Dog Food Claims It Can Make Old Dogs Ellert Again 2018

Updated June 27, 2019

In July 2018, the FDA appear that it had begun investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods, many labeled as "grain-costless," which contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.) every bit primary ingredients (listed within the first 10 ingredients in the ingredient list, earlier vitamins and minerals). Many of these case reports included breeds of dogs not previously known to have a genetic predisposition to the illness. The FDA's Center for Veterinarian Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaboration of authorities and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, keep to investigate this potential association. Based on the data collected and analyzed thus far, the bureau believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific upshot that may involve multiple factors.

We understand the concern that pet owners have about these reports: the illnesses tin can be severe, fifty-fifty fatal, and many cases report eating "grain-gratis" labeled pet food. The FDA is using a range of scientific discipline-based investigative tools equally it strives to learn more near this emergence of DCM and its potential link to certain diets or ingredients.

Following an update in February 2019 that covered investigative activities through November thirty, 2018, this is the FDA's third public report on the status of this investigation.

On this page:

Cases Reported to FDA
Nutrition Information from Reported Cases
Product Testing
Taurine & Amino Acids
Diagnostic Testing – Vet-LIRN
Collaboration
What you can do
What'south Next
Additional Information

Cases Reported to FDA

For the purposes of this investigation, the FDA defines a "case" as an illness reported to FDA involving a canis familiaris or cat that includes a diagnosis of DCM. Many of the reports submitted to the FDA included extensive clinical information, including echocardiogram results, cardiology/veterinary records, and detailed nutrition histories. The numbers below only include reports in which the dog or cat was diagnosed with DCM past a veterinarian and/or veterinary cardiologist. We did non include in these numbers the many full general cardiac reports submitted to the FDA that did not have a DCM diagnosis. However, this instance information is nonetheless valuable, every bit it may show centre changes that occur before a domestic dog develops symptomatic DCM. (Please see the Vet-LIRN DCM Investigative Update for more than technical data on the reported cases, including those without a formal diagnosis of DCM). Although the FDA first received a few sporadic reports of DCM as early every bit 2014, the vast majority of the reports were submitted later on the bureau notified the public about the potential DCM/nutrition result in July 2018.

Between Jan one, 2014 and April 30, 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM (515 canine reports, 9 feline reports). Approximately 222 of these were reported between December 1, 2018 and April xxx, 2019 (219 canine reports, 3 feline reports). Some of these reports involved more than than i afflicted animal from the aforementioned household. The breakdown of reported illnesses beneath reflects the number of individual animals affected. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 77 million pet dogs in the United States. Most dogs in the U.S. have been eating pet nutrient without obviously developing DCM. Information technology's non known how commonly dogs develop DCM, but the increase in reports to FDA signal a potential increase in cases of DCM in dogs not genetically predisposed.

Animal numbers in DCM Reports received between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019

	Number of reports	Number of animals affected	Number of deaths
Dogs	515	560	119
Cats*	9	14	5

  *Cats are generally more likely to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease)

Dilated cardiomyopathy is recognized as a genetic condition in dogs, typically in large or behemothic breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, Smashing Dane, or the Irish Wolfhound. It is also seen in Cocker Spaniels associated with taurine deficiency. It is believed to exist less common in small and medium breed dogs. Nosotros suspect that cases are underreported because animals are typically treated symptomatically, and diagnostic testing and treatment can exist circuitous and costly to owners. FDA has observed a reporting bias for breeds like Golden Retrievers due to brood-specific social media groups and activities that accept raised awareness of the result in these communities and urged owners and vets to submit reports to FDA. Because the occurrence of different diseases in dogs and cats is non routinely tracked and there is no widespread surveillance system like the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention accept for human wellness, we do not have a measure of the typical rate of occurrence of disease apart from what is reported to the FDA.

