New Report Links Heart Disease in Dogs to Diet Containing Potatoes

Dog owners – we wanted to bring your attention to recent headlines making the news about certain types of dry dog food potentially causing heart disease in canines. Here’s what we know so far…Last week, the FDA issued the following warning:“We are concerned about reports of canine heart disease, known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), in dogs that ate certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legumes or potatoes as their main ingredients. These reports are highly unusual as they are occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease,” said Martine Hartogensis, D.V.M., deputy director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Surveillance and Compliance. “The FDA is investigating the potential link between DCM and these foods. We encourage pet owners and veterinarians to report DCM cases in dogs who are not predisposed to the disease.”The FDA is in contact with pet food manufacturing companies as well as veterinarians about this possible link, and they are encouraging dog owners and vets to report cases in dogs who are not predisposed to the disease. So far, cases have come forward in larger breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs. Breeds that are typically at risk for DCM include Cavelier King Charles Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards.We will keep everyone posted as we learn more about this investigation.To read more, click here: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/FDAInBrief/ucm613355.htm