Despite links between heart disease and grain-free dog food, grain-free diets are still widely used. Is this risky? What’s the latest update?.
Grain-free dog food producers tout the advantages of 100% animal protein and alternative meats like wild game. However, a 2019 study by the University of California, Davis found that grain-free and a few specialty foods are connected to a canine heart condition.
We at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services are still keeping an eye on the science surrounding these diets. We want to educate our pet families so they can provide the best care possible for their pets.
The Pet Food Institute said in a statement that it was “committed to the health of pets and take seriously the responsibility to make safe, complete and balanced food for our dogs and cats.”
In the report, the F. D. A. the brands of pet food that are most frequently linked to negative outcomes were identified for the first time. The brands are Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature’s Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature’s Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, and Rachael Ray Nutrish, listed in decreasing order of most heart disease incidents.
The Earthborn Holistic brand is owned by Midwestern Pet Foods, which stated in a statement that the F D. A. had not yet produced research demonstrating a link between diet and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. With the report, the company said, the “F. D. A. simply seeks additional information to aid in its evaluation process. ”.
The left ventricle of the heart, where blood rests just before the heart pumps it out, is thinned in dogs with cardiomyopathy. de Jong explained. That weakens the heart, which makes it possible for fluid to enter a dog’s lungs and cause illness or a cough. If detected early, the illness is treatable with medication, he said.
The company stated on Sunday that “the report only touches upon the genetic or congenital prevalence of the disease,” hinting that it might have a nutritional component but not offering a nutritional cure. ”.
Have You Had a Problem With Merrick Pet Food?
In order to explore the causes of DCM in dogs and discuss the most recent research on this complex topic, our Lead Veterinarian and R&D Director attended a virtual scientific forum hosted by Kansas State University and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine in September 2020. Experts from our industry and the veterinary community have been studying the potential connection between diet and DCM for the past two years. The forum emphasized that substantial research has been done and that more is being done, but it also confirmed that this is a complex scientific issue that may involve a number of factors. The FDA anticipates that it will take several years to fully comprehend the nature of this problem, but it will continue to be a major industry focus.
If you love dogs as much as we do, you might have some inquiries about the U S. FDA’s ongoing investigations into a potential connection between a dog’s diet and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) We acknowledge that this is a complex issue, but we still want to contribute by sharing what we know and what we’re doing to protect the wellbeing and security of our canine family members.
The FDA revealed in July 2018 that it was looking into recent reports of DCM in dogs who were not genetically predisposed to the condition. According to the FDA’s most recent update (June 2019), two potential dietary factors include legumes (peas, chickpeas, and lentils) as a main ingredient or a deficiency in taurine. However, these are only theories, and the FDA has not advised changing one’s diet based on the data they have so far gathered.
Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of pet food sold in the United States, serves as the national voice for dog and cat food makers and provides fact-based information about pet nutrition. Our colleagues at PFI are committed to providing resources to help pet parents and the veterinary community better understand this potential issue. They compiled a helpful Q&A on DCM, which can be downloaded here. They’ve also prepared a resource for veterinarians which can be found here.
We’ll keep up with the most recent research on this potential dietary problem. To better understand this complex subject, our team of experts is conducting extensive research in collaboration with other PFI members and our global nutrition colleagues at Nestlé Purina PetCare. As new developments come in, we’ll let you know about them.
FAQ
What brand of dog food is causing heart problems?
The brands are Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature’s Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature’s Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, and Rachael Ray Nutrish, listed in decreasing order of most heart disease incidents.
Is Merrick dog food safe for dogs?
Merrick is generally regarded by Dog Food Advisor as a high-quality brand with nutritious ingredients that will work for most dogs. They’ve rated the Classic range 4. The Grain Free range received a score of 5, the Backcountry range received a score of 5, and the Limited Ingredient Diet range received a score of 4.
Has Merrick ever had a recall?
Due to possibly elevated thyroid hormone levels, Merrick Pet Care voluntarily recalls a small number of Good Buddy and Backcountry treats containing beef. ” Merrick.
What is the best dog food to prevent heart disease?
Some balanced diets include Hill’s® Prescription Diet® h/d®, Rayne Clinical NutritionTM Restrict-CKDTM, and Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Cardiac. Each stage of the development of your dog’s heart disease will require a different nutrient profile, which your veterinarian will assist you in determining.