Grain-free and DCM
Grain-free and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are the subject of an FDA investigation whose causal link remains open. This section sets out the state of the evidence, predisposed breeds and the role of taurine.
Last updated :Questions (35)
- Are grain-free diets bad for a dog's heart?
- Where does the FDA investigation into grain-free diets and heart disease stand?
- Has the FDA closed its grain-free and DCM investigation, or is it still open?
- Is the link between grain-free food and dilated cardiomyopathy actually proven?
- Should grain-free be stopped as a precaution while the science settles?
- How many DCM cases were reported to the FDA, and which brands were named?
- Do grain-free cat foods carry a heart risk too?
- Why do vets say nutritional DCM rather than just DCM?
- Have European authorities taken a position on grain-free and DCM?
- Is it the missing grain or something else behind these DCM cases?
- Is taurine at the centre of the grain-free heart investigation?
- Grain-free or with grains: which is genuinely better for a dog?
- Are grain-free diets really more natural?
- Does a dog actually need grain-free food?
- Does a cat need a grain-free diet?
- Do legumes like peas and lentils replace grains well?
- Why do grain-free kibbles contain so many peas and potatoes?
- Does grain-free really contain more meat than food with grains?
- My pet has no allergy: does grain-free still offer a benefit?
- Are grains really just a cheap filler ingredient?
- Are grain-free and gluten-free the same thing on a kibble?
- Are legumes the prime suspect in nutritional DCM cases?
- What is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs?
- What DCM symptoms should a dog owner watch for?
- Which dog breeds are genetically predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy?
- Is diet-associated DCM reversible if you switch foods?
- How can genetic DCM be told apart from diet-associated DCM?
- Can a cat develop diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy?
- How does a vet diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy in a dog?
- Can a taurine deficiency cause dilated cardiomyopathy?
- Does a dog on grain-free food need a taurine supplement?
- How long can a dog's heart take to recover after a diet change in DCM?
- Can predisposed breeds like the Dobermann or Great Dane eat grain-free?
- For owners set on grain-free, how can the heart risk be limited?
- Is a grain-free kibble validated by feeding trials safer?
Guides (6)
- How to Choose a Grain-Free Food Safely: A How-To Guide
- Dog Breeds Predisposed to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A Guide
- What the FDA Grain-Free and DCM Investigation Actually Shows: A Guide
- Is Grain-Free More Natural? A Myths Guide
- Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive Dog Food: A Comparison Guide
- Is Grain-Free Dog Food Dangerous? An Evidence Guide