Does Blue Buffalo cause heart disease in dogs? Surprising Answer

Why is the FDA Investigating DCM?

The FDA investigation began in July of 2018 because there was an increase in DCM cases in dog breeds that are not typically predisposed to the disease. Since many of the dogs ate grain-free pet food, the FDA opened the investigation to determine if this particular heart condition is connected to a grain-free diet. The study of DCM has since become a topic of interest in the pet food industry and veterinary communities. As of September, 2020, the FDA has announced that there are multiple factors at play – including nutrition, genetics and environmental elements – reiterating that this is a complex issue, and that it could take years to gain full clarity on the causes of DCM.

It can be “devastating” to learn your once-healthy pet has been diagnosed with DCM, Steven Solomon, director of the FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. Solomon said the FDA will continue its investigation into the potential link between a pets diet and heart disease.

Consumers were first warned last year by the FDA that there is a potential link between particular pet diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM — which can weaken a dogs heart and lead to cardiac failure — after the agency started receiving reports of the disease in breeds that were not commonly associated with DCM.

DCM is recognized as a genetic condition in dogs, commonly affecting larger breeds like the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound. However, the FDA began to investigate after receiving reports of the disease in breeds that dont normally suffer from the condition.

In a statement to CNBC, J.M. Smucker, which owns Natural Balance and Rachel Ray Delish, said: “As pet parents ourselves, we will continue to monitor this very closely, as we want to make sure all dogs are happy and healthy. Since a conclusive root cause has not been identified to date, we will continue to actively collaborate with the FDA and industry partners to better understand and resolve this increase in heart disease occurrences among dogs.”

There have been cases of DCM in dogs like Golden Retrievers, mutts, and Labrador Retrievers, as well as smaller dogs like the Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel, that the FDA believes could possibly be linked to diet.

Grain free pet foods have consumed the pet food market over the past few years. Made with meat and legumes that would be favored by the most health conscious person. They are promoted as being both healthy and nutritious, and similar to the protein rich diets our dogs’ ancestors may have eaten.

Grains are an important source of protein and other nutrients in many meat-based pet foods, she continued. “Grains have not been linked to any health problems except in the very rare situation when a pet has an allergy to a specific grain.”Some veterinary experts recommend that owners with dogs on such diets review the reasons for doing so with their veterinarians.DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT TAURINE LEVELS IN MY DOG’S FOOD?Taurine is an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets.Initial reports mentioned that foods low in taurine may be contributing to the increase in dog’s diagnosed with DCM. However, after some research it was concluded that most dogs diagnosed with DCM did not have low levels of taurine.WHAT DO I NEED TO WATCH FOR IN MY DOG IF I HAVE CONCERNS?Be sure to watch for early signs of heart disease. These include weakness, slowing down, reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath, coughing, or fainting. If you notice any of these, get your dog checked out by your veterinarian. They will listen for a heart murmur or abnormal heart rhythm (although not all dogs with DCM have any changes that can be heard with a stethoscope). Your veterinarian (or a veterinary cardiologist) may do additional tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, electrocardiogram, and ultrasound of the heart. An echocardiogram is the best test to diagnose DCM. Be sure to tell your veterinarian what you’re feeding your dog.HAS FOOD RELATED DCM BEEN SEEN IN CATS?The association between these diets and heart disease has only been reported in dogs so far. However, that doesn’t mean cats are immune.WHATS NEXT?The FDA is continuing to investigate and gather more information in an effort to identify whether there is a specific dietary link to development of DCM and will provide updates to the public as information develops.Hoffman, Jan “Popular Grain-free Dog Foods May Be Linked to Heart Disease” The New York Times July 24, 2018Please visit the

But, during the summer of 2018 the food and drug administration announced that they are investigating a link between these diets and a common type of heart disease found in dogs. The condition is called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (or DCM).UPDATED JUNE 29, 2019The FDA has named 16 brands of dog food 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.

A practice of 19 veterinary cardiologists in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, alerted the F.D.A. that it has been seeing DCM among other breeds, including Golden retrievers, doodle mixes, Labrador retrievers and Shih Tzus. The common factor was a diet containing peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes. These are the carbohydrates typically used to replace grains in grain-free foods. Other veterinary cardiologists have also noted the correlation with their patients.

Researchers do not know why these diets would be problematic. It may be the absence of grains, the presence of legumes, or something else. Suspected diets are those from boutique companies, contain exotic ingredients (exotic meats, vegetables, or fruits), or are grain free. We also have to take into consideration that not all pet food manufacturers have the same level of nutritional expertise and quality control, which could introduce potential issues with some products.

Is Blue Buffalo killing dogs?

DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen (congestive heart failure). If caught early, heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty breathing, coughing and fainting. DCM is typically seen in large breed dogs that have a genetic predisposition for it, like Doberman pinschers, Irish wolfhounds, boxers and Great Danes.

There have been no food recalls based on this study, and millions of dogs are happily eating these diets. So far the number of patients affected is small. The probability is low that most dogs eating any of these diets being questioned will develop DCM. However, given the fact that we don’t yet understand why these diets are affecting some dogs and because DCM is a life-threatening disease, you may want to reconsider your dog’s diet until we know more.

Raw or home-made diets are not safe alternatives either. Dogs have been diagnosed with DCM whom eat those types of diets as well. Raw and home-cooked diets may increase your dog’s risk for many other health problems. It’s best to stick with a commercial pet food made by a well-established manufacturer that contains common ingredients.

Dr. Lisa Freeman, a veterinary nutritionist and researcher with the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, sees this moment as an opportunity to view grain-free diets skeptically. “Contrary to advertising and popular belief, there is no research to demonstrate that grain-free diets offer any health benefits over diets that contain grains,” she said.