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FDA Concerned That Grain-Free Food May Be Linked to Canine Heart Disease

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning dog-owners to be aware of “grain-free” food—based on peas, lentils or potatoes—because dogs are developing an unusual condition that can cause an enlarged heart.

The condition, which is more common in specific breeds, is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy, but it’s turning up in more breeds than usual, according to the FDA.

Officials are not yet ruling out the possibility of a nutritional deficiency.


The FDA is not naming brands, but said the ingredients seemed to be more important than the brands.

The affected dogs appear to have been fed certain types of pet foods.

“We are concerned about reports of canine heart disease, known as dilated cardiomyopathy, in dogs that ate certain pet foods containing peas, lentils other legumes or potatoes as their main ingredients,” said the FDA’s Dr. Martine Hartogensis.

“The FDA is investigating the potential link between DCM and these foods. We encourage pet owners and veterinarians to report DCM cases in dogs who are not predisposed to the disease,” Hartogensis said in a statement.

An enlarged heart is a serious condition in most dogs, especially since it causes the heart to struggle and leads almost always to congestive heart failure, which could be fatal.

Symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, and sometimes a cough.

“Heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if caught early,” the FDA said.

There are, of course, several breeds of dog which already have a genetic predisposition, including great Danes, Newfoundlands, boxers, Doberman pinschers and St. Bernards.

“However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included golden and Labrador retrievers, whippets, a Shih Tzu, a bulldog and miniature schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds,” the FDA said.

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, a dietary deficiency may be one cause of the problem. Heart drugs can be used to treat the symptoms.

”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 the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients,” the FDA said.

“Early reports from 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,” it added.

“Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.”

One potential explanation—Taurine deficiency—is being looked at carefully. An amino acid, taurine is a building block of protein, essential for development in carnivores.

“Taurine deficiency is well-documented as potentially leading to DCM,” the FDA said in a statement.

“The FDA encourages pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet by using the electronic Safety Reporting Portal or calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.”

The FDA has online guidance on how to report on pet food problems.