Tag: Dcm

While only a small percentage of pets have a true grain allergy, the "grain free" trend has swept the pet food market. This has left many pet owners wondering: what does it mean when it says "grain free" and is this diet truly healthier for your companion?

In 2018, the FDA began investigating a potential link between certain grain-free and 'boutique' pet foods and an increase in canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The investigation highlighted that while the absence of grains isn't the issue, the high inclusion of legumes like peas and lentils as replacements may be problematic.

According to reports from veterinary hospitals and the FDA, a diet-related canine heart condition sparked online questions regarding whether certain ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, block taurine absorption in dogs. This has led to widespread confusion and concerns about human nutrition, but the issue is a specific veterinary topic that does not apply to a standard human diet.