Laura Bork is an associate veterinarian at PetVet365 Clermont. Her special interests include preventative care and internal medicine.
GRAIN FREE DIETS & CANINE HEART DISEASE
By Laura Bork, DVM
What is a “grain free” diet?
A “grain free” diet is a diet that does not contain grains. Common grains in canine diets include:
rice, wheat, barley, soy and corn.
A link between grain free diets & heart disease…How did this all come about?
Starting in 2018, an increased number of Canine DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy, a type of heart
disease) cases were reported to the FDA. Interestingly, veterinary cardiologists were also
diagnosing DCM in dog breeds who rarely develop this type of heart disease. This led to an
FDA investigation in July 2018. The investigation evaluated various details of each canine DCM
case (such as: age, breed, weight and diet). It was found that, in over 90% of reported DCM
cases, the dogs were being fed a “grain free” diet. 1
What is the link between grain free diets and heart disease?
Research within the veterinary industry is ongoing, and it is still unknown as to how grain free
diets are linked to heart disease. Is it the lack of grains that promotes heart disease, or is it a
common ingredient within grain free diets that could be fostering heart disease? More recent
research suggests that legumes (such as peas, chickpeas, and lentils) may be playing a role,
especially when they are one of the main ingredients within a grain free diet. Undoubtedly, more research is needed before we have a definitive answer on the link between grain free diets and canine heart disease.
Is grain free diet related heart disease reversible?
If a dog is diagnosed with grain free diet related heart disease, there are many factors that can
impact prognosis, such as the severity of the heart damage at time of diagnosis and if the dog has any additional illnesses. However, research suggests that if switched to a diet with grain, there can be some improvement in heart function and ultimately a longer survival time. 2
What about grain free diets and allergies?
A lot of dogs are on grain free diets because it is perceived to help their allergies. There has been no research suggesting that a lack of grain in the diet is better for allergies. In fact, the most common food allergen for dogs isn’t grain but rather animal protein. The most common allergy culprits are: beef, dairy products, and chicken. Many grain free diets substitute beef/chicken for more unique animal proteins (venison, bison, kangaroo). Dogs are usually not allergic to these.
more unique animal proteins and this is why their allergies are perceived to improve when on a
grain free diet.
If your dog is on a grain free diet and you are concerned about switching the diet because of
allergies (or for any other reason), please consult with your veterinarian as there are many diets available that contain a unique animal protein AND grain. Another option your veterinarian may discuss is a hypoallergenic diet.
What about grain free diets for cats?
At this time, the link between grain free diets and heart disease seems to be most common in
dogs, and reported feline cases are rare. Further research is needed to see if cats could also be at risk.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended for treatment or
diagnostic purposes. Each animal’s case and dietary needs are unique. Please consult with your
veterinarian regarding any questions related to your pet and their diet.
Resources
1 https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-
link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
2 Retrospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
J Vet Intern Med. January 2021;35(1):58-67. Kimberly J Freid , Lisa M Freeman , John E Rush ,
Suzanne M Cunningham , Megan S Davis , Emily T Karlin , Vicky K Yang
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