Is Your Dog’s Food Safe? The Latest Insights on DCM and Canine Diet

Dog Food and DCM: Is There a Hidden Link?

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The FDA first reported a potential link between pet food and this disease about five years ago, with well over a thousand case reports since. Initially, the link was made to grain-free dog food, specifically to ingredients like pulses, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes.

What is DCM?

Let’s examine a normal heart, which is anatomically correct and shows the four heart chambers. The heart is a strong muscle, pumping blood to your dog’s lungs and throughout its body. In DCM, however, the heart muscle wall becomes thin and floppy, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.

Traditionally, DCM is seen as hereditary in breeds like Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, and Cocker Spaniels. However, non-hereditary DCM has been diagnosed in breeds previously not known to suffer from it, suggesting a link to dog food.

The Investigation Stalls

Despite the small risk—considering the millions of dogs in the U.S. and Canada—the FDA has yet to determine the exact underlying cause. They are investigating various factors, including taurine levels. Yet, they’ve refused to investigate potential links that experts like Susan Thixton and Dr. Karen Becker have suggested. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which regulates pet food, insists on labeling foods as “complete and balanced." However, this claim is questionable if the pet is on a caloric-restricted diet.

Nutritional Deficiencies and DCM

Caloric restriction in dog food has been linked to nutritional deficiencies. Feeding your dog less of a “balanced" food means they receive fewer nutrients. Research shows that deficiencies in thymine, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and specific amino acids have been linked to DCM in both humans and animals.

Preventing DCM

To ensure your dog’s heart health, consider feeding less commercial kibble and opt for varieties rich in balanced amino acids. Adding ingredients like eggs, which are high in critical amino acids, can boost the nutritional value of your dog’s diet. Additionally, consider supplements like Dr. Jones’s Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus Health Formula, which contains additional taurine, potentially beneficial in preventing DCM.

For more information, I’ve included links in the description box to relevant studies and contact information for the FDA. As dog parents, we deserve to know the true link between diet and DCM.

Thanks for watching this edition of energy secrets of dog food and DCM. Remember to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications. Click the link below to receive a copy of my free book!