Grain-Free Diets and Heart Disease?

The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease. Please click the link below to read more information. https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm613305.htm

What is  heart disease?

There have been reports of dogs being fed grain-free diets developing canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is an enlarged heart. When the heart is enlarged, it becomes difficult to pump blood and may cause the valves within the heart to leak. This can cause a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen, resulting in congestive heart failure.

Why does grain-free food cause DCM?

Officials are not sure what the link between the two is yet, but they are continuing to work towards an answer. We will  follow this research and as new information becomes available, we will share it with you.

Should my dog eat grains?

While there is some debate, dogs are classified as omnivores and do need grains in their diet to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients their bodies need to function. We recommend feeding national, quality brand foods like Science Diet or Royal Canin.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have!