Bulletin: FDA Named 16 Dog Food Brands Involved in Official Reports of Heart Disease
Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 6/28/19NOTE:
NO LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PET FOODS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS FDA REPORT OR DCM.
In July of last year, the FDA's investigation of consumer reports concerning an increase in the number of incidents of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The dogs did not have a predisposition to DCM but they did frequently eat dog foods containing peas, lentils and other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients.
The FDA has updated their investigation into the DCM cases and named 16 brands eaten by dogs involved in the official report. Only brands named 10 or more times are in this list while some reports listed multiple brands and other listed none.
Top 16 Pet Food Brands Associated with DCM Cases:
(Original FDA Post, click here)
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
Officials said “The FDA is working with the pet food industry to better understand whether changes in ingredients, ingredient sourcing, processing or formulation may have contributed to the development of DCM."
If you or someone you know is feeding one of the brands listed above, now may be a good time to make the switch to a premium Life's Abundance diet. If you already feed Life's Abundance to your companion, you can remain confident in your choice and our commitment to helping families, including pets, live long, healthy lives!
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You may be aware that the FDA is alerting pet parents about reports of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and diets containing “peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.” In other words, ingredients typically found in raw, vegan, exotic, home-prepared and grain-free foods.
It is important to understand the FDA says “the underlying cause is not known, but it is thought to have a genetic component”. That is why there is an investigation of this issue.
At Life’s Abundance, we’re concerned, too. We have been involved in this discussion within the veterinary and nutritional communities, and are closely monitoring all developments. Below are answers to common questions you may have concerning this situation.
What is DCM?
It is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle that results in an enlarged heart.
Is DCM genetic?
Breeds more frequently affected include large and giant breed dogs. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs with some exceptions.
Which dogs are more likely to have DCM?
At present, it appears there may be three sub-sets of dogs to consider:
- Dogs that are genetically predisposed to DCM. Heart disease is common, affecting 10% of all dogs, with even higher rates in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, and Boxers.
- Dogs experiencing dietary taurine deficiency.
- Dogs susceptible to DCM for reasons unrelated to diet.
Is it safe to continue to feed Grain-Free food?
We have always held the position that taurine is important for dogs and include it in all of our dog food recipes, including Grain Free. What makes us different from most other brands is that we guarantee the amount of taurine in all of our dry dog food formulas. This means that each meal is guaranteed to supply your dog with this important nutrient!
What if I don’t want to feed grain free food?
If for any reason you do not feel comfortable continuing with a grain-free diet, it’s easy to switch to Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food containing grains and guaranteed taurine.
The FDA has compiles a list of questions you may have about the initial investigation, click here
