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FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart DiseaseJuly 12, 2018The 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.Continued - https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm
Checked the high priced dog food I am feeding my Great Pyrenees. Potatoes are item 2 and peas item 3. I called my vet and he suggested I change to a dog food for something where the carbs are not potatoes are legumes.
Do you mind saying what kind it is?
Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free with Salmon for Large Breed Dogs. We also fed him the Costco version when we could get it.
https://skinnyms.com/doggie-green-bean-crunchies-for-healthy-weight/I put them in when I go to bed and they are usually ready when I get up. Big help in getting Atticus' weight down. I "season" them with Bakon Yeast and keep them in the freezer.*Bakon Yeast is a brand name for hickory smoked dried torula yeast. No salt, no sugar, no calories. Lots of options on Amazon and other retailers.
I got mine a little sister to keep his weight down. I adopted a year-old Doberman female from a rescue and she runs him ragged. He's looking and acting better than he has in a couple of years! I'll try the green beans, that looks interesting.
Two articles with info on grain-free foods and DCM in dogs:A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredientsIt’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated CardiomyopathyOne interesting thing I learned in the second article is that 90% of dogs with DCM are not deficient in Taurine. My vet did tell me that they think there could be a possibility that the legumes in food actually block Taurine from being used, so the dog isn't necessarily deficient in it, its body is just unable to use what it has.
Thanks for the info. I wonder if there is a test for Taurine deficiency. I will check with my vet next week.
My best friend, this morning, waiting for my wife to wake up.
Hmmm... no, I don't think that is right. Coat is not wirey enough.
My recipe:Go outside.Grab green beans.Throw to dogs.
You mean the dogs haven't discovered your source. I know that if Atticus found green beans on the vine, he'd harvest the lot.
