Update on DCM- fatal canine heart condition and “grain free” pet foods (boxers, vet)

[Threerun]

Another article on the potentially fatal canine heart condition 'DCM' that appears to be related to 'signature foods' fed to dogs.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...ase-rcna101224

The article references back to a list of 16 specific foods and any diet high in;

-Peas.
-Lentils.
-Chickpeas.
-Potatoes or sweet potatoes.

The brands to monitor are;

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

FDA is not discouraging these brands, rather advising to owners to monitor and work with your vet on potential symptoms developing with your pet. Personally I had an internal medicine vet ask me several years ago if my dogs were on a boutique food diet because one of my dogs pups could've had a heart issue. Mine used to be on Costco's Natures Domain dry years ago, before we ever heard of DCM. I had one dog develop coughing, another had intestinal issues. We switched to Purina Pro Plan 'Sport' and the issues went away.

[Gemini1963]

Thank you very much for posting this update.

[springfieldva]

This is good information to have. We've been feeding our dogs Nutro Lamb & Rice kibble and they have been very healthy over the years. We also give them a topper of lamb or beef stew which does contain potato and peas.

[Seguinite]

I've pretty well decided that you can find something on the Internet to validate whichever choice you make about dog food. We've fed our Cavaliers several from the list over the years and they did well. We're currently feeding Chicken Soup Grain Free... but may go back to ProPlan Essentials for no particular reason other than it's readily available.

[City Guy997S]

Dobermans have issues with DCM (Boxers too). Their diet doesn't cause it, they have the recessive gene. When it hits, dogs are gone quick like 60 days or less. I lost a beautiful 7 yr old male in 58 days. 95 lb dog, absolutely perfect dog, not a gray hair on him. Was weezng a bit, took him to the vet. Vet called it as DCM/ you got 90 days. Dog was less than 50 lbs 7 weeks later........not eating combined with a heart working overtime.

Day of diagnosis I could have sold him for $5000, he looked perfect/champion lines etc. They now do DNA testing on breeding pairs to see if the gene pops up.

[Threerun]

Yeah some breeds are predisposed to it. I think this study is looking at multiple breeds, some not predisposed to it. I just remember the internal specialist telling us to stay away from grain free especially larger breeds like we have.

Sorry about the loss- a loyal Doberman.... had to be tough.