The FDA provided an update today (8/10/18) to their investigation into a potential link of canine heart disease and diet.
Posted on the FDA website:
On July 12, 2018, FDA issued a public notification about the agency’s investigation into reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods. While it is early in the investigation, the Center for Veterinary Medicine recognizes that you may have questions. Below we have compiled answers to address some of the frequently asked questions raised by pet owners and veterinarians.
1. What potential connection is the FDA investigating?
FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain pet foods containing legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. We began investigating after FDA‘s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) received a number of reports of DCM in dogs eating these diets. DCM itself is not considered rare in dogs, but these reports are unusual because many of the reported cases occurred in breeds of dogs not typically genetically prone to the disease and were reported to have been fed the same type of diet (labeled as “grain-free”).
2. What is the FDA doing about this possible connection?
The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating this potential association. We are working with board certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of the cases. The agency has also been in contact with pet food manufacturers to discuss these reports and to help further the investigation. In addition, we are analyzing information from case reports submitted by pet owners and veterinarians. We will continue to work with all of these stakeholders to help advance our ongoing investigation.
3. What is canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
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, which can lead to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen (congestive heart failure). If caught early, heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification.
4. Why did the FDA notify the public about the possible connection if the agency doesn’t have definitive answers?
While it is early in the investigation, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) felt a responsibility to shed light on an early signal that we have been made aware of and to solicit reports from pet owners and vets that may know of related cases. The data provided through reports will help inform the investigation.
5. How many cases have been reported to the FDA?
Prior to issuing our public notification on July 12, 2018, the FDA received sporadic reports involving 30 dogs and seven cats. In the reports we received, some of the dogs showed signs of heart disease, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing, and episodes of collapse. We are aware that the veterinary cardiology community has received more reports (approximately 150 as of 7/12/18). Since issuing the public notification, CVM has received many additional reports, but we are still in the process of reviewing them.
6. What brands of food have been included in the reports to the FDA?
There is a range of different brands and formulas included in the reports. Rather than brands, the common thread appears to be legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as main ingredients in the food. This also includes protein, starch and fiber derivatives of these ingredients, (e.g., pea protein, pea starch, or pea fiber). Some reports we have received also seem to indicate that the pets were not eating any other foods for several months to years prior to exhibiting signs of DCM.
7. What are legumes?
Legumes are part of the Fabaceae plant family, and are the fruit or seed of these plants. Common legumes include peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts. Legumes are used for both human and animal food and have become a common plant-based source of protein.
8. Does the FDA think this possible link includes diets with rice?
Rice is a grain, not a legume. The current reports do not suggest there is any link between diets with rice and DCM in dogs.
9. Are sweet potatoes and red potatoes classified as potatoes?
Yes.
10. What does the FDA consider a “main ingredient”?
There is no hard and fast rule for what qualifies as a “main ingredient.” We generally consider a “main ingredient” to be listed in a food’s ingredient list before the first vitamin or mineral ingredient.
11. Does the FDA know what it is about these foods that may be connected to canine DCM?
At this time, it is not clear what it is about these diets that may be connected to DCM in dogs. Taurine deficiency is well-documented as a potential cause of DCM, but it is not the only cause of DCM. Nutritional makeup of the main ingredients or how dogs process them, main ingredient sourcing, processing, amount used, or other factors could be involved.
12. How do I know if my pet’s food is one of the diets discussed in the FDA’s public notification?
We suggest reviewing the ingredient list on your pet’s food to see whether legumes and/or potatoes are listed as one of the main ingredients.
13. Should I avoid grain-free diets?
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. Additionally, legumes and potatoes may appear as ingredients in foods that are not labeled as “grain-free.” Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
14. Do I need to change my dog’s diet?
At this time, we are not advising dietary changes based solely on the information we have gathered so far. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or its diet, we suggest that you consult your veterinarian for individualized advice that takes into account your dog’s specific needs and medical history.
