Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a heart disease usually affecting larger dog breeds. According to the Texas A&M University, it accounts for around 10% of all dog heart diseases, making this health issue rather common in dogs. The DCM is an enlargement of the heart caused by the accumulation of the blood in the heart chambers because of the weak heart muscles. It usually affects the left ventricle (picture b).

A weak heart leads to various health issues. A weak heart prevents proper blood distribution throughout the body, causing consequential organ failure, primarily in the kidneys and lungs. This inability to pump blood can even lead to sudden death.  

The symptoms include:

• Panting
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Enlarged abdomen
• Weight loss
• Fainting or collapse

The veterinarian can also find signs such as:

• Weak or irregular pulse
• Heart murmur
• Muffled breathing

Unfortunately, these symptoms could also point to another health issue. That’s why it is important a dog gets examined by a professional. Besides physical examination, a veterinarian can also perform the ultrasound of the heart, put a 24-hours Holter recorder, genetic testing, and so on.

The FDA Investigation

In July 2018, the FDA announced they, “… had begun investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods, many labeled as grain-free.” This type of food contained a high percentage of pulses (legume seeds) such as peas and lentils, and a high percentage of potatoes.

In December 2023, they also stated they are still investigating the correlation and will publish an update when they have enough scientific data. This means they haven’t yet proven a 100% correlation between the food and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. 

Even though the FDA cannot officially confirm the correlation, the information they have gathered is interesting. We see the most frequently reported dog breeds in the picture below.

We already know that DCM occurs in large dog breeds and rarely in dogs under 30 pounds (13kg). We also know the high-risk breeds are: Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels. Apart from these breeds, general risk factors are dogs over 30 pounds, large/giant dog breeds, and dogs older than 4 years. Another interesting information gathered from the FDA investigation is that males are more affected than females. 

Type Of Food Related To The Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Even though we still have to have an official confirmation from the FDA that there is the link between grain-free food and DCM, the evidence gathered so far is quite alarming. Popular dog food brands have been promoting their grain-free food because it helps with dog allergies. They claim that grain-free food does not cause allergies. This especially relates to kibble or dry food. While that may be true regarding allergies, look at the FDA report regarding the grain-free food and DCM in the picture below.

The grain-free food means it does not contain wheat, corn, rice, barley, soy, or other grains.

The investigation followed not only whether food is grain-free but whether it contains peas and/or lentils. Interestingly, according to the FDA study, “93 percent of reported products had peas and/or lentils” There doesn’t seem to be a link between DCM and various types of proteins in mentioned food types.

What Does It All Mean?

Simply said, it means we need to be careful. Grain-free food should not be our first option. This is my opinion, and not the FDA statement. We should only consider it if the vet approves, and our dog needs a grain-free diet because of health problems. Following the results of the study we saw above, we should also avoid food that contains peas, lentils, and potatoes. 

As for now, we do not have the official confirmation that grain-free food causes Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. However, the connection is present.

We consider dogs to be scavenger carnivores. The accent is on carnivores, which means they eat meat – proteins. That’s why kibble food with a high percentage of proteins is a good choice. The general rule is that food should have a minimum of 18% of proteins for adult dogs and 22% for puppies. Homemade food would be the best option, but it’s difficult to prepare a fresh meal for your dog every day. It is time consuming, expensive, and we need to pay extra attention to give a balanced meal to our dogs every day!

If you choose kibble as a primary source of nutrients for your dog(s), then choose a brand that is not the most expensive or has the best commercial – choose the one that suits YOUR dog best. I always recommend consulting a vet first. They can recommend the best diet after fully examining your dog. 

This article was made out of genuine interest in the topic and concern. The goal of it is not to divert the reader from buying the food brands mentioned (shown in the picture taken from the FDA website), but to think twice before listening to the latest trends. We get what we are served, but we don’t have to stay silent forever. 

Read Next: What Is Shar Pei Fever? 

Cover photo by: Max Kleinen