Hi Green Spotters! The FDA quietly released an update on non-hereditary DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs. Here's what we know.

What's a Pulse Ingredient?
Before we look at the update, we'll be talking about the term "pulse ingredient/pulses"... so what is a pulse ingredient? Pulses are a subset of legumes, harvested as a dry crop with low concentrations of lipids. They include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. Pulses are included in dry dog food as sources of protein and fiber. Pulse ingredients are commonly included in grain-free diets but also appear in grain-inclusive diets. The FDA has targeted pulse-containing and grain-free diets in its studies of non-hereditary DCM since 2018.

The FDA's Update
In its most recent update, the FDA stated it had insufficient data to establish causality among DCM case reports and pet food products eaten by afflicted dogs. The 'FDA's Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs' was updated with new information on December 22nd, 2022. The FDA will not provide further routine updates on this matter unless substantive scientific information comes to light. 

In reference to dry foods containing pulse ingredients and/or grain-free food formulations, the FDA says:
"The FDA does not know the specific connection between these diets and cases of non-hereditary DCM and is continuing to explore the role of genetics, underlying medical conditions, and/or other factors."

The FDA's full update can be read here                 

Still Have Concerns?
We hear ya, we're dog moms and dads ourselves! Just like you, we want the best for our beloved pups, so we understand being concerned about health issues. 
Many options are available if the unknown possibility of diet-related DCM still concerns you. These are our two favorite options:                 

  • Raw or Gently Cooked:  Our favorite option is switching to a raw or gently cooked whole-food diet. Fresh diets have SO many benefits and do not contain pulse ingredients. Feeding a raw/fresh diet can do wonders for your dog's health and put your mind at ease.
  • Grain-Inclusive:  A second option is to switch to dry food without pulse ingredients. We have several other grain-free options that fit the bill and premium grain-inclusive options if that's a direction you'd like to explore. And as always, all dry foods we carry are free of corn, wheat, soy, and by-products.

In Closing
This is good news that helps us continue to feel comfortable feeding our own dogs pulse-containing dry foods. The FDA has found no correlation between DCM and the food eaten by the dogs in their study. We know our readers are conscientious pet parents. If you'd like to do some additional research, we recommend starting with Truth About Pet Food and Pet Product News. Best of all? The humans at The Green Spot at 72nd & Pacific in Omaha are here to support you and your pet! Have questions, or want to know more about the foods we carry? Reach out to our team on social media, at info@greenspotomaha.com or schedule a free, no-pressure pet nutrition consultation here: https://bit.ly/3viR5h5