Can grain free dog food make my dog sick?
According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last week, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. The science is still preliminary, and it’s based on a potential association between diet and heart disease in fewer than 600 dogs.
Why is grain free dog food bad for dogs?
The FDA is investigating more than 500 reports that appear to link dog foods that are marketed as “grain free” to canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Sixteen brands of dog food may be associated with a heightened risk of heart failure in dogs, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Is there a problem with grain free dog food?
FDA Finds a Link Between Grain-Free Dog Foods and Heart Disease in Dogs. In 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement regarding a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). They lack a key ingredient that cats and dogs require, taurine.
What grain-free dog food causes heart problems?
The Culprit: “Boutique” Pet Foods Pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients, are what’s being linked to DCM, which leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size.
Do dogs need grain in their diet?
Grain Dog Food. Whole grains provide an important nutritional resource for your dog, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, carbohydrates for energy, and fiber to aid in digestion. You may have heard that grain-free dog food has more meat because it makes up for the lack of grains.
How do I know if my dog is sensitive to grain?
Symptoms. Symptoms that are frequently associated with grain allergies include red, itchy skin, hair loss associated with constant scratching and chewing, ear infections, and inflamed pads on the underside of paws, often combined with obsessive licking.
