FDA Reports Findings For DCM Heart Disease Related to Pet Foods


June 29, 2019 • • • •

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The Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine has just issued a complete report, results of their studies, collaborating with experts outside the U.S. Government , regarding an increase in a serious heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that has been directly related to dog foods.

Certain pet foods, many labeled as “grain-free,” which contain a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.) as main ingredients (listed within the first 10 ingredients in the ingredient list, before vitamins and minerals), are most associated. Many of these case reports included dog breeds not previously known to have a genetic predisposition DCM.

Cutting to the Chase – What Foods and Ingredients Are Most Implicated

To better characterize diets reported in DCM cases, product labels were examined to determine whether the product was grain-free (did not contain corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), and whether the products contained peas, other lentils including chickpeas and beans, or potatoes (including sweet potatoes).  Because so many products contained peas and/or lentils, a category was created for “peas and/or lentils”. More than 90 percent of products were “grain-free”, and 93 percent of reported products had peas and/or lentils.  A far smaller proportion contained potatoes.

The FDA first told me and others that novel or unusual protein sources like kangaroo, bison, duck, etc were most implicated in the heart disease cases reported. That doesn’t turn out to be the case exactly as animal protein sources in the reported diets varied widely, and many diets contained more than one protein source.  The most common proteins in the reported diets were chicken lamb and fish.  However, it should also be noted that the novel protein sources are over-represented on this list compared to their availability in the market place.

Taurine and Golden Retrievers

Nutritional research indicates that taurine is generally not considered an essential amino acid for dogs, because dogs (like people) can synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine. Nearly all the grain-free products had methionine-cystine values above the minimum nutritional requirement of 0.65 percent for adult maintenance food for dogs published in the AAFCO Official Publication (OP). As a side-note, cats cannot manufacture their own taurine.

The FDA says continue gather information to better understand if (and how) taurine metabolism (both absorption and excretion) may have a role in these reports of DCM.

However, past publications and research suggest that Golden Retrievers, in particular, and perhaps true Golden mixes may be genetically predisposed to taurine deficiency, which is well-documented as potentially leading to DCM.

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Joshua Stern from the University of California at Davis has been studying the rise in cases of DCM in Golden Retrievers, including a potential dietary link. Many cases of DCM in Golden Retrievers are taurine-deficient. Pet owners who suspect their Golden Retrievers may be affected may wish to consult their veterinarian to discuss checking taurine levels or conducting an echocardiogram. This is the first time the FDA has made such a strong recommendation. No indication, though, what the FDA suggest is a Golden or Golden-mix is not on one of the implicated diets, so do speak with your veterinarian.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is recognized as a genetic condition in dogs, typically in large or giant breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, or the Irish Wolfhound. It is also seen in Cocker Spaniels, typically associated with taurine deficiency. It is believed to be less common in small and medium breed dogs.

The FDA says that they suspect that cases are underreported because animals are typically treated symptomatically, and diagnostic testing and treatment can be complex and costly to owners. FDA has observed a reporting bias for breeds like Golden Retrievers due to breed-specific social media groups and activities that have raised awareness of the issue in these communities and urged owners and vets to submit reports to FDA.

So, absolutely, there is greater concern regarding Golden Retrievers. However, no one knows real specifics of all this because, as noted, some case – and no one knows how many – go undiagnosed and/or unreported. Also, breeds, in general, can be misidentified.

Advice for Pet Owners

If a dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If the symptoms are severe and your veterinarian is not available, you may need to seek emergency veterinary care. Your veterinarian may ask you for a thorough dietary history, all the foods (including treats) the dog has eaten.

Last fall, I spoke with Dr. Martine Hartogensis, deputy director at the United States Food and Drug Association Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Surveillance and Compliance.

An excellent source for all things pet foods is from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Nutrition Service