Are Grain Free Diets Are Grain Free Diets Linked to Heart Disease in Dogs?

The FDA has been conducting a study to determine if there is a relationship between grain free foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. They recently released the names of 16 brands of dog foods that may be linked to this disease. 
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​Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart becomes weak and loses its ability to contract normally. The heart muscle thins, an...d the efficiency with which the heart can pump blood decreases. This can lead to congestive heart failure and death. DCM generally has a genetic component, affecting larger breed dogs more often than smaller breed dogs. This study is trying to determine if grain free foods, among other diets, can be predisposing dogs to this disease.

​The link between grain free foods and DCM is suspected, but has not been proven. Therefore, exercise caution when choosing foods for your dog. If your dog is not already on a grain free food, consider other options before changing diets. If your dog is already on grain free food and doing well, speak with your veterinarian about the best option for your pet. In general, most dogs do not require a grain free food for proper health and nutrition.