Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) In Dogs
After lots of back and forth in the media and so much misinformation, I have finally decided to touch on this topic. As controversial as this can be depending who you ask, it does not change the facts and the biological science behind the most common false allegations.
In July of 2018 the world of canine diets shifted. FDA announced that it had begun investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods, many labeled as "grain-free". This led to fear mongering and irresponsible feeding across the board.
It has been believed for quite a few years now that grain free diets are harmful to dogs and they actually require a form of grain to prevent DCM. The study that determined this did not base their information on multiple breeds and fed very low protein diets, causing the vast majority to develop some sort of heart issue related to a loss in taurine levels.
Veterinarians started to focus on grain-in diets and promoting only kibbles of that sort in order to "play it safe" until we got more information and more studies were performed. The problem with this all ties back to how dogs are biologically created. Believe it or not, dogs did not eat grains in the wild. Their bodies actually do not produce a certain enzyme known as amylase in their saliva that breaks down starches, making them harder to digest. In the wild, dogs would survive primarily on meat while supplementing with vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds when food was scarce. To say that a lack of grain in the diet is the reason for these very recent health issues is irresponsible.
The brighter side of all of this is that in February of 2024, a very large and well-known kibble company is being sued for placing fear in pet owners minds regarding foods they don't sell (grain free diets). False studies were used to wean guardians off the grain free diet and onto their grain-in kibbles.
To conclude all of this information and straighten things out, grain free dogs foods are not the reason your dog may or may not develop DCM. This is a condition that most commonly trails back to genetics and dogs not being fed enough protein. After all, dogs are carnivores and carnivores require lots of nutrient dense meat. Grain serves no purpose in your dogs diet other than saving companies money and providing filler. I am not saying you have to go grain free, but keep in mind that where there is grain, there is protein being taken out at your dogs expense.
Search for foods high in protein and low in carbohydrate. Your more standard commercial kibble is more than likely not the safest choice for your dogs mealtime. Shop local, shop responsibly and READ THE LABEL.
Faith Samford Rogers