{"id":12521,"date":"2024-01-16T05:19:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T13:19:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=12521"},"modified":"2026-10-16T13:21:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T20:21:00","slug":"grain-free-dog-food-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/grain-free-dog-food-heart-disease","title":{"rendered":"Nutrition Guide for Dogs with Heart Disease: What to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12521\" class=\"elementor elementor-12521\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2577153 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2577153\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-558a6ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"558a6ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"410\">There\u2019s a lot of confusion around grain-free dog food and its potential link to heart disease (DCM). This article breaks down the facts and current research.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"691\">\n<li data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"492\">\n<p data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"492\">FDA investigated reports of heart disease possibly linked to grain-free diets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"558\">\n<p data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"558\">No definitive cause was found\u2014many factors are likely involved.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"559\" data-end=\"627\">\n<p data-start=\"561\" data-end=\"627\">Grain-free isn\u2019t always better; not all dogs need to avoid grains.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"628\" data-end=\"691\">\n<p data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"691\">Veterinary guidance is essential for choosing the right diet.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"693\" data-end=\"861\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">We unpack the science, share expert insights, and explain how to make the best choice for your dog\u2019s health. Keep reading to get the full picture.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65bca57d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"65bca57d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A heart disease diagnosis raises many questions for pet parents, including what to feed their dog.&nbsp;<\/span>A dog\u2019s diet is one of the most important elements of his overall health care.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, many pet parents have become increasingly interested in grain-free diets and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/a-veterinarians-take-on-grain-free-dog-food.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grain-free dog food<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But, as a result of this interest, many veterinarians and pet owners are worried about the link between grain-free diets and heart disease, namely dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is an educational guide covering what heart disease is, what causes it, how it presents, and what nutritional factors veterinarians typically consider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b role=\"emphasis\">What is heart disease in dogs?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/dog-heart-disease-vet.jpg\" alt=\"grain free dog food heart disease\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease a broad term covering several conditions that affect the heart&#8217;s ability to pump blood efficiently. It tends to develop gradually, often over years. The two most common forms of heart disease are degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While some dogs are genetically predisposed, the condition can affect any breed or age, and early detection is central to long-term management.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b role=\"emphasis\">What causes heart disease in dogs?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several potential causes of heart disease in dogs, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b role=\"emphasis\">Degenerative Valve Disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common cause of heart disease in dogs, this condition occurs when heart valves gradually thicken and fail to close properly, allowing blood to leak backward with each heartbeat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b role=\"emphasis\">Dilated Cardiomyopathy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span>DCM causes the heart muscle to weaken and thin. As the <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-have-heart-attacks.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">heart<\/a> works harder to pump blood, pressure on the heart walls causes the chambers to enlarge, or dilate. This gives the heart an overall enlarged, rounded appearance. It\u2019s quite common, and in fact, DCM is the<a style=\"font-weight: 400;\" href=\"https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2023\/02\/diet-associated-dilated-cardiomyopathy-the-cause-is-not-yet-known-but-it-hasnt-gone-away\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">second most common<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">canine heart disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b role=\"emphasis\">Congenital Heart Defects: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dogs are born with structural abnormalities that disrupt normal blood flow from birth. Some dogs live normally with mild defects, while others require early surgical intervention.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"\" aria-level=\"1\"><b role=\"emphasis\" style=\"\">Heartworm: <\/b>Transmitted through mosquito bites, heartworm infection causes inflammation of the heart and pulmonary arteries, leading to scarring, increased cardiac workload and lasting damage.&nbsp;It is largely preventable with consistent veterinary-recommended preventatives.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b role=\"emphasis\">Arrhythmias and Electrical Dysfunction:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some dogs develop abnormal heart rhythms that impair pumping efficiency even without structural damage. If left unmanaged, it can accelerate cardiac decline.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b role=\"emphasis\">What are some common signs of heart disease in dogs?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/portrait-of-a-black-dog-outdoors-in-field-2026-03-26-10-21-03-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"black senior dog in field\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\"><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Coughing or Labored Breathing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A persistent cough may signal fluid buildup in or around the lungs as the heart weakens. You may also notice faster or more labored breathing than usual.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Exercise Intolerance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dog who tires quickly, lags on walks, or loses interest in activities they once loved may not be getting enough oxygen-rich blood to their muscles \u2014 a hallmark of reduced heart function.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Abdominal Swelling<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor circulation can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, making the belly appear bloated or distended even without much food intake.