15. What’s the safest diet for my dog?
Different dogs have different nutritional needs based on a number of factors, so nutrition advice is not one-size-fits-all. The FDA recommends consulting your veterinarian for personalized advice about what to feed your dog.
16. What should I do if my dog is experiencing symptoms of DCM?
If your dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, you should contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may ask you for a thorough dietary history, including all the foods (including treats) the dog has eaten.
17. How do vets and consumers submit reports to the FDA?
CVM encourages pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet by using the electronic Safety Reporting Portal or calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
18. What information does the FDA need included in the reports?
Please see “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint” for additional instructions and information.
19. How long will the FDA’s investigation take?
There is no way to know how long the investigation will take, but CVM is hopeful that as we gather more data from case reports, we will gain a better understanding of this possible connection. We will continue to convey our observations publicly as the investigation progresses.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
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Janice
August 10, 2018 at 12:40 pm
It is good that the FDA is issuing updates, but couldn’t they give more information about the foods that were fed to the dogs who became ill? How about protein percentage as well as the percentage of protein from meat or fish? Any commonalities here? How about the kind of animal proteins? What about the nutritional profiles–including the amino acid profiles? Just because a food is said to meet AAFCO standards does not mean there are no imbalances relative to the NRC recommendations. The public really deserves more information.
Martha Glew
August 10, 2018 at 9:35 pm
The FDA is working amazingly fast!
People are welcome to join one or both Facebook groups to learn which diets have caused DCM, how to get your dog’s taurine level tested, an open letter to vets from Dr. Joshua Stern, the Prof of Cardiology at UC Davis leading the study, etc.
** Taurine-Deficient Dilated Cardiomyopathy [for all breeds]
** Taurine Deficiency in Golden Retrievers (Goldens only, please)
Toby
August 10, 2018 at 2:03 pm
So sad. My dad’s lab was on a limited ingredient diet due to chronic ear problems. The main ingredients were sweet potato, duck and peas. She had these exact symptoms. We took her to the vet and they kept her for a week and she improved. However, we brought her home and continued the same food. Within a week she got worse and we had no choice but to end her suffering. This was 5 years ago and I was convinced then as I am now more than ever it was the “commercial” pet food. It doesn’t help my girl now but hopefully this will help put a stop to all the crap they put in pet food and if not encourage pet owners to become better educated when it comes to their pets diet. I for one, now feed my cats raw and homemade food.
Heidi Mignogna
August 11, 2018 at 9:56 am
I feel they also need to look into what methods and countries these ingredients are grown in. This may be an issue with pesticides and conditions these items are grown in. Just my opinion…
Janet Blume
August 10, 2018 at 2:51 pm
Does anyone k ow if the food reported so far are one that add additional taurine ans dl methionine?
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Hope
August 10, 2018 at 6:11 pm
Glad FDA updated but obviously there’s no answers. I’m actually questioning the preliminary conclusions reached. There are so many variables. Thanks for keeping us posted Susan!
Martha Glew
August 10, 2018 at 9:44 pm
Please see the FB groups I listed above.
The preliminary conclusions reached are correct. There was an enormous body of work completed before the FDA became involved.
The data was so overwhelmingly bad, that the FDA has begun to alert the public before any official guidelines are written. A team of scientists are working together across the country at different research facilities to uncover the mechanisms involved.
Read your dog food labels.
No peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, potatoes or sweet potatoes in the first 5 ingredients.
Janice
August 11, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Actually, based on the above statement from the FDA, that agency counts as a main ingredient any food ingredient listed before the vitamins and minerals. So that’s all the food ingredients, as ingredients are usually listed. I find that surprising, and it rather makes questionable the meaning of “main ingredient”: (from above: “We generally consider a ‘main ingredient’ to be listed in a food’s ingredient list before the first vitamin or mineral ingredient.”
