The Food and Drug Administration is putting pet owners and veterinary professionals on alert after receiving “reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.”
On Thursday, the FDA issued a release announcing the investigation into the link between a dog’s diet and its of risk of canine heart disease. The FDA states that one of the reasons it is moving forward with this investigation is due to reports of DCM in dogs who are not genetically predisposed to the disease.
Dogs that tend to be more genetically prone to canine DCM are larger breeds like Great Danes, Boxers, Doberman Pinchers and Saint Bernards. Canine DCM isn’t often a concern for smaller canines, with some exceptions.
Unfortunately, the FDA has received reports of canine DCM cases in all types of dogs, including “Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.” This range of affected animals has led the FDA to investigate a link between canine DCM and a dog’s diet.
Looking into these reports, the FDA found that the food many of these dogs had been eating for “months or years” frequently listed “potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other ‘pulses’ (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients.”
These ingredients are often found in grain-free dog foods, and the FDA does not yet know what, if any, link there is between these ingredients and canine DCM.
According to the FDA, “canine DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen.”
If left untreated, canine DCM can lead to heart failure. But, if caught early, heart function can improve with veterinary treatment and dietary adjustments.
If you think your dog has canine DCM — symptoms include “decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse,” according to the FDA — take your pet to the vet for a checkup to discuss dietary changes.
The FDA says it is “in contact with pet food manufacturers to discuss these reports and to help further the investigation.”
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