Additional breeds with more than one report include Afghan Hound, Australian Cattle Dog, Beagle, Belgian Tervueren, Edge Collie, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, English language Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-coated Retriever, French Bulldog, Gordon Setter, Hound (unspecified), Irish gaelic Setter, Irish gaelic Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Jack Russel Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Portuguese H2o Dog, Pug, Retriever (unspecified), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Rough-haired Collie, Saluki, Samoyed, Schnauzer (unspecified), Shepherd (unspecified), Staffordshire Balderdash Terrier, Standard Long-haired Dachschund, Vizsla, Whippet, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Genetic forms of DCM tend to affect male person large and giant breed dogs beginning in middle to older age. DCM cases reported to FDA CVM accept involved a wide range of dog breeds, ages and weights. In that location accept been a greater proportion of males than females, consistent with what is seen in genetic forms. The significance of this is unknown, but it may be that some cases are genetic in origin or a combination of diet and genetic tendencies.

Table 1: Mean Age and Weight - DCM Cases in Dogs Reported to FDA-CVM

Dogs	Mean	Range
Age (years)	6.six	0.four-16
Weight (lbs)	67.8	4-212

Table 2: Hateful Age and Weight - DCM Cases in Cats Reported to FDA-CVM

Cats	Mean	Range
Age (years)	6	0.4-17
Weight (lbs)	10.7	7-thirteen

Table 3: Sex of DCM cases reported to FDA-CVM past species (%)

Sexual practice (%of cases)	Male person	Female person
Dogs	58.7	41.3
Cats	62.v	37.5

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Nutrition Information from Reported Cases

Review of the canine reports shows that almost reports were for dry canis familiaris food formulations, but raw food, semi-moist food, and moisture foods were likewise represented.

When examining the most commonly reported pet food brands named in DCM reports submitted to the FDA, it is of import to note that the graph below is based on reports that included brand data and that some reports named multiple brands. Brands that were named ten or more times are featured below. For a granular, case-past-case breakdown of DCM reports submitted to the FDA, see Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy Complaints Submitted to FDA-CVM Through April thirty, 2019. FDA urges pet owners to work with their veterinarians, who may consult a board-certified veterinarian nutritionist, to obtain the most appropriate dietary advice for their pet'south specific needs prior to making nutrition changes.

To better characterize diets reported in DCM cases, production labels were examined to determine whether the product was grain-free (did not incorporate corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), and whether the products contained peas, other lentils including chickpeas and beans, or potatoes (including sweetness potatoes).  Considering then many products contained peas and/or lentils, a category was created for "peas and/or lentils". More than 90 percent of products were "grain-gratis", and 93 percent of reported products had peas and/or lentils.  A far smaller proportion contained potatoes.

Brute poly peptide sources in the reported diets varied widely, and many diets independent more than one poly peptide source.  The about common proteins in the reported diets were chicken lamb and fish; however, some diets comprise singular poly peptide sources such equally kangaroo, bison or duck. No 1 animal protein source was predominant.

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Product Testing

Before the July 2018 DCM Update, FDA/Vet-LIRN had tested multiple products for minerals and metals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine) and amino acids including taurine, cysteine, and methionine. That product testing did not reveal whatever abnormalities.

Since the July 2018 DCM Update, Vet-LIRN tested both products labeled every bit "grain-complimentary" and those containing grain for the following:

• protein, fat, moisture
• rough fiber, total dietary fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber
• total starch, resistant starch
• cystine, methionine, and taurine

The average percentage protein, fat, total taurine, total cystine, total methionine, full methionine-cystine, and resistant starch content on a dry affair basis (in other words, afterward removing all moisture content) were similar for both grain-free labeled and grain-containing products. For more details, delight see the Vet-LIRN DCM Update.

Boosted food testing is in progress.

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Taurine & Amino Acids

Nutritional inquiry indicates that taurine is generally not considered an essential amino acid for dogs, because these animals tin synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine. About all the grain-free products had methionine-cystine values above the minimum nutritional requirement of 0.65 pct for developed maintenance food for dogs published in the AAFCO Official Publication (OP).

