A recently published peer-reviewed study reveals no clear connection between DCM and grain free dog food.

In recent years, US regulatory agencies and veterinary professionals have pointed out a possible link between grain free diets, taurine deficiency and novel proteins, and an increased prevalence of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), occurring especially in dogs.

DCM is a disease affecting dogs and cats, which is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition and may also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies.

The potential link between grain free diets and DCM created great uncertainty and confusion among Pet owners, the Veterinary community and the Petfood industry. The present disease has been the ground for further investigation by the scientific sector, since it represents a complex issue that may involve multiple factors.

However, no clear evidence or confirmed link between grain free diets and DCM has been established so far.

After intensive research and an extended literature review compiling 150 studies (McCauley et al. 2020), no clear evidence on a direct link  between grain free diet on DCM could be confirmed (Petfood Industry magazine). The present documentation process needs to continue and be systematized in order to get more insight on the risk factors interplaying in the development of the disease.

Literature

• Sydney R McCauley, Stephanie D Clark, Bradley W Quest, Renee M Streeter, Eva M Oxford (2020) “Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns”. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 98, Issue 6, June 2020, skaa155. https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/98/6/skaa155/5857674
• Petfood Industry magazine. “DCM study: no link to grain-free pet food, no closure” by Debbie Phillips-Donaldson. June 22, 2020 https://www.petfoodindustry.com/topics/490-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm