Diet-Mediated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Canine.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in canines. This condition is characterized by dilation and compromised contraction of the left or both heart ventricles. DCM has been the subject of much research in recent years. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised concerns about a potential link between pulse ingredient rich diets (grain-free diets) and DCM related to taurine deficiency. As a result, current research has focused on discerning a link between grain-free diets and the incidence of DCM. Recent research
has suggested a possible affiliation of DCM with a deficiency in other amino acids and their precursors as well.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is the second most common heart disease in canines. Concerns have arisen that the incidence of this condition is increasing. Previously, canine DCM was primarily
considered to be an inherited disease among specific breeds, however, there have been recent reports suggesting a possible link between certain types of diets and this disease. This condition is more prevalent in large and giant breeds . Veterinary cardiologists have reported subjectively
more frequent diagnoses of DCM in atypical breeds.
Recent studies have sought to investigate an increased incidence of DCM due to variety of factors. There may be a potential link between this condition and environmental/regional, breed-specific, and/or diet factors. Currently, research is primarily focused on diet mediated DCM, as concerns were raised by the FDA over incidence of this condition and grain-free pet food sales.4,15 An incidence rate of 0.4% was reported among all patients assessed at a specific veterinary teaching hospital in the United States from 1995-2010.
Adv Food Technol Nutr Sci Open J. 2023; 9(1): 6-10. doi: 10.17140/AFTNSOJ-9-179