Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disease of cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system. The definitive cause of canine DCM is the subject of debate, although a number of factors including nutritional, infectious, and genetic predisposition have been implicated. The fact that canine DCM occurs at a higher incidence in specific breeds suggests a heritable genetic component to this disease, although it is likely that it’s etiology is multifactorial. Read More:
DCM link to grain-free diets?
Latest research from the FDA
In December 22, 2022, the FDA released it’s current update, and overall third public report, on the status of non-hereditary canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free diets. The FDA began investigating the issue in July 2018, when a high number of dogs eating certain grain-free diets containing 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) developed DCM. ...
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