Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs Study
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Dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in large and giant breed dogs who are middle-aged and older. Changes from DCM lead to decreasing heart contractility, resulting in congestive heart failure, eventual heart failure, and death. The disease is usually genetic, but recently there has been an increased occurrence in dogs without a genetic predisposition for DCM. Observation of dietary commonalities in these dogs prompted concern that nutrition may also play a role in DCM development. The AKC Canine Health Foundation funded a study Grant 02661: Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs. Initial results for this study were published in 2021 The results of this study demonstrate no clear answers to this problem, however, this study suggests that grain-free diets and diets with peas, lentils, or potatoes in the top ten ingredients may hurt the heart tissues in dogs.
Please refer to the attached file to read the publication “Effect of type of diet on blood and plasma taurine concentrations, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiograms in 4 dog breeds” J Vet Intern Med. 2021 Mar;35(2):771-779.
Dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) is one of the most common heart diseases in large and giant breed dogs who are middle-aged and older. Changes from DCM lead to decreasing heart contractility, resulting in congestive heart failure, eventual heart failure, and death. The disease is usually genetic, but recently there has been an increased occurrence in dogs without a genetic predisposition for DCM. Observation of dietary commonalities in these dogs prompted concern that nutrition may also play a role in DCM development. The AKC Canine Health Foundation funded a study Grant 02661: Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs. Initial results for this study were published in 2021 The results of this study demonstrate no clear answers to this problem, however, this study suggests that grain-free diets and diets with peas, lentils, or potatoes in the top ten ingredients may hurt the heart tissues in dogs.
Please refer to the attached file to read the publication “Effect of type of diet on blood and plasma taurine concentrations, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiograms in 4 dog breeds” J Vet Intern Med. 2021 Mar;35(2):771-779.