DCM Update
In 2018 and 2019 we were inundated with the media reports that the FDA had issued a public alert regarding the feeding of grain free diets to dogs. Some veterinarians had put together anecdotal evidence linking the feeding of grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). You probably won’t hear it on any news outlets now but the FDA has pretty well quietly conceded that there is no scientific evidence that balanced grain-free foods are an issue. “We are pleased the FDA has brought more understanding to this issue, indicating that multiple factors can cause DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) including breed, genetics, pre-existing health conditions, digestive issues and nutrition,” says Jeff Johnston, senior vice president of research, innovation and product development for Champion Petfoods. “In fact, the FDA has found no evidence that any specific pet food products are definitively linked to causing DCM.” “If the FDA had found a causal link between DCM and any pet food, it would be required by law to have those products removed from the market—which it has not done.” Johnston continued, “For those who may have questioned the benefits of grain-free, we are hopeful they regain their confidence in these foods and that the industry will continue to innovate across all pet foods in the interest of pet health.”
