Grain fed dogs

[Newt]

"The Food and Drug Administration identified 16 brands of dog food that had been linked to heart disease in dogs that eat them, according to a report the agency published on Thursday.

In the report, the F.D.A. named for the first time the pet food brands most frequently associated with adverse events. In descending order of most incidents of heart disease, the brands are Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature’s Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature’s Variety, NutriSource, Nutro and Rachael Ray Nutrish.

The heart condition examined in the report, canine dilated cardiomyopathy, often results in heart failure and is believed to have a genetic component, according to the report.

Most of the dog foods listed are usually labeled “grain-free” and contain a large proportion of peas, lentils, legume seeds or potatoes, according to the report. Many of the dogs researched in the investigation did not have a genetic predisposition to the condition, the F.D.A. said.



John de Jong, president of the AVMA veterinary association, said on Saturday, but the F.D.A. found a trend and is informing consumers of it.

“The F.D.A. has a responsibility that if it is more than five or 10 isolated cases, that is something to be reported,” Dr. de Jong said.

“It is not five million dogs; it’s still a small amount,” he added. “I would also caution the consumer not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Cardiomyopathy affects dogs by thinning the left ventricle of the heart, the last place blood rests before the heart pumps it out, Dr. de Jong explained. That weakens the heart, which means fluid can enter a dog’s lungs, causing a cough or illness. The disease can be treated with medication if caught early, he said.

Dr. de Jong said the trend of not having grain in a dog’s diet might be a culprit.

“The whole grain-free thing is a popular myth,” Dr. de Jong said. “If they look at the dogs’ relatives in the wild, like coyotes, wolves and hyenas, they live on their prey. Those animals they prey on are typically herbivores, so they are ingesting grains anyway.”

Over all, the best thing a dog owner could do is consult with a veterinarian, Dr. de Jong said."

https://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?artic ... zddrnTVe6k

[Aubrey Holcombe]

Very Interesting Newt.. Thanks for Posting.
D.R.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>>

[warddog]

I have been involved in this BIG debate about grains in dog food several times and it seems that there may be something to what I have been saying for quite some time. I also believe that very high protein percentages are a culprit to animal health as well. If left to nature as the article states animals will eat what is available and most of it is NOT man made super protein feeds.