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HEART DISEASE and YOUR PET

PET DIETS AND DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM)

 

Veterinary cardiologists have noticed an increase in a certain type of heart disease in dogs known as dilated

cardiomyopathy or DCM. This increase in DCM cases

seems to have an association with dogs fed diets that are

considered boutique, exotic or grain-free.

 

In cats, a diet deficient of taurine, an amino acid important

in the metabolism of fats, has been associated with this

same type of heart disease. Research linking taurine to

heart disease in cats has been well-documented since

the late 1980s, therefore it is now a required component ofall cat foods and cat diets.

 

Dogs can typically synthesize or make their own taurine.

However, ingredient factors like fiber type, carbohydrate

and protein sources, cooking methods and individual dog

characteristics can affect how well their bodies make and

use taurine.

 

Some of the newly diagnosed dog DCM cases were

tested and had low levels of taurine. With taurine

supplementation, their heart function returned close to

normal. More commonly, DCM dog cases did not test low

for taurine, but still responded to taurine supplementation

and diet change. Some cases even responded with diet

change alone.

 

The FDA, veterinary nutritionists, and veterinary

cardiologists are working to tease out what specific

components of these diets might be contributing to DCM.

 

In the meantime, veterinary nutritionists and cardiologists

recommend switching your dog off a grain-free diet.

HELPFUL DEFINITIONS

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):  A type of heart disease in which the heart becomes enlarged and does not beat or contract ass effectively as it should. Symptoms can include increased sluggishness or sleepiness, coughing, decreased appetite, pale gums and fainting.

Boutique:  Small pet food producer without the resources or size to run their own research studies, employ a veterinary nutritionist, or manufacture their own food.

Exotic ingredient Diets: Protein and plant sources in diets that are considered unstudied, unconventional and rare in the pet food market. Examples include kangaroo, lentils, peas, lava beans, buffalo, tapioca, barley bison, venison and chickpeas.

Grain-free:  A diet that does not use grain-based products like wheat, oatmeal, corn or rice. Usually these diets substitute grains with other carbohydrate choices like potatoes, taro root, tapioca, peas or lentils.

Taurine:  An amino acid that helps build certain proteins in the body and its important to fat metabolism. Taurine is considered an essential amino acid in cats – one that needs to be supplied baby the diet. Until recently, dogs fed a commercial diet rarely have taurine deficiences. 

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH GRAIN

Whole grains are NOT fillers in pet food! They add important 

proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber to pet diets.

Allergies to grain are exceptionally rare in dogs and there is no proof or reliable evidence that grain-free diets are better for our pets. In fact, grain-free diets have NOT been studied long-term and may be a contributing factor to heart disease in dogs and cats.

Gluten intolerance in pets is even rarer than grain allergies. 

Gluten- or grain-free diets can be considered marketing concepts to address pet owner demands.

 

 

When is Grain-free Okay?

Pet nutrition is not one-size fits all. Certain dogs and cats

may need very specific diets. Work with your veterinarian

when considering a boutique, exotic or grain-free food to

discuss the pros and cons of the diet for your pet.

 

For example, your veterinarian may need to prescribe a food trial with an exotic protein or carbohydrate source dog food to help rule out food allergies or canine atopic dermatitis.

An illustration showing the various types of grains that are used in pet food.
An illustration showing how to properly transition from one pet food to another.

TRANSITIONING YOUR PET FROM A BOUTIQUE, EXOTIC OR GRAIN-FREE DIET​

While this increase in DCM cases is being researched, many veterinarians are asking their clients to consider

switching their pet’s diet from a grain-free to a grain-inclusive diet.

 

Choose diets that contain grains and that are made by established companies who regularly conduct well-designed research studies. Monitor for early signs of heart disease, which include weakness, coughing,

slowing down and fainting. 

 

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences these symptoms.

 

When switching pets to a new food, always do so gradually to avoid causing gastrointestinal upset. Changing

diets can upset your pet’s stomach, so take the time to gradually switch your pet to their new diet over the

course of a week. Every three days, mix 25 percent more of the new pet food into your pet’s old pet food.

Please contact Cobblestone Animal Hospital for appropriate diet alternatives.

Source:  NC State Veterinary Hospital, go.ncsu.edu/vhnutrition

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