FDA Reveals These 16 Dog Food Brands Are Possibly Linked Linked to Hea

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
The Food and Drug Administration published a report following their investigation of pet foods in which they identify certain dog food brands that have been frequently related to heart issues in dogs.


We all want what’s best for our pets- and a healthy diet certainly makes the top priority. But, managing to create a wholesome, nutritious diet for our dogs is not always easy. Despite the countless brands and types of food available, making the best decision for our pets has never been more difficult. However, the newest investigative report of The Food and Drug Administration definitely makes the choice of dry food a bit easier for dog owners- as it reveals 16 dog food brands are possibly linked linked with heart disease in dogs.


Last year, FDA started investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs who were fed a “grain-free” dry food diet. A genetic predisposition did play a role in DCM cases, but there have been reports of breeds who weren’t prone to heart diseases that had developed DCM and have been eating grain-free kibble. As the illness is a serious one, that can often have fatal results, the FDA didn’t want to risk waiting for more scientific studies on the exact influence of genes vs nutrition before revealing the brands that have been most frequently connected to canine dilated cardiomyopathy.


The list of brands includes Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature’s Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature’s Variety, NutriSource, Nutro and Rachael Ray Nutrish. This is a descending order of food brands with most incidents, so you can see which of them carry the most risk. The Food and Drug Administration still points out that there are more studies to be done before we can know with certainty if a grain-free diet truly is harming the health of dogs or not.


Until then, though, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious- especially if you have a large breed dog, as they are naturally more prone to developing canine dilated cardiomyopathy.

Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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