Recently, the FDA has received reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) among dogs that had been fed grain-free diets with an emphasis on legumes such as peas, lentils and potatoes.
The FDA has started an investigation of diets containing these ingredients and has identified 16 brands which produce foods containing them. Their investigation will continue over time.
Contents
1. Legumes
All legumes (beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas) contain saponins and lectins, compounds which can lead to leaky gut in humans and pets alike. Furthermore, legumes contain proteins called oligopeptides which interfere with absorption of amino acids like lysine.
Grain-free pet foods are widely touted as healthier for animals because they do not contain grains that may trigger food sensitivities, like gluten or wheat allergies. Unfortunately, many such diets contain large quantities of potatoes and legume seed pulses like peas beans or lentils as carb replacements.
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially lethal heart condition in which muscle walls of the left ventricle become enlarged and generate less pressure to pump blood around their bodies, has been reported frequently among dogs who were fed grain-free foods high in these ingredients. DCM can lead to lethargy in dogs due to a deficiency of Taurine, an amino acid produced in liver from cystine and methionine amino acids.
2. Potatoes
Assumptions about grain free diets among pet parents is that it will provide healthier nutrition by eliminating fillers that go to waste, but whole grains provide many essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids which contribute to overall dog wellness.
Peas, lentils and potatoes contain high levels of carbohydrates, which may contribute to weight gain in less active dogs. Furthermore, these products contain less amino acids and fiber than whole grain diets.
Veterinarian cardiologists began to note a rise in DCM cases among dogs fed grain-free diets, prompting the FDA to conduct further investigations. Their investigation determined that 90% of diets linked to DCM were grain-free while 93% included legumes or peas as sources.
Sixteen brands of pet foods containing legumes or potatoes as their main source of carbohydrates were identified by the FDA. Most often these food brands list them early in their ingredient lists (as whole grains, flour or protein). As yet, however, no suggestions from the FDA have been issued to stop feeding such diets to their pets.
3. Exotic Meats
Generalizing, exotic meats such as kangaroo, elk or venison tend to be healthier options for your dog’s wellbeing than domestic varieties like chicken or beef; however, there can be exceptions; such meats contain more omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to reduce heart disease risk.
Veterinarian cardiologists began to notice an unusual trend among their patients. They saw an upsurge in cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Most affected were on grain free diets containing high amounts of legumes (peas, lentils and chickpeas) or potatoes as key ingredients.
As a result, this led to FDA investigations of grain-free diets and DCM. They initially suspected taurine deficiency was responsible, but later focused on protein sources found within these diets instead. They have concluded that high-protein grain substitutes such as legumes and potatoes may be to blame.
4. Taurine
Taurine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid essential for heart, eyes and brain health, with antioxidant properties. Additionally, taurine helps break down fat in the stomach while absorbing calcium – produced naturally from cystine and methionine amino acids found in meat proteins and eggs – although recent reports of DCM in dogs eating grain free kibble diets high in legumes and potatoes may not contain enough taurine for these purposes.
While the exact cause of DCM remains unidentified, owners should have their pets checked by a veterinary cardiologist. If diagnosed, treatment includes changing diet to one rich in taurine such as organ meat; also offering heart medications if necessary and prescribing taurine supplements as part of treatment plan. A fresh whole meat diet offers many health advantages over grain free foods for your pup!
