Grain-free dog foods, especially those high in peas, lentils, and potatoes as primary ingredients, have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition, though the FDA's investigation is ongoing and the exact cause is complex. While no definitive ban exists, many vets recommend avoiding these legume-rich foods, especially for breeds not prone to DCM, as they may lack sufficient taurine. Brands frequently cited in reports include Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, and others using high levels of pulses.

What foods should dogs with heart disease avoid?

For dogs with heart disease, avoid high-sodium foods like cured meats, deli items, salty snacks, and most canned foods, as well as excessive milk products, while also being cautious with grain-free diets heavy in peas, lentils, or potatoes due to potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Focus on fresh, low-sodium ingredients, lean meats, and consult your vet for specific low-sodium or therapeutic cardiac diets to manage fluid buildup and support heart function. 

What is the leading cause of heart disease in dogs?

Roughly 95% of dog heart disease is acquired, usually as a result of general wear and tear on the heart, but occasionally through injury or infection.

What are the 16 dog foods linked to heart disease?

FDA names 16 brands of dog food linked to canine heart disease

• Acana.
• Zignature.
• Taste of the Wild.
• 4Health.
• Earthborn Holistic.
• Blue Buffalo.
• Nature's Domain.
• Fromm.

What ingredients are linked to heart disease in dogs?

DCM is a heart disease that weakens the heart muscle and affects blood circulation. Some dog foods with peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes as main ingredients may be linked to DCM.

Dog with heart disease showing improvements after switching from grain-free diet

What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?

Some of the top ingredients to watch out for include:

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate.
• Ethoxyquin.
• White Flour.
• Meat By-products and By-product Meals (Ambiguous filler)
• Carrageenan.
• MSG.

Are eggs good for dogs with heart disease?

Note that these points apply to humans as much as dogs. Eggs were given a bad rap for a few decades for being a significant causal factor in cholesterol, now completely disproven. In fact, eggs are shown to be preventative in heart disease!

Is peanut butter bad for dogs with heart disease?

Some dogs with underlying health conditions should avoid eating peanuts altogether, including: Dogs with heart disease or kidney issues. Peanut butter usually contains a lot of sodium or salt, which may worsen your dog's heart and kidney problems.

Did I cause my dog heart disease?

Some adult-onset heart disease can be due to a hereditary condition that progresses as the dog ages, eventually causing problems. The cause of most types of adult-onset heart disease is unknown, although genetics and lifestyle (weight, physical activity, and diet) may play an important role.

Why do vets not recommend grain free dog food?

Vets often discourage grain-free diets due to a potential link with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart disease, where peas, lentils, and potatoes often replace grains as main ingredients, potentially disrupting nutrient balance and heart function. While grains aren't inherently bad for most dogs, the surge in grain-free foods has coincided with unusual DCM cases in breeds not typically predisposed, prompting FDA investigation and caution from veterinarians who recommend grain-inclusive foods from brands with strong nutritional research, like those meeting WSAVA guidelines.

How to keep a dog from getting heart disease?

Here are five key ways to promote heart health for your furry friend:

1. Provide a Balanced Diet. High-quality food: Ensure your pet's diet is rich in the right nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. ...
2. Regular Exercise. ...
3. Regular Vet Check-ups. ...
4. Control Stress. ...
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight.

What is the most common cause of heart disease in dogs?

There's no single cause of heart disease in dogs. Aging, obesity, breed, and nutrition can all play a role. Heart valve problems are the most common issue and typically affect small breed dogs that are five years or older. No matter what heart condition your dog has, it's important to spot the signs early.

Is tuna good for dogs with heart disease?

Tuna is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins – all important nutrients for a dog's health and wellbeing. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the health of the skin, coat and cardiovascular system.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with heart disease?

Generally, dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure can live anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 or 2 years. Factors that impact how long a dog can live with this condition include: The dog's age. The severity of their condition.

What not to feed a dog with heart disease?

For dogs with heart disease, avoid high-sodium foods like cured meats, deli items, salty snacks, and most canned foods, as well as excessive milk products, while also being cautious with grain-free diets heavy in peas, lentils, or potatoes due to potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Focus on fresh, low-sodium ingredients, lean meats, and consult your vet for specific low-sodium or therapeutic cardiac diets to manage fluid buildup and support heart function. 

What is the #1 cause of death in dogs?

The leading cause of death in dogs overall is cancer, especially in older dogs, affecting about one in four dogs, with specific breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs being highly susceptible. However, causes vary significantly by age and breed, with younger dogs often dying from trauma, while older dogs and larger breeds face higher risks from organ system failures like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.
 

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

The 90/10 rule for dogs primarily means that 90% of their calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while treats, chews, and table scraps make up no more than the remaining 10% of daily caloric intake to prevent nutritional imbalance and obesity. Some training contexts also use the rule for behavior, meaning 90% of the time you're practicing a command (like a solid "stay") and 10% of the time you're rewarding it, or for leash walks, 90% structured heel, 10% sniff time.

What are the three super foods for dogs?

What Makes Superfoods for Dogs “Super”?

• #1 Blueberries. Blueberries are available all year, and whether fresh or frozen, are great training treats for your canine companion. ...
• #2 Goji Berries. Goji berries are typically sold dried and resemble red raisins. ...
• #3 Watermelon. ...
• #4 Broccoli. ...
• #5 Pumpkin. ...
• #12 Eggs. ...
• #16 Chia Seeds.

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