Grain Free dog food and DCM Concerns

• the types of diets they have been fed
• what brands of food have been fed
• what ingredients they contain

• 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
• Rachael Ray Nutrish

• Mars Petcare/Royal Canin
• Nestle Purina Petcare
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• Smucker
• General Mills/Blue Buffalo

Unfortunately, data such as this has generated some attention grabbing headlines and stories in various news and social media outlets.

However, the fact is that the FDA have NOT found any specific causative link between any particular brand or type of diet (e.g. Grain Free) or ingredient (e.g. peas, lentils, sweet potatoes) and DCM.




Facts & Figures

Given that an estimated 22 million dogs in the USA are fed Grain Free food; and Grain Free foods have been available for over 10 years with no problems reported, the number of dogs affected in the last year (560) is a tiny fraction (0.002%) and suggests that there is not a general problem with Grain Free diets themselves.

Furthermore, there is no similar issue in the UK or Europe, where Grain Free diets are also widely consumed by dogs and cats.




Causes Unknown

The cause(s) for the increase in cases of atypical DCM remains unknown.

The FDA is continuing it's investigation, working with scientists and nutritionists in the Veterinary Laboratory and Investigation Response Network (Vet-LIRN) and also with veterinary cardiologists.

In the meantime, it is important to remember that no causative link between Grain Free diets and DCM has been made and analysis of Grain Free foods reported in DCM cases for levels of minerals, amino acids and other nutrients as well as contaminants such as metals, have not found anything unusual, compared to grain based foods.
 

Possible Causes 

There could be several nutritional factors in play in the cases of DCM currently under investigation and protein deficiency is likely a big contributor.

Protein deficiency in pet food can be caused by - 

• Excessive levels of carbohydrates and/or excessive fat in meats
• Processing methods
• Poor quality raw ingredients
• Synthetic add-ins

Our preparation process for our grain free range outlined for your peace of mind -

• Our carbohydrate levels in our grain free foods are enough to be a sufficient energy source and we only use high quality lean meats without excessive unhealthy fats
• Our unique cooking method is a first in dry pet food manufacturing which allows for increased bio-availability of nutrients, meaning less nutrients from ingredients are being destroyed in the cooking process, unlike the typical brand, to ensure your pets are getting the most from their delicious meals. The technology also allows more fresh ingredients to be used than any other system in the world. 
• All ingredients are subjected to a number of quality checks to ensure only the best ingredients are accepted for use in our products. Ingredients are responsibly sourced and fully traceable from trusted farms, then cold chain transported to ensure maximum freshness ready for production, then other fresh ingredients are added from a vast selection, cooked at a gentle temperature to keep in the freshness while protecting those all important proteins and nutrients.
• We use natural ingredients so no synthetic add-ins are used which will affect the quality of the proteins

Our Superior Quality Grain Free diets

Our Grain Free ranges contain between 50-75% total animal ingredients/proteins and is, of course, formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced for the relevant species and life stage in accordance with FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complimentary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs.

They also undergo analytical testing prior to release to ensure they are compliant with FEDIAF requirements.

As such, they therefore provide all the nutrients needed for every day good health and wellbeing in normal, healthy dogs and cats.

You can view our Gourmet Grain Free ranges below -

• Gourmet Grain Free dog food
• Gourmet Grain Free cat food

Importance of Taurine

Low blood levels of Taurine are linked with DCM in some dogs.

Animal protein is a rich source of Taurine and the amino acids Methionine and Cysteine (which dogs can convert into Taurine). 

Our Grain Free range contains high levels of both freshly prepared and dried animal protein sources to provide these important nutrients to help alleviate fears.




Future Developments

We will continue to have this issue and the research being conducted, monitored and will provide an update of any future developments.

*Please note that since this article was written, some findings (which we are happy to say are positive) have been released by the FDA. 

You can find out more by clicking on the following link -

https://www.harrierpropetfoods.co.uk/blogs/helpful-articles/no-grain-free-dog-food-link-to-dcm-dilated-cardiomyopathy




Further Questions

If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at - info@harrierpropetfoods.co.uk so we can forward your questions to our Technical Services Department.




Still Concerned?

If the issue still causes you concern and you prefer to move away from Grain Free diets, you could always try our Natural & Hypoallergenic range or Hypoallergenic Premium range, which are both still fantastic for food allergies and intolerances, providing your pets do not have an issue with grains of course.

You can view our Natural & Hypoallergenic ranges for dogs and cats below -

• Natural & Hypoallergenic dog food range
• Natural & Hypoallergenic cat food range

Our Hypoallergenic Premium ranges for dogs and cats can be found below -

• Hypoallergenic Premium dog food range
• Hypoallergenic Premium cat food range

We hope you have found this helpful and that it has answered many of the questions you may have wondered about.