Grain-Free Pet Diets: What You Need To Know About Feeding Your Pets

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Are you feeding a grain-free diet to your pet? Grain-free diets are food plans that swap out grains for other nutrient-rich foods, including legumes, peas, potatoes and lentils.

Increasing numbers of pet owners are becoming aware — and skeptical — of the grain-free fad. If your pet has tested positive for a grain allergy, you may want to look into grain-free diet options. However, if this isn’t the case, you have more than enough reasons to be skeptical of the trend.

What Is Dcm?

Between January 2014 and April 2019, there have been 524 case reports of diagnosed Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in pets. These findings, reported to the FDA, were found to have links to grain-free diets of some sort in dogs, cats and other animals. DCM is a type of heart disease that causes heart muscles to devitalize, making them incapable of pumping blood where it needs to go in the body.

What Kinds Of Dogs Are Most Susceptible To Dcm?

In the past, DCM was most often found in certain breeds — Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers and more. Today, the disease has been detected in breeds that weren’t known to get it in the past — breeds like Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs and Schnauzers.

What Is The Link Between Grain-Free Diets And Dcm?

The majority of dogs reported having DCM are on a grain-free diet of some sort. Today, Cardiologists investigating the trend are not sure what exactly is causing this link. It could be that a chemical compound in these foods is causing DCM to appear, or maybe it’s the lack of the amino acid Taurine. Historically, Taurine has been shown to cause this type of heart disease in cats.

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What To Do If You Think Your Dog Has Dcm?

To err on the side of caution, you may want to steer clear of grain-free diets for your pets, unless they have been tested positive for grain allergies. At University Animal Clinic, less than one percent of our food allergy pets develop an allergy to grains. Keep in mind, our food allergy dogs make up less than 10 percent of our population, which is quite a small number.

If you are having concerns about your pet and cannot come into our clinic, check out the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s website. This is an outstanding resource that presents information about DCM and grain-free diets in a way that’s easy to understand. We’d also suggest sticking to larger food brands for your pet because they have scientists and nutritionists behind them.

If you think your pet has DCM, contact a veterinarian for a thorough physical examination at our University Animal Clinic immediately. Symptoms of DCM include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Pale gums
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Fainting and weakness

Get The Best Treatment For Your Pets

If you suspect your pet may have DCM, don’t hesitate to call University Animal Clinic at (941) 253-5218 or schedule an appointment online. We’ll be more than happy to assist you. We serve the areas of Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch and can examine your pet for DCM and answer any questions you may have about grain-free pet diets.

What Our Clients Have To Say

Brought my baby ferret here, Dr. Sam was awesome about letting me ask all of my questions and giving me direct answers (really bothers me when we see a vet for our cats and can’t get clear answers).

Katie Martin

The staff and doctors were extremely helpful and kind. I feel confident in their ability to diagnose and treat my puppies. I’m so thankful they were referred to me by a friend.

Patty Sisson

Most caring and helpful Vet ever. The staff are amazing and are so wonderful with all pets. They take amazing care of my two fur babies. I wouldn’t trust my two pups with anyone else. You can really tell how much the love animals.

Jean Hamilton

By far the best vet I have ever been to! We just moved to the area and by some horrible chance had two pet emergencies in our first month with my pets, Moose and Thor. Not only did they get us in same day..

Joe R

Incredibly grateful to the staff of University Animal Clinic. We have been a customer for over 20 years. They were able to take care of our dog Duke today for an unscheduled appointment for UTI. Couldn’t imagine going to anybody else.

Ellen Wolak

Very welcoming right from the moment I made the first appointment. Due to the COVID virus, I could not go in with my cat to see the vet but she called me and we had a great conversation. They took some blood and a few days later the vet called me with the results.

Cara Pabis

Awesome reptile vet! I thought there was a problem with my bearded dragon so I made an app to bring him in. Dr. Sara was knowledgeable, professional, and down to earth. UAC is clean and doesn’t smell like urine whatsoever. I love coming here and will continue to bring my pets here.

Tresha Keener

This was Tanks first visit and will be his only vet from now on!!! They were helpful, informative and friendly!! Thanks to everyone who works there!!! Tank had a great experience!

Dean Gibson

Yesterday was our first visit to this clinic. I brought my 6 year old Goffin Cockatoo Chance in for a wellness check and nail trim and also to discuss her ongoing feather plucking issues. Dr. Leigh Samanowitz was Amazing as were all the staff.

Margie Bauer

We’ve always had a great experience at University Animal Clinic. The doctors and team are all very knowledgeable and friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and work with you when it comes to scheduling appointments.

Natalie Platt