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Irregular Heartbeat or Fainting<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal heart rhythms can cause sudden episodes of weakness, collapse, or brief fainting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Unexplained Weight Loss or Reduced Appetite<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease puts significant stress on the body, leading to muscle loss and weight drop even without dietary changes. A reduced interest in food often compounds the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog is showing any of these signs, do not wait to see if they improve on their own. These symptoms should prompt an immediate consultation with a veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b role=\"emphasis\">Ingredients and dietary factors to be mindful of<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/omega-3-gel-capsules-and-natural-sources-of-omega-2026-03-10-03-10-56-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"salmon oil capsules\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians commonly address the following nutritional factors and dietary considerations for dogs with heart conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Protein quality and sources<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs with heart disease need high-quality, digestible protein from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/healthy-meat-for-dogs.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole meat sources<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to combat muscle wasting.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wsava-guidelines.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vague by-products<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and fillers are best avoided in favor of named ingredients like chicken, beef, or salmon.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Omega-3 fatty acids<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/5-benefits-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-for-dogs.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA and DHA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from fish oil and algae oil in heart-healthy dog food may help reduce inflammation, support heart rhythm, and slow muscle loss. Many veterinary cardiologists recommend fish oil supplementation even alongside a cardiac diet for dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Taurine and L-carnitine<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>One of the first causes suspected in diet-associated DCM was taurine deficiency. If a deficiency is found, taurine supplements may be used in conjunction with carnitine (an amino acid) to treat heart disease like DCM. (Other medications used include pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and cardiac glycocides.)<\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Sodium levels and processed ingredients<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess sodium levels cause fluid retention, adding strain to a weakened heart. Salty treats, processed human foods, and high-sodium commercial kibbles should be avoided. Make sure your pet is on a low-sodium diet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b role=\"emphasis\">Grain-free diets<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one study conducted by the College of Veterinary Medicine at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1760273418300882\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Carolina State University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dogs fed a grain-free diet showed that part of their heart was consistently larger than dogs fed a grain-based diet. A potential link between<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/a-veterinarians-take-on-grain-free-dog-food.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grain-free diets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> high in peas, lentils, or legumes and increased DCM risk has prompted many veterinary cardiologists to advise caution. Dogs on these formulas are often transitioned to more traditional diets or cardiac dog food as a precaution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b role=\"emphasis\">How nutrition fits into your dog&#8217;s lifelong wellness<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a loving pet parent, you want to keep your best furry friends safe from harm.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-have-heart-attacks.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in dogs is a complex, progressive condition with multiple forms and causes; recognizing signs early may lead to better outcomes.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/6-essential-nutrients-that-make-a-balanced-diet-for-dogs.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a meaningful way to support a dog&#8217;s overall health and comfort at every stage of life.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember: a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-is-a-board-certified-veterinary-nutritionist.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">veterinarian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the essential partner in both understanding the condition and determining an appropriate dietary approach for the individual dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citations<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bakke, Anne Marie, Joshua Wood, Carina Salt, David Allaway, Matt Gilham, Gail Kuhlman, Tiffany Bierer, Richard Butterwick, and Ciaran O\u2019Flynn. 2022. \u201cResponses in Randomised Groups of Healthy, Adult Labrador Retrievers Fed Grain-Free Diets with High Legume Inclusion for 30\u2009Days Display Commonalities with Dogs with Suspected Dilated Cardiomyopathy.\u201d&nbsp;<em>BMC Veterinary Research<\/em>&nbsp;18 (1). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12917-022-03264-x.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Singh, Pawanpreet, Sydney Banton, Shari Raheb, James R. Templeman, Jennifer Saunders-Blades, Darcia Kostiuk, Janelle Kelly, et al. 2023. \u201cThe Pulse of It: Dietary Inclusion of up to 45% Whole Pulse Ingredients with Chicken Meal and Pea Starch in a Complete and Balanced Diet Does Not Affect Cardiac Function, Fasted Sulfur Amino Acid Status, or Other Gross Measures of Health in Adult Dogs.\u201d&nbsp;<em>The Journal of Nutrition<\/em>, March. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.tjnut.2023.03.027.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fischer, Kara E, John E Rush, and Lisa M Freeman. 2023. \u201cPit Bull\u2013Type Breeds with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Eating Nontraditional Diets Improve after Diet Change (2015\u20132022).\u201d&nbsp;<em>Javma-Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association<\/em>, April, 1\u20139. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2460\/javma.23.01.0025.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bakke, Anne Marie, Joshua Wood, Carina Salt, David Allaway, Matt Gilham, Gail Kuhlman, Tiffany Bierer, Richard Butterwick, and Ciaran O\u2019Flynn. 2022. \u201cResponses in Randomised Groups of Healthy, Adult Labrador Retrievers Fed Grain-Free Diets with High Legume Inclusion for 30\u2009Days Display Commonalities with Dogs with Suspected Dilated Cardiomyopathy.\u201d&nbsp;<em>BMC Veterinary Research<\/em>&nbsp;18 (1). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12917-022-03264-x.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adin, Darcy, Teresa C. DeFrancesco, Bruce Keene, Sandra Tou, Kathryn Meurs, Clarke Atkins, Brent Aona, Kari Kurtz, Lara Barron, and Korinn Saker. 2019. \u201cEchocardiographic Phenotype of Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy Differs Based on Diet Type.\u201d&nbsp;<em>Journal of Veterinary Cardiology<\/em>&nbsp;21 (February): 1\u20139. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jvc.2018.11.002.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smith, Caren E., Laurence D. Parnell, Chao-Qiang Lai, John E. Rush, and Lisa M. Freeman. 