Martha Glew
August 11, 2018 at 1:21 pm
UC Davis (the lead research institution on this) has commented that the suspect ingredients should not be in the first 5 ingredients indicated.
The golden FB group has almost 4,000 members, and the allbreed close to 3,000.
Janice
August 11, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Good to know. Thank you. Makes more sense than the FDA statement.
Zac Chernik
August 10, 2018 at 8:11 pm
https://www.ecowatch.com/glyphosate-pet-health-2573246280.html
Lisa
August 11, 2018 at 9:58 am
I also think that the FDA needs to look into where these ingredients are grown and what pesticides and/or hormones that may be involved (i.e. genetically engineered). Just my opinion….
Eloisa Hernandez
August 12, 2018 at 9:11 am
All this about DCM and grain free diets looks to me, if you allow me the words, something a bit like paranoia… I would also like to see a COMPLETE study that show us all how much diabetes, how much obesity…how many pet DEATHS grocery food have been caused by the three main companies EVERY year. But just NOW nobody seems to be interested in this SUBJECT…
Jane Democracy
August 12, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Because what you are asking for it nearly impossible to study… there are far too many variables to do a real scientific study (not sure what you mean by COMPLETE study) on them aside from perhaps diabetes caused by grain free diets and grain inclusive diets. Although unless you are feeding the same brand of food and no treats and not overfeeding and providing your dog with adequate exercise each and every day this is also very difficult to attribute to just the food. To focus mainly on the big 3 does nothing to improve the way dry kibble dog food is commercially produced, I promise you the vast majority make it the same way, all from the same ingredient suppliers often same/similar recipes and therefore all the same risk. To focus on them allows all the smaller perpetrators sales to skyrocket and this does nothing to improve the pet food out there.
Martha Glew
August 12, 2018 at 4:20 pm
I certainly wouldn’t call it paranoia. I know many, many dogs with low taurine DCM.
How do scientists know it’s the food? Because when the diet is changed, the heart recovers.
I agree that huge, multi disease studies are needed, but who is going to design, manage, and fund them.
The Morris Animal Foundation’s 3,000 Golden Retriever, multi year study investigating cancer is the largest ever.
I don’t know anthing about cats. I see peas in cat foods and it worries me, that’s my only thought.
Eloisa Hernandez
August 12, 2018 at 11:13 am
. .. And what about CATS? They DO need TAURINE and are ALSO eating Grain Free, PEAS, Lentils, and PINTO BEANS… formulas from the same companies that are now at the stake because of this MATTER with dogs! Are cats developing also DCM?… It’s true, their food do have taurine added. .. But we are saying that peas block its absorption, aren’t we? So what?
rfloydcvicurn
September 16, 2018 at 6:32 pm
I believe Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Judy Morgan both advocate adding fresh food to any pet food fed to an animal. We use Honest Kitchen at Susan’s recommendation but we also feed raw liver and cooked meats and veggies.
I have to say that I am wondering why the FDA is so quick to sound the alarm on this when it has been known since the 1980s that taurine deficiency was linked with DCM in cats and also why they have no problem with mycotoxins in petfeeds. Also, I am perplexed as to why this is such a major issue for them when they allowed thousands of animals to die without sounding the alarm about the many chicken jerky type products sourced from China.
Adding fresh foods for animals seems to be a very reasonable answer to most of the problem here. I have used Honest Kitchen because I am not sure of vitamins supplements and have chosen to trust that company -again because of Susan’s recommendation. It was reported that many vitamin mixes were sourced from China even though they were listed as being produced in the US. I have read that this is also true of many human vitamin supplements and even prescription meds.
I would certainly appreciate knowing any trustworthy supplements. I just had a 17 year old maltese pass away who has been on grain free diets along with fresh home cooked for the last 10 years. She had a heart murmur but never had DCM and died because of canine cognitive dysfunction and not because of heart valve disease. Her 5, 9 and 11 year old siblings are doing well.