There has been quite a bit of news lately about the FDA’s recent report on their ongoing investigation of a potential link between certain pet foods and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. We encourage our customers to read the report for themselves, as media reporting on the issue tends to lack enough substance for pet owners and sadly, even veterinarians, to make informed decisions.
Here is Noble Beast’s synopsis: When the FDA first began issuing statements on this issue, the public began submitting case reports on DCM and their animals. The most recent FDA statement contains information on the 524 reports received by the FDA. As part of the case reports, the pet owners included the food brand they feed. This is how the list of foods contained in the most recent report was compiled. There is no causative data drawing conclusions or providing any evidence that actually links these foods, or any grain free foods, to DCM.
This report notes that, “At this stage of the investigation, the FDA cannot attest to whether or how these case reports are linked to diet,” and that “To date, the FDA has not established why certain diets may be associated with the development of DCM in some dogs.” Some additional perspective: Of the 77 million dogs in the US, 0.5 to 1% have DCM, and of those dogs, fewer than 0.1% are speculated to have DCM related to diet, although that is not scientifically proven.
So, do we think you should panic over this information? No.
However, some owners may decide that they would like to find a food that is free of peas, legumes and/or potatoes and/or a food that contains grain. And we can help you with that. Come on in and we’ll find a food that you are comfortable with. All of us at Noble Beast care very much about animals, ours and yours. We only want to offer the best available pet food, and we will continue to monitor all information as the FDA investigation moves forward.
Here are some links to information from pet food manufacturers: