Although the FDA found no concrete evidence specifically associating sweet potatoes to canine heart disease, owners of specific dog breeds at high risk for DCM may choose not to feed them sweet potatoes as a precaution.
A life-threatening heart condition has been discovered in hundreds of dogs from many different breeds as a result of consuming particular dog foods, particularly grain-free diets that are high in legumes (peas, lentils, and chickpeas) or potatoes or sweet potatoes. In the vast majority of cases, dog owners fed a variety of brands (and formulas) of commercial dry, canned, or raw diets to their pets. However, some dogs were fed home-cooked diets. Some of the dogs had been eating grain-free diets for a while, while others had been doing so for a while.
As of the end of 2018, 325 distinct cases of dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart/cardiac condition, had been reported. Heart disease claimed the lives of 74 of the reported dogs. (There are undoubtedly more dogs that have been affected and are still affected, but they are not being reported.) Low levels of the amino acid taurine, or “taurine,” have been observed in the blood of these dogs repeatedly. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. We’ve known for years that DCM, especially in cats, is caused by low taurine levels. Be aware that veterinarians don’t typically check for taurine in blood tests.
The heart functions as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body to provide every tissue and organ with the necessary amounts of oxygen and other nutrients. DCM results in enlarged heart chambers and leaky heart valves, which impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood. Pets may seem completely normal in the beginning with no obvious signs or symptoms. As the condition worsens, dogs may experience a heart murmur, an irregular heartbeat, coughing, weak moments, breathing problems, even collapsing, and in many cases, death.
Unfortunately, numerous cases of DCM have been discovered in canines that are not typically genetically predisposed to the condition, including Shih-Tzus, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Mixed Breed dogs.
The main ingredients of the diets given to the affected dogs frequently included potatoes, sweet potatoes, or a variety of legumes (peas, lentils, and chickpeas), which were listed as either protein, starch, or fiber. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, or lentils are frequently used as sources of protein and carbohydrates in “grain-free” diets. But it’s unclear how these diets might relate to DCM. It is currently unknown whether the issue is the absence of grains, the inclusion of potatoes and legumes, how dogs digest them, or whether certain ingredients are interacting to decrease the availability of taurine. We simply do not know the exact cause.
Numerous studies of diet-related DCM have been led by veterinarians at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The 24 Golden Retrievers with known DCM and taurine deficiency were the subject of their main study. Of the 24 dogs, 23 had been fed a diet that was either grain-free, high in legumes, or both grain-free and high in legumes. Even the dogs with advanced disease improved after the diet was changed and supplemental taurine was administered to 23 dogs. This demonstrated that DCM caused by taurine deficiency is treatable and preventable, but DCM caused by genetics is not.
First of all, regardless of their diet, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your dogs: decreased energy, coughing, breathing problems, or episodes of collapsing, you should see a full-service veterinarian right away.
Second, let’s put this information into perspective. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 77 million pet dogs in the U S. 325 dogs with DCM had been diagnosed as of the end of 2018, and the FDA received reports of these cases. (As I previously mentioned, I have little doubt that many more dogs are also affected but have not been reported. Tens of millions of dogs have been eating food without developing DCM, according to this.
What percent of dogs in the U. S. We lack data to determine how many people consume a diet devoid of grains. However, grain-free diets have become the newest food “craze” among pet owners in the last 5 to 8 years. If you are feeding your dog a grain-free diet, I believe you should ask yourself: “Why am I buying a grain-free dog food for my dog? Because it sounds good? Does it truly make good sense for me to choose this diet for my dog?” People who have itchy dogs frequently switch their dog’s diet to see if it will help. However, I strongly advise having us (or a full-service veterinarian) check your dog for allergies before switching. Most allergies are not caused by foods but rather by environmental factors (pollens, dusts, grass, weeds, etc.). Additionally, be aware that beef and chicken are far more likely to be the culprits of food allergies than wheat or grains when we do have a suspicion of one. If you switch to a grain-free diet for your dog “just because,” be aware of the possible effects on their cardiac health.
While it is heartbreaking to lose a dog to DCM as a result of feeding a grain-free diet, I am far more concerned about the issues and dangers associated with the widespread obesity among our pet population (both dogs and cats) than I am with DCM and grain-free diets in the overall scheme of pet nutrition. Given that obesity affects more than 50% of both people and animals, there are more than 40,000,000 overweight dogs in the U S. We are aware of the risks associated with obesity in humans, and the same worries apply to pets: a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart issues, high blood pressure, crippling arthritis or joint pain, kidney problems, certain types of cancer, and a lower quality of life overall. Shedding those extra pounds from our pets will improve the quality of their lives… significantly. While I want you to be aware and informed of the potential concerns with grain-free diets, I feel it’s crucially important for you to concentrate on getting extra weight off your pets.
Clubs Offering:
Update: Although not poisonous, sweet potatoes may not be the best choice for a dog’s diet, according to recent research.
From the UC Davis School of Medicine: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.”
The fact that sweet potatoes frequently appear on lists of foods you should eat shouldn’t come as a surprise. They taste great and provide a wealth of health advantages. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, they can.
“The health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture in New York City.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which improves the efficiency of the digestive system. Regular consumption of fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
“Because sweet potatoes are a whole food, they are less likely to cause an immune response or damage to the digestive tract,” says Kathleen Standafer Lopez, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “This is why they are a popular source of carbohydrate in commercial dog foods.”
Sweet potatoes are also low in fat and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron (each play a vital role in overall wellness). For example, vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin. And vitamin C is critical for a properly functioning immune system. Studies have found that dogs, just like humans, show greater resistance to disease and have a better chance of recovery from injuries or illness when supplemented with vitamin C.
Owners should proceed cautiously and only feed their dog a small amount of sweet potatoes if they have a diabetic dog, an overweight dog, or a dog who is not very active. Due to a high glycemic index, they should be added with caution to the diets of diabetic dogs, advises Dr. Barrack.
Can dogs be allergic to sweet potatoes?
Yes, and no. Since sweet potatoes are regarded as a whole food, your dog is less likely to react negatively or become sensitive to them. However, keep an eye out for any rashes, breathing issues, or itching whenever you give your dog a new food.
Dogs with yeast or candida issues (ear infections or excessive itching) should be watched for symptom flare-ups because sweet potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate. In the body, carbohydrates are converted to sugar, which feeds candida or yeast.
FAQ
Is sweet potato good for dogs with heart disease?
Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which improves the efficiency of the digestive system. Regular consumption of fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
What food causes heart failure in dogs?
The FDA, as well as cardiologists at veterinary schools like UC Davis and Tufts University, have conducted studies that support the hypothesis that foods high in legumes and free of grains increase the risk of canine heart disease.
Can I feed my dog sweet potato everyday?
When consumed occasionally, sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy treat. As long as it doesn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, you can prepare it in a variety of ways and give it to him.
What happens if I give my dog too much sweet potato?
No more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake should come from treats. In addition, eating too much sweet potato, which is high in fiber, can upset your stomach. Mixed in with their regular food. If you want your dog to work for this delicious treat, try hiding the sweet potato under their regular kibble.