Latest FDA report on dilated cardiomyopathy.

[Jennifer and Jack]

 I  just wanted to share this with anybody who is interested in reading it.

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm63099...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think this is the most important thing to take away as of now: Your pet's diet needs to be what is good for your pet and is not universal.  DON'T change you dog's food at this time due to this study.  Results are not in.   If your food choice is high in potatoes and lentils, you might want to evaluate that  - but this goes for all foods - grained, grain-free, home cooked, dry, wet, etc.  No specific type or brand of food has been found to contribute to DCM.  Quote:

14. Should I avoid grain-free diets?

High levels of legumes, pulses or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as “grain-free,” but it is not yet known how these ingredients may be linked to cases of DCM. Additionally, legumes/pulses and potatoes may appear as ingredients in foods that are not labeled as “grain-free.” Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

15. Do I need to change my dog’s diet?

At this time, we are not advising dietary changes based solely on the information we have gathered so far. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or its diet, we suggest that you consult your veterinarian for individualized advice that takes into account your dog’s specific needs and medical history.

16. What’s the safest diet for my dog?

Different dogs have different nutritional needs based on a number of factors, so nutrition advice is not one-size-fits-all. The FDA recommends consulting your veterinarian for personalized advice about what to feed your dog.

It’s important to note that the reports include dogs that have eaten grain-free and grain containing foods, and also include vegetarian or vegan formulations. They also include all forms of diets: kibble, canned, raw and home-cooked. This is why we do not think these cases can be explained simply by whether or not they contain grains, or by brand or manufacturer.

To put this issue into proper context, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 77 million pet dogs in the United States. As of November 30, 2018, the FDA has received reports about 325 dogs diagnosed with DCM suspected to be linked to diet. Tens of millions of dogs have been eating dog food without developing DCM. If you are concerned about the diet you are currently feeding your dog, FDA recommends consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to discuss the best and safest diet for your dog.

17. Is there a list of firms that have not had any DCM cases reported in connection with their food or that have gone through legally-required steps to show that their food is not a cause for concern?

No, for the simple reasons that FDA does not have a comprehensive list of all foods on the market and because the investigation has not yet identified a root cause for the reports of DCM. FDA does not have pre-market authority over pet foods, meaning that pet food manufacturers can market products without FDA review or approval, but that those products must be safe and properly labeled. Generally, FDA must establish that a food presents a potential hazard to human or animal health or is otherwise violative of applicable laws before taking further regulatory steps or enforcement action.

Additionally, any reports of illness thought to be connected to food products are voluntary. We rely on pet owners and veterinarians to provide reports of illness, as well as clinical evidence to help document the case. Unlike in human health, there is no centralized reporting system comparable to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which utilizes reports through medical professionals, consumers, and state, local and tribal health agencies.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks for your input.   I agree.  I did change Jacks food but mostly because he really has never been a fan of kibble.  He loves home cooked food a lot  and I found some amazing recipes , granted they are really elaborate to more than meet all of Jack’s macro and micro nutrients. I am able to control the source and I really enjoy cooking for him.  

‘’I recently switched from giving a probiotic pill to fermented raw goats milk.  The difference in his GI health has been staggering.  I have always purchased super expensive probiotic bills and here raw fermented goats milk has double the pre and probiotic count and is much cheaper.   I have really enjoyed the challenge of finding Whole Foods to use as supplements.   It has become a source of enjoyment for me.   

I hope you are well!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think many of us actually look at our individual dog and try to figure out what is best for him/her.  You have done that for Jack.  I don't cook for me so I probably wouldn't cook for my dog UNLESS I really thought it was best for him. :-}

However many of us just jump on a bandwagon as the thing to do and never do any research of our own in regards to our individual dog. This Taurine deficiency might be something we are doing wrong in what/how we are feeding our dogs, so we need to continue to read new research as it comes in. 

Thanks for posting.

[Julie and Charlie]

There is an association between these cases and diet- it's the exact mechanism is being worked on. For those who caught it early, changing diet and supplementing can help to reverse the effects of DCM. 

On my vet's advice, I've switched foods for Charlie to something most here wouldn't feed- Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20. I'm choosing to listen to my vet and the UC Davis Cardiology Service, among others, about the best course of action. 

UC Davis Cardiology Service Updates: Dog Food & Dilated Cardiom...

Nutritionally Mediated DCM page from UC Davis

Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers ...

Taurine DCM FAQ

[Connie]

I did the same.... we have been grain free for decades and this taurine thing was just not worth the risk to me having lost a whippet last year to DCM/CHF. I understand the science and research aren't caught up yet but we had been on a terrific food that I whole-heartedly believed in for their companies philosophy and their lower glycemic impact (chick peas vs potatoes). We also switched foods. A limited grain (no corn, wheat or soy) just to get away from the high legume fillers used in grain free. I have many, many dog show friends, pro show handlers & breeders with decades of experience who use purina pro plan foods... reseach and do what you think is best. That's all we can do. I am still researching...