Does Acana Dog Food Cause Heart Problems? The Full Story Behind DCM Concerns

The Controversy Explained: Acana and Heart Disease in Dogs

If you’re a pet parent who feeds your furry friend Acana dog food, you’ve probably heard some concerning rumors about it potentially causing heart problems. I’ve been digging into this topic for weeks now and let me tell you – the situation is more complex than headlines suggest.

Back in July 2019, the FDA released a report that sent shockwaves through the pet food industry. They identified 16 dog food brands, including Acana, that were most frequently connected to reported cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Acana was named in 67 DCM reports – the highest number among all brands listed.

But before you panic and throw out all your Acana dog food, we need to look at the full picture. The FDA itself stated they “have not yet determined the nature of this potential link” between these foods and heart disease.

What is DCM and Why Are People Concerned?

DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) is a serious heart condition that affects approximately 1% of dogs in the US It causes the heart to enlarge and weakens its ability to pump blood effectively.

The FDA investigation focused on foods labeled as “grain-free” and containing ingredients like

• Peas
• Lentils
• Other legume seeds
• Potatoes as primary ingredients

Many of Acana’s formulas fit this description, which is why they appeared in the FDA’s report.

What Acana Says About the DCM Concerns

Acana’s parent company, Champion Petfoods, has directly addressed these concerns. On their website, they highlight that the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has stated they will not provide further updates on DCM in connection with grain-free food until there is meaningful new information to share.

According to Acana, Dr. Steven Solomon, former Director of FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, underscored two important points:

1. “FDA has not taken regulatory action against or declared any specific pet food products unsafe or definitively linked to DCM.”

2. “Historically, DCM has been primarily linked to genetic predisposition in certain breeds, but in the context of these atypical cases, emerging science indicates that non-hereditary DCM is a complex medical condition that may be affected by the interplay of multiple factors such as genetics, underlying medical conditions and diet.”

Acana emphasizes that their team includes nutrition experts, food scientists, and veterinary medicine specialists who collectively have over 135 years of experience in animal health and nutrition.

The Scientific Debate: Peas, Lentils and Heart Disease

One key concern regarding Acana dog food is its use of peas and lentils as main ingredients. These ingredients have been suggested to have a possible link to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs.

A veterinary nutritionist quoted by VetExplainsPets states: “Peas and lentils have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs, so it is concerning to see these ingredients used as main components in Acana dog food recipes. Pet owners should be cautious when feeding their dogs products that contain these ingredients, as they may pose a risk to their health.”

However, it’s crucial to note that the science isn’t settled. DCM is a complex condition that may be influenced by multiple factors including:

• Genetics
• Underlying medical conditions
• Diet
• Other environmental factors

Beyond Heart Concerns: Other Issues Raised About Acana

While heart disease concerns have grabbed headlines, some pet owners have reported other issues with Acana food:

1. Digestive problems: Some dogs experience diarrhea, vomiting, and gas after eating Acana.

2. Food allergies: Reports suggest some dogs develop food allergies or sensitivities after switching to Acana.

3. Heavy metals: There have been reports of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury in some Acana products, though the company conducts testing for safety.

The FDA Investigation: Facts vs. Fear

Let’s look at some important details from the FDA investigation:

• Between January 2014 and April 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM, including 119 dog deaths.
• Of those reports, 222 came between December 2018 and April 2019 (after the FDA’s initial alert).
• Acana was named in 67 DCM reports, the highest among all brands.

But these numbers need context. Millions of dogs eat grain-free foods, including Acana, with no apparent issues. The reported cases represent a tiny fraction of the total dogs eating these diets.

The Pet Food Institute (representing 98% of pet food makers) stated: “The FDA has not identified any established link between certain ingredients and incidents of DCM.”

What Do Vets Say About Acana and Heart Disease?

Veterinary opinions on this issue vary widely. Some vets recommend avoiding grain-free diets altogether out of caution, while others believe the evidence isn’t strong enough to warrant such a sweeping recommendation.

A veterinary toxicologist quoted by VetExplainsPets emphasized: “The presence of heavy metals in pet food is a serious concern, as these toxic substances can have harmful effects on pets’ health. It is important for pet food companies to prioritize safety and quality control measures.”

Another veterinary dermatologist noted: “Digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and gas are common complaints among pet owners who feed their dogs Acana dog food. These symptoms may be indicative of food allergies or sensitivities.”

Benefits of Grain-Free Diets Like Acana

Despite the concerns, Acana points out that millions of dogs have eaten and thrived on grain-free foods for decades. When well-formulated with high levels of animal ingredients, grain-free foods can offer several benefits:

• Lower overall carbohydrate content and higher protein levels, which is “Biologically Appropriate” for dogs
• Essential nutrients like B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine)
• An alternative option for dogs with mild allergies or sensitivities

Should You Feed Your Dog Acana?

This is where things get tricky, and I’m not gonna pretend there’s a one-size-fits-all answer. The decision ultimately depends on your dog’s specific needs, health history, and your comfort level with the available information.

If your dog is currently eating Acana with no issues and your vet sees no cause for concern, there may be no urgent need to switch foods. However, if you’re worried or your dog has symptoms that might be food-related, consider these options:

1. Consult your veterinarian: Discuss your specific concerns and your dog’s health history.

2. Monitor for symptoms: Watch for signs of heart issues like coughing, difficulty breathing, decreased energy, or collapse.

3. Consider alternatives: If you’re uncomfortable with the potential risks, numerous high-quality dog foods are available without the ingredients in question.

4. Transition gradually: If you decide to switch foods, do so gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Making an Informed Decision

When choosing the right dog food, consider:

• Your dog’s specific nutritional needs
• Any existing health conditions
• Your budget
• The transparency and reputation of the manufacturer

Don’t make decisions based solely on fear or marketing. Look for brands that:

• Employ veterinary nutritionists
• Conduct feeding trials
• Have rigorous quality control measures
• Are transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes

My Take on the Acana Controversy

As someone who’s researched this topic extensively, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. The FDA hasn’t definitively proven that Acana causes heart problems, but the number of reported cases does raise legitimate questions.

I believe more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions. In the meantime, it’s reasonable to be cautious without panicking. If your dog is a breed predisposed to DCM (like Dobermans, Great Danes, or Cocker Spaniels), you might want to be especially careful about grain-free diets.

The most important thing is to stay informed and work closely with your veterinarian to make the best decision for your specific dog.

Final Thoughts

The connection between Acana dog food and heart problems remains under investigation. While there are concerning reports, there’s no definitive proof of causation.

Remember that pet nutrition is complex, and what works for one dog may not work for another. Your veterinarian remains your best resource for navigating these complicated issues and determining the optimal diet for your furry family member.

If your dog is currently healthy on Acana, don’t panic. If you’re concerned, talk to your vet about whether a diet change might be appropriate. And whatever food you choose, always monitor your dog for any changes in health or behavior.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you had experiences with Acana dog food – good or bad? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments below!

Yes, Acana dog food is generally considered healthy for many dogs, praised for its high-quality, animal-based protein content, diverse recipes, and inclusion of wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. The brand prioritizes “biologically appropriate” nutrition, aiming to provide a diet similar to what dogs evolved to eat, with a focus on whole food nutrition.