The FDA is notwithstanding gathering information to better understand if (and how) taurine metabolism (both absorption and excretion) may have a role in these reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy.

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Diagnostic Testing – Vet-LIRN

Vet-LIRN has interviewed 95 owners of affected dogs and cats to certificate the pets' consummate dietary history and to explore any other factors that could have potentially contributed to development of DCM, such every bit environmental factors like heavy metal exposure or poisonous plant ingestion.

In addition, Vet-LIRN has contracted with a network lab to collect blood (whole claret and plasma), urine, feces, and DNA from dogs without a known breed predisposition to DCM (as a signal of comparison) to send to Vet-LIRN for testing.

As of April 30, 2019, Vet-LIRN has reviewed results of 19 gross necropsies from dogs with suspected heart disease, including xiii necropsies that Vet-LIRN coordinated from cases reported through the FDA Prophylactic Reporting Portal. There is one boosted necropsy pending evaluation. The gross necropsies were performed past either veterinarians or veterinary pathologists, and Vet-LIRN is currently processing tissues for histopathology. A board-certified veterinary pathologist will review the histopathology slides.

Vet-LIRN has been collaborating with Chesapeake Veterinarian Cardiology Associates (CVCA) to collect medical records, an owner interview, and diagnostic samples from pets with DCM that were diagnosed by a board-certified veterinarian cardiologist by echocardiogram. These cases are included in the overall number of DCM cases, but were selected for farther study because their ongoing program of care with the practice will be comprehensively documented and provided in full to Vet-LIRN.

Upon confirmation of a DCM diagnosis, CVCA collects blood (whole claret and plasma), urine, feces, Dna swabs, and food, if the pet is non receiving any supplements (e.grand. taurine, cystine, or methionine) and is still eating a diet labeled "grain-gratis." Vet-LIRN will test the blood and urine for taurine, cystine, methionine, and other amino acids. Vet-LIRN is archiving feces and Deoxyribonucleic acid from these cases for possible futurity testing.

CVCA will echo drove of urine, blood, and feces at 1 to 2 months, and at half-dozen months after the initial diagnosis and document whatsoever treatment or dietary changes, if any, that were recommended by the cardiologist. The repeat urine and blood samples will be tested for amino acid content and the feces archived. At the 6-calendar month recheck, CVCA volition also deport a repeat echocardiogram to appraise any changes to the center. As of April 30, 2019, CVCA and Vet-LIRN accept nerveless initial samples from 14 dogs, and 1 to 2-month samples from 10 dogs. CVCA is currently collecting the vi-month samples.

Of the original 14 dogs in this cohort, v dogs have been lost to follow-upwardly at various points later on the initial sample drove, including four deaths, and volition non complete the sample drove. Vet-LIRN is currently evaluating the middle histopathology for ii of the deceased dogs. The initial and 1 to 2-month claret and urine samples for 14 and x dogs, respectively, have been tested and are beingness evaluated.

Vet-LIRN is as well collecting food associated with each CVCA example and will test each nutrition for:

• protein, fat, moisture
• crude fiber, full dietary fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber
• total starch, resistant starch
• free and total cystine, methionine, and taurine

Gilded Retrievers

Past publications and inquiry advise that Golden Retrievers may be genetically predisposed to taurine deficiency, which is well-documented as potentially leading to DCM.

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Joshua Stern from the University of California at Davis has been studying the rise in cases of DCM in Gilded Retrievers, including a potential dietary link. Many cases of DCM in Golden Retrievers are taurine-scarce. Pet owners who doubtable their Gold Retrievers may be affected may wish to consult their veterinarian to discuss checking taurine levels or conducting an echocardiogram.

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Collaboration

When unprecedented events such as these occur, the FDA often consults with stakeholders beyond the animal health customs to help fill whatever noesis gaps that may help inform its investigation. These collaborations can help provide pieces to consummate the puzzle and allow us to proceeds a better understanding of what happened.

