We wanted to bring to your attention a concerning new heart problem associated with certain types of dog foods, called Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Recently, cardiologists noticed an increasing number of dogs with a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). In DCM, the heart becomes enlarged, and the walls get thinner and weaker, and less able to pump blood through the body. It eventually leads to heart failure and death. This is a disease that is inherited in some breeds, like Dobermans. However cardiologists were finding it in breeds that almost never get DCM. As more of these cases presented, it was noted that almost all of these dogs were being fed some form of a grain free diet, or a food with exotic ingredients (kangaroo, buffalo, etc). They tested taurine levels, an amino acid essential for heart health. It has long been known that cats (who are unable to make taurine and rely solely on the meat in their diet to get it) can develop DCM if they do not ingest enough taurine. So testing in dogs was a logical next step. They found many of these dogs were, in fact, deficient in taurine (even though they can typically make it on their own from other amino acids). Many of these dogs recovered with taurine supplements and a change in diet. Not all of the dogs with this issue had a taurine deficiency, but many still improved with supplementation and/or changing their diet. The most concerning part is that not all of the dogs did recover. Their heart disease was discovered too late, and they died from complications of heart failure.
Currently, it is not known why these dogs developed DCM, but it is becoming very clear that it is related to diet. As of now, the issue seems to be in dogs being fed “B.E.G.” diets: Boutique foods, Exotic ingredients, and Grain-free. The exact reason these foods are causing an issue is unknown, but it is suspected that higher levels of legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), or potatoes, which are used to replace grains for a carbohydrate source, may be interfering with a dog’s ability to absorb or create taurine.
Until we know more about the exact mechanism for this disease, our best recommendation is to feed a food that meets guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). See page 5-6 in their PDF link.
These guidelines include ensuring that the food you are feeding is designed for that pet’s life stage (i.e. puppy vs. adult, pregnant, or lactating). Also the food should have undergone AAFCO feeding trials. This information can be found on the AAFCO statement on any bag or can of food. Most foods just say that the food has been formulated to meet AAFCO standards. This is NOT the same thing as a feeding trial.
Other information addressed in WSAVA guidelines requires a call to the food company. The company should have a veterinary nutritionist on staff, involved in formulating the food. They should have quality control measures in place to ensure safety of the food in each batch, and should be able to tell you what those are. They should be able to tell you where their food is manufactured, and should be able to provide a complete nutrient analysis of their food (different than the guaranteed analysis on the side of the bag). They should be doing research on their food, published to peer-reviewed journals.
We are happy to talk to you about your individual pet, and any dietary concerns you may have for them, and try to find the best fit for you.
For more information, here is the FDA’s update.
This website has a good collection of documents and information regarding DCM: https://taurinedcm.org/
If you are concerned about heart disease in your dog, symptoms to watch for include decreased energy, coughing, loss of appetite, weakness or episodes of fainting. DCM is diagnosed with an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Radiographs can show an enlarged heart as well. A blood test can be used to determine whether taurine levels are low. Please contact us if you are concerned about your pet’s heart.
More information on DCM found here.
