How Good Are Grain-Free Diets for dogs?

Grain-free diets have been on the market for a while, but a recent scare has some pet owners wondering how safe they are. The FDA published an advisory that listed several grain-free dog foods associated with cases of fatal dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While this advisory prompted pet owners to take a closer look at the food they give their dogs, it’s important to determine whether or not grain-free foods are to blame.

DCM and Grain-Free Foods

The FDA advisory implies a link between certain grain-free dog foods and DCM cases. However, the agency admits that the exact cause of these DCM cases is not known. The FDA’s advisory is based on the list of foods pet owners reported feeding dogs who ended up with DCM, but the association between these is not fully understood. Other factors, such as other ingredients or the presence of other medical conditions in these dogs, could also play a role in why they developed DCM. In fact, a high number of these cases also involved dog foods that contained peas or lentils.

Should You Feed Your Dog Grain-Free Food?

Since the association between grain-free foods and DCM isn’t completely understood, you should consider only feeding your dog this type of food if she doesn’t tolerate foods that contain grains. Talk to your vet about dog foods that are safe for your dog based on her health and nutritional needs. This helps ensure your dog gets the nutrients she needs while lowering the risk of health issues linked to certain foods. While some dog food companies state that grain-free foods are healthier for dogs overall, there is no evidence for this claim.

Signs of DCM

It’s important to know the signs of DCM, especially if you plan on changing your dog’s food. DCM is a serious condition that requires prompt care. The signs and symptoms of DCM include reduced energy, trouble breathing, a cough, collapsing episodes. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, you should see your vet as soon as possible.

A healthy diet, along with regular grooming, helps keep your dog’s coat in good condition. If your dog needs professional grooming services, please contact DoGone Fun. We offer a number of dog grooming services in Chicago, including paw care, coat, and skincare, ear care and teeth care.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/how-good-are-grain-free-diets-for-dogs/