Veterinary Community

FDA veterinarians have been working with the veterinarian community to exchange information nigh existing cases and the blazon of clinical information that is almost helpful to the investigation. We are besides consulting with a cadre of board-certified veterinarian cardiologists and nutritionists to learn more almost the presentation of these cases and how they respond to treatment.

Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Assembly (CVCA), a multi-location veterinary cardiology practise based predominantly in the Mid-Atlantic states, has provided comprehensive records for some DCM cases (including medical records, possessor interviews, and diagnostic samples from pets with DCM diagnosed with an echocardiogram by a board-certified cardiologist) to the Vet-LIRN network for farther testing. These example records include imaging studies of the animal'southward hearts, comprehensive dietary histories, diagnostic and treatment records, also equally outcomes of the cases.

FDA veterinarians have been working with Drs. Lisa Freeman of Tufts Academy, Joshua Stern of UC Davis and Darcy Adin of the University of Florida to acquire more almost their research findings and the cases they've encountered. The three were contributing authors to a paper published in Journal of American Veterinarian Medical Clan in December 2018, "Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know?"

Pet Owners

As animal lovers and pet owners, FDA employees understand that the sudden onset of a life-threatening illness in a previously healthy pet tin exist devastating. The FDA is incredibly grateful to those pet owners who have agreed to be interviewed and given permission for their veterinarians to share medical records and diagnostic samples, including blood, serum and tissue. The agency is especially appreciative when pet owners brand the difficult decision to provide tissues for analysis when a dearest pet passes abroad. The FDA believes that the information gained will help the FDA to understand the specific changes that are happening in the cardiovascular organisation and how they may relate to nutrition.

Industry

Another puzzling aspect of the contempo spike in DCM cases is that they take occurred just in the final few years. The FDA is working with the pet food manufacture to better understand whether changes in ingredients, ingredient sourcing, processing or formulation may have contributed to the development of DCM.

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What you lot can practise

The FDA is open to additional opportunities for collaboration and welcomes the submission of whatever information that may aid in our investigation. Detailed instructions for submitting case information can be establish on "How to Report a Pet Food Complaint."

Pet Owners

If a domestic dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, yous should contact your veterinarian as soon every bit possible. If the symptoms are severe and your veterinarian is non available, y'all may need to seek emergency veterinary care. Your veterinarian may ask you for a thorough dietary history, including all the foods (including treats) the dog has eaten.

Veterinarians

CVM encourages veterinary professionals to report well-documented cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet by using the electronic Safe Reporting Portal. The more data you lot are able to provide, particularly about feeding history, medical records, and diagnostic testing, the better. Detailed instructions tin be establish on "How to Report a Pet Food Complaint." Technical veterinary data that may aid veterinarians tin be found in our Vet-LIRN Update.

Industry

The FDA looks to industry organizations and pet food manufacturers to contribute to the FDA'southward investigation while continuing their own investigations to assist shed light on potential issues with formulas or ingredients.

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What'south Side by side

The FDA is continuing to investigate and assemble more data in an effort to identify whether there is a specific dietary link to evolution of DCM and volition provide updates to the public as information develops.

Additional Information

• Questions & Answers: FDA's Piece of work on Potential Causes of Not-Hereditary DCM in Dogs
• Questions & Answers: FDA Middle for Veterinary Medicine's Investigation into a Possible Connection Between Diet and Canine Eye Disease (updated June 27, 2019)
• Vet-LIRN Update (June 2019)
• FDA Provides Third Status Report on Investigation into Potential Connectedness Betwixt Sure Diets and Cases of Canine Middle Disease (June 2019)
• FDA Provides Update on Investigation into Potential Connectedness Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease (February 2019)
• FDA Investigating Potential Connectedness Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Illness (July 2018)
• Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association - Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? (December 2018)
• FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Sure Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy Feb 2019 Update

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Source: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

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