Although dog owners feed their dogs a grain-free diet with good intentions, this may not be the best option.
According to Emily Wilson, DVM, a veterinarian with Fuzzy, a pet telemedicine firm, the FDA has warned pet owners that a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may be related to grain-free diets.
Heart muscle disorder called DCM can expand the heart, which impairs the heart's capacity to pump blood effectively.
Symptoms that DCM can cause
heart flutters
Arrhythmias
Collapse incidents
Intolerance to exercise
enlarged heart disease
This issue is thought to be caused by the large proportion of legumes in grain-free diets.
Because they provide a source of plant-based protein, legumes have previously been utilized in dog food diets.
The advantages of grain-free dog food for health
According to Wilson, there isn't enough credible scientific evidence to support the advantages of feeding your dog a grain-free diet.
The sole advantage of grain-free dog food is if your dog has a specific grain allergy.
Then, your doctor might suggest a diet free of grains.
Grain allergies are extremely uncommon, according to Wilson, and dog food allergies are typically related to the protein source rather than the grain source.
There was a perception that grain was somehow a nutritional "villain," and eliminating it completely was the next big thing, according to Greenstein. However, very few pet owners actually needed to avoid grain-containing diets for medical reasons.