In the ever-evolving world of pet nutrition, discerning the best diet for our canine companions can be a challenge. Pet owners constantly seek answers to questions like What Dog Food Not To Feed Dogs to ensure their furry friends lead long, healthy lives. Recent investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have brought to light a concerning potential link between certain “grain-free” dog foods and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition. This ongoing inquiry has led veterinary experts to advise caution and encourage pet owners to reconsider their dietary choices for their dogs.
The FDA’s Ongoing Investigation and Key Findings
The FDA is currently investigating over 500 reported cases that appear to connect dog foods marketed as “grain-free” to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. This investigation, which began warning about these diets in July 2018, specifically highlights foods that frequently use peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as primary ingredients, often replacing traditional grains. While the FDA has not yet issued a definitive recall or advised a complete cessation of these specific brands, the sheer volume of cases warrants significant attention from pet owners and veterinarians alike. Understanding what foods are you not supposed to feed dogs goes beyond obvious toxins and now includes a deeper look into common pet food formulations.
Most of the reported cases involve dry dog food, but the investigation also encompasses raw, semi-moist, and wet food formulations. Lindsay Haake, an FDA spokesperson, emphasized the ongoing nature of the research: “We’re not saying don’t use these brands, we’re just telling pet owners to work directly with their veterinarians because we’re still investigating.” This cautious stance underscores the complexity of the issue, yet the accumulating evidence suggests a pattern that cannot be ignored. While the majority of cases concern dogs, some reports have also emerged in cats, indicating a broader potential impact.
Dog Food Brands Under Scrutiny
The FDA’s investigation has identified 16 specific dog food brands that have been frequently associated with reported cases of DCM. These brands are listed below, ordered by the number of cases linked to them, ranging from a high of 67 to 10:
- Acana
- Zignature
- Taste of the Wild
- 4Health
- Earthborn Holistic
- Blue Buffalo
- Nature’s Domain
- Fromm
- Merrick
- California Natural
- Natural Balance
- Orijen
- Nature’s Variety
- NutriSource
- Nutro
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
It’s crucial for pet owners to review their dog’s current diet and consult with their veterinarian if any of these brands are being fed, especially in light of the question of what dog food not to feed dogs to prevent serious health issues.
Why Veterinarians Are Not Waiting
Despite the FDA’s ongoing investigation, many veterinary cardiologists are not waiting for a definitive conclusion before advising pet owners. Dr. Anna Gelzer, a veterinary cardiologist and associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, states, “When a dog comes to us and we learn during the history that it’s on a grain-free diet, we advise switching to a non-grain-free diet.” She highlights that there’s no scientifically proven benefit to grain-free foods, questioning why pet owners should take such a risk.
The Pet Food Institute, representing 98 percent of U.S. pet food and treat manufacturers, acknowledges the complexity of the issue. They have “convened nutritionists, veterinarians and product safety specialists for more than a year to better understand whether there is a relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and diet,” agreeing with the FDA that multiple factors require scientific evaluation. This collaborative effort emphasizes the seriousness of the situation across the pet food industry.
The Unraveling Mystery: DCM in Atypical Breeds
Historically, DCM has been primarily observed in larger dog breeds, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds. However, a concerning trend caught the attention of veterinarians and the FDA: DCM began appearing in smaller breeds. “For us at Penn, we started to see cases in late 2017 that stuck out as unusual because they were in smaller breeds such as springer spaniels and beagles that you don’t typically see with canine dilated cardiomyopathy,” Dr. Gelzer explained. This anomaly prompted an investigation into dietary factors.
The common denominator discovered was grain-free dog foods, where traditional grains were replaced with legumes like lentils, peas, and chickpeas. Dr. Gelzer suspects this “grain-free” trend originated from consumer demand for what was perceived as a healthier alternative, rather than from scientific evidence. She points out the physiological fact that wolves, the ancestors of domestic dogs, ingest grains from the stomach contents of their prey, indicating no inherent scientific reason for dogs to avoid grains. Therefore, understanding what human food can dogs eat and not eat might also offer insights into why certain ingredients are or aren’t suitable for dogs, challenging some common assumptions about pet diets.
Understanding Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that results in decreased ability of the heart to pump blood. The heart chambers become enlarged, and the walls of the heart thin, leading to eventual heart failure. One of the most challenging aspects of DCM is that dogs often don’t show visible symptoms until the disease is quite advanced. Symptoms may include lethargy, exercise intolerance, and shortness of breath.
Dr. Gelzer shared an example where clients brought in a very sick dog diagnosed with DCM. Because a second, seemingly healthy dog in the household was also eating a grain-free diet, she recommended having that dog checked. “When we evaluated that dog, it also had decreased heart function, but it was still subclinical,” she noted, meaning the dog appeared normal because the disease was in its early stages. This highlights the critical importance of early detection and proactive dietary management, especially for those concerned about what dog food not to feed dogs.
A golden retriever dog looking up with 'puppy dog eyes,' symbolizing the close bond between pets and owners and the importance of healthy dog food choices.
While the outcomes for dogs with early-stage DCM after a diet change vary—some improve, some remain stable with medication, and some unfortunately succumb despite interventions—the potential for positive change underscores the need for early action. Additionally, if you’re wondering what vegetables should you not feed a dog alongside your main dog food choices, it’s a good practice to research all dietary components to ensure your dog’s safety and optimal health.
What to Do: Expert Recommendations for Pet Owners
Given the ongoing concerns, veterinary cardiologists offer practical advice for pet owners. Dr. Bruce Kornreich, a veterinary cardiologist at Cornell University’s Veterinary College, suggests that unless a dog has a documented sensitivity to grains, “it’s probably not worth the risk at this point to feed these products.” He acknowledges that the exact mechanism is still unknown—whether it’s the legumes replacing grains, specific deficiencies, or even a toxin. To err on the side of caution, he recommends switching to a brand “produced by a company with a long-standing history” that adheres to strict nutritional guidelines.
If your dog exhibits any symptoms of heart conditions, such as decreased energy, a persistent cough, or difficulty breathing, the FDA urges you to contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s essential to provide a complete dietary history to your vet, including the specific brand and formulation of dog food you are feeding. By making informed choices and consulting with veterinary professionals, pet owners can proactively protect their dogs’ heart health and avoid what dog food not to feed dogs based on the latest scientific understanding. Considering what are good things for dogs to eat can provide a positive framework for ensuring optimal nutrition and well-being.
Conclusion
The FDA’s investigation into the link between grain-free dog foods and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a critical reminder for all pet owners to remain vigilant about their dogs’ diets. While the science continues to unfold, the consensus from veterinary cardiologists is clear: there is no proven benefit to grain-free diets for most dogs, and the potential risks warrant a cautious approach. Prioritize your dog’s health by consulting with your veterinarian about the most appropriate diet, especially if you are feeding a brand on the FDA’s list or if your dog shows any signs of heart trouble. Making educated decisions about what dog food not to feed dogs is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership.
References
- Food and Drug Administration. (2019). FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
- NBC News. (2019). Dog heart disease linked to food, FDA says. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/dog-heart-disease-linked-food-fda-says-n891011
- Interviews with Dr. Anna Gelzer, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Bruce Kornreich, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
