Concerns over some dog foods causing heart disease (2024)

FAQs

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.

Some balanced diets include Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Cardiac, Rayne Clinical Nutrition™ Restrict-CKD™, or Hill's® Prescription Diet® h/d®. Your veterinarian will help you determine the most appropriate nutrient profile at each stage of your dog's heart disease progression.

Owing to the potential presence of loose metal pieces in certain bags, Mars Petcare US issued a limited voluntary recall on May 17, 2024, for 315 bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food.

What ingredients are linked to diet-associated cardiomyopathy in dogs? Most of the foods in reported cases of diet-associated DCM contain high levels of legumes, also called pulse ingredients, such as peas, garbanzo beans, and lentils as the primary source of carbohydrates.

Generally, dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure can live anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 or 2 years.

At-Home Meal Preparation For Dogs With Heart Disease

Below are some pointers on what you should and should not feed your pooch: Meat must be