Author Topic: The FDA Is Researching This Diet and Canine Heart Disease Issue Now  (Read 715 times)

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Offline DeeDee

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FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease


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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. These reports are unusual because DCM is occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating this potential association.

Canine DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen. DCM often results in congestive heart failure. Heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if caught early.

The underlying cause of DCM is not truly known, but is thought to have a genetic component. Breeds that are typically more frequently affected by DCM include large and giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels. However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.

Diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other “pulses” (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients. Early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicate that the dogs consistently ate these foods as their primary source of nutrition for time periods ranging from months to years. High levels of legumes or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as “grain-free,” but it is not yet known how these ingredients are linked to cases of DCM. Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.


More from:  https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm
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Offline Pookie

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Re: The FDA Is Researching This Diet and Canine Heart Disease Issue Now
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2018, 09:50:23 PM »
Maybe because the dogs aren't getting enough taurine?  They're not vegetarians, for heaven's sake -- ingredients like legumes are no substitute for meat!  They don't contain the necessary nutrients like meat does.   bangshead bangshead bangshead bangshead
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Offline Lola

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Re: The FDA Is Researching This Diet and Canine Heart Disease Issue Now
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2018, 11:53:05 PM »
I've seen a few posts on FB about this research. I pretty much just breezed through the info though.  I did see where someone mentioned adding taurine to a dog's diet, if the dog is fed kibble.  Don't feed your dog appropriately... just band-aid the problem.  :(
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Offline DeeDee

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Re: The FDA Is Researching This Diet and Canine Heart Disease Issue Now
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2018, 08:40:15 AM »
Maybe because the dogs aren't getting enough taurine?  They're not vegetarians, for heaven's sake -- ingredients like legumes are no substitute for meat!  They don't contain the necessary nutrients like meat does.   bangshead bangshead bangshead bangshead

There's something going on specifically with grain-free kibble--especially the ones with legumes in it. They're not sure yet. Dr. Karen Becker had an article where it said that they could help get heart exams done for free if you live near UC Davis:

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/07/09/link-between-dog-food-taurine-deficiency-and-dcm.aspx
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." Edward Hoagland
"Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog."

Offline Lola

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Re: The FDA Is Researching This Diet and Canine Heart Disease Issue Now
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2018, 09:48:29 AM »
There is just sooooooooo much wrong with kibble, in general.
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