2021. \u201cInvestigation of Diets Associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs Using Foodomics Analysis.\u201d&nbsp;<em>Scientific Reports<\/em>&nbsp;11 (August). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-021-94464-2.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13bf8d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"13bf8d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9eee23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"d9eee23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2280\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2280\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What are the stages of heart disease in dogs? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2280\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9260544 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9260544\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f31a8f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f31a8f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6524084\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">four stages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of heart disease in dogs: Stages A-D. Stage A dogs are at risk. They don&#8217;t show signs of poor heart health but are genetically predisposed to it. Dogs in Stage B have a detectable heart abnormality, like a murmur, but show no outward signs of heart failure. This stage is divided into two subcategories: B1, where the heart has not yet changed in size, and B2, where measurable enlargement has begun. Stage C dogs have structural heart disease and show clinical signs of heart failure. Medical management at this stage is more intensive. Stage D represents end-stage heart disease in which the dog&#8217;s symptoms no longer respond ot treatment. The focus at this stage shifts toward comfort and quality of life, with veterinarians exploring advanced or combination treatments to manage symptoms as effectively as possible.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2281\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2281\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><h3 class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What has the FDA found about grain-free dog food? <\/h3><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2281\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-215ab4f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"215ab4f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfa08f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cfa08f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2018, acting on the advice of veterinary nutritionists, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated an investigation into a link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy and certain diets. The investigation gathered reports from January 2018 through April 2019. The reports indicated 553 dogs had developed DCM, as compared to previous years in which only three were reported. IThe breed breakdown was the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">95 Golden Retrievers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">62 mixed-breed dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">47 Labrador Retrievers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25 Great Danes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50 cases involving additional breeds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, the FDA found that 16 pet food companies had ten or more cases of DCM associated with their foods. Of those foods, more than 90% were grain-free, and 93% contained peas or lentils. Some also contained potatoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All grain-free diets had the same average percentages of fat, protein, taurine, and taurine precursors as grain-based diets. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-021-94464-2#author-information\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2021 study out of Tufts University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that the inclusion of peas represented the greatest difference between the diets.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the stages of heart disease in dogs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There are four stages of heart disease in dogs: Stages A-D. Stage A dogs are at risk. They don&#8217;t show signs of poor heart health but are genetically predisposed to it. Dogs in Stage B have a detectable heart abnormality, like a murmur, but show no outward signs of heart failure. This stage is divided into two subcategories: B1, where the heart has not yet changed in size, and B2, where measurable enlargement has begun. Stage C dogs have structural heart disease and show clinical signs of heart failure. Medical management at this stage is more intensive. Stage D represents end-stage heart disease in which the dog&#8217;s symptoms no longer respond ot treatment. The focus at this stage shifts toward comfort and quality of life, with veterinarians exploring advanced or combination treatments to manage symptoms as effectively as possible.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What has the FDA found about grain-free dog food?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In 2018, acting on the advice of veterinary nutritionists, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated an investigation into a link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy and certain diets. The investigation gathered reports from January 2018 through April 2019. The reports indicated 553 dogs had developed DCM, as compared to previous years in which only three were reported. IThe breed breakdown was the following:\\n\\n95 Golden Retrievers\\n62 mixed-breed dogs\\n47 Labrador Retrievers\\n25 Great Danes\\n50 cases involving additional breeds\\n\\nMoreover, the FDA found that 16 pet food companies had ten or more cases of DCM associated with their foods. Of those foods, more than 90% were grain-free, and 93% contained peas or lentils. Some also contained potatoes.\\nAll grain-free diets had the same average percentages of fat, protein, taurine, and taurine precursors as grain-based diets. A 2021 study out of Tufts University found that the inclusion of peas represented the greatest difference between the diets.\"}}]}<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0e12f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-16109 elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f0e12f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><i>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a lot of confusion around grain-free dog food and its potential link to heart disease (DCM). This article breaks down the facts and current research. FDA investigated reports of heart disease possibly linked to grain-free diets. No definitive cause was found\u2014many factors are likely involved. Grain-free isn\u2019t always better; not all dogs need to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":13936,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":"{\"authors\":[280,289],\"author_categories\":{\"280\":\"1\",\"289\":\"3\"},\"fallback_author_user\":\"14\",\"ppma_author_box_select\":\"\",\"selected_authors\":[{\"id\":280,\"display_name\":\"JustFoodForDogs\",\"is_guest\":0,\"category_id\":\"1\"},{\"id\":289,\"display_name\":\"Angela Beal, DVM\",\"is_guest\":0,\"category_id\":\"3\"}]}"},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[280,289],"class_list":["post-12521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Nutrition Guide for Dogs with Heart Disease: What to Know | JustFoodforDogs Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There\u2019s a lot of confusion around grain-free dog food and its potential link to heart disease (DCM). 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