By Dr. Sonnya Crawford
Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen an unprecedented rise in what is referred to as “boutique, exotic-ingredient and grain-free” (BEG) diets. These pet foods are all the rage.
The manufacturers say the rise of grain-free diets is fueled by pet owners’ desire to style their pets’ eating habits after their own. “Many people today have become increasingly interested in their own diet, following trends such as lower-carb diets, and their food and nutrition philosophies carry over when selecting food for their four-legged family members,” said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the trade group Pet Food Institute.
Veterinarians also have seen a recent increase in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, which isn’t typical and may be connected to these BEG diets. DCM is rare in dogs, generally seen only in particular breeds: Dobermans, great Danes, Newfoundlands, boxers, Irish wolfhounds and cocker spaniels.
Veterinarians and veterinary cardiologists became concerned when DCM began to pop up in Labradors and other breeds that had never been on the usual-suspect list. Additionally, the condition is appearing in clusters: for example, all dogs in a single household are being affected.
DCM is a serious concern, striking young dogs in the prime of their life. It results in an enlarged, weakened heart that is unable to pump blood efficiently. Often it progresses over time, and the condition can cause fluid buildup or sudden death.
Dogs with DCM may tire quickly, cough, and have a labored and increased rate of breathing. Watch for sudden weakness, fainting or collapse.
On July 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted an alert on their website about the suspected link between food and DCM after being notified by veterinary cardiologists that something was amiss. As of Aug. 24, the FDA had received reports of about 200 cases of dogs with heart disease potentially related to diet. Of those, 140 were diagnosed with DCM.
In its public notification, the FDA stated: “Diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other ‘pulses’ (seeds of legumes) and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in their ingredient list, indicating that they are the main ingredients. Early reports form the veterinary cardiology community indicate that the dogs consistently ate these foods as their primary source of nutrition for time periods ranging from months to years. High levels of legumes or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as ‘grain-free,’ but it is not yet known how these ingredients are linked to cases of DCM.”
The grain-free movement, fed by marketing, has become so popular that it can be difficult to find pet food with grains, but there is no reason not to feed grains to dogs. Absent a diagnosed allergy to grains, you may be causing irreversible damage by feeding your dog grain-free food.
“Grains do not contribute to any health problems, and are used in pet food as a nutritious source of protein, vitamins and minerals,” said Lisa Freeman, a veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University.
Now what? If you have been feeding your dog a BEG diet, consult your veterinarian about screening for DCM and taurine levels to see if you need to supplement your dog’s diet with taurine or change altogether.
Sonnya Crawford, DVM, is a veterinarian at Grays Harbor Veterinary Services in Montesano. Her pets include two cats, numerous parrots, a giant bunny and saltwater fish. Her special interests are in avian medicine, veterinary dermatology and dentistry. Reach her at drsonnya@gmail.com.
