Could my dogs’ diet be a factor in whether they develop heart disease?

Yes, your dogs’ diet could be a factor in whether they develop heart disease, according to a new FDA report. The Food and Drug Administration announced that it is continuing to investigate a potential connection between certain diets and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, known as DCM or canine heart disease, which can result in congestive heart failure. The agency first announced the investigation in July 2018. The announcement named 16 pet food brands most frequently identified in 524 reported cases, which included 515 dogs and nine cats.

“We know it can be devastating to suddenly learn that your previously healthy pet has a potentially life-threatening disease like DCM,” Steven M. Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. “That’s why the FDA is committed to continuing our collaborative scientific investigation into the possible link between DCM and certain pet foods.”

Here are the 16 brands most frequently identified in the report and how many cases were reported to the FDA for each:

  • Acana: 67
  • Zignature: 64
  • Taste of the Wild: 53
  • 4Health: 32
  • Earthborn Holistic: 32
  • Blue Buffalo: 31
  • Nature’s Domain: 29
  • Fromm: 24
  • Merrick: 16
  • California Natural: 15
  • Natural Balance: 15
  • Orijen: 12
  • Nature’s Variety: 11
  • NutriSource: 10
  • Nutro: 10
  • Rachael Ray Nutrish: 10