as Boxers and Great Danes) tend to suffer from DCM.
Early warning signs for the condition are a decrease in energy, cought, difficulty breathing and occasions of falling down.
Possible connection to nutrition
Recently, the FDA received dozens of reports of dogs suffering from DCM among breeds that usually didn’t develop the disease. These were mainly Golden Retrievers, Wipets, Bulldogs, Miniature Schnauzers and mix breeds.
Investigators noticed that these dogs were fed diets containing peas, lentils, other legumes seeds or potatoes (even protein, starch or fibers) as a main ingredient in the food.
Reports showed that these dogs were fed these diets as their main nutritional source between a few months or years prior to the disease diagnosis. These ingredients are more common in dog foods which are labeled and marketed as “grain free”. There is no referral or any consideration to one manufacturer or another, only to the ingredients list and their possible connection to the dogs health situation.
At this moment, there is still no definite connection between DCM and these ingredients.
A lack of Taurine?
The main suspicion of the FDA is that a lack of Taurine is the main cause for DCM among dogs. Taurine is a non essential amino acid (the dogs body can produce it by itself) for dogs and so there is no nutritional obligation to add it to commercial dog foods (unlike in cat food). But, there are some nutritional factors (source of protein, type of fibers and the kind of food processing) and specific dog characteristics (breed and energy needs) which effects the efficiency of Taurine production and utilization by the body. For example, the leading source for Taurine is chicken and there are certain studies which shows that certain fibers (the most common in commercial foods is Beet Pulp) have a negative effect on its absorption by the dogs body (to a level of nutritional deficiency).
The need to add Taurine to commercial foods for cats had been established in the past, but until now there isn’t an empirical connection between Taurine and canine DCM. Perhaps now the evidence are starting to build up supporting the affects of Taurine on the dogs health and the need for a complete and balanced diet.
Even in present cases examined by the FDA, as in previous cases, some dogs diagnosed with DCM were found to have normal levels of Taurine and other low levels. So, its still hard to say that the disease is due to Taurine insufficiency.
Grain free dog food
The trend today is for grain free dog foods, unique carbohydrates and short ingredients list (clean label). The manufacturers use these as a marketing tools to attract dog owners and less for actual nutritional reasons. By doing this they can sometimes reach extremes with their formulas and taking them of balance (especially with non mandatory nutrients).
Please keep in mind that legumes and potatoes aren’t bad ingredients. On the contrary, they are quality ingredients which contribute greatly in terms of protein, fiber and other micronutrients. But, they are not complete by themselves and so only need to be a supporting part of the diet and not a main part. For example, manufacturers use pea protein in order to increase protein levels instead of adding more animal protein, or legumes as the only source for carbohydrates.
The possible problem with dog foods rich in legumes
Legumes as I stated before are rich in protein and contain phytonutrients that have an abundance of advantages to your dogs general health. But, they also contain a massive amount of fermentable Oligosaccharides (a complex carbohydrate which contains fermentable fibers). In small amounts these are very healthy and contribute to the digestive tract. But, in large amounts, these can alter the balance of the intestines. Meaning, the content becomes more fluid and the result is loose stool, diarrhea and gas. Also, the fibers change the cycle of Taurine by the liver and the decrease utilization of minerals by the body.
Too much legumes may also contribute to imbalance and risk of lower levels of other amino acids such as Methionine and Cysteine.
The bottom line
The FDA investigation had just began so you cannot jump to any conclusion. It will take more time and research until they can determine a definite link between grain free foods and DCM.
They have published their investigation because they felt responsible to let pet owners know to look for warning signs and not to receive any false information from other sources. Also, this will encourage other reports if there to be any.
Don’t jump to conclusion and be patient. Take rational decisions and don’t prefer one food over the other just because its grain free.
My best recommendation for you is to combine different types of foods. Don’t rely just on one type which can be nutritionally insufficient. Don’t deter from foods which contain quality grains.
And most importantly, if you see any change in your dogs health condition, visit your vet.
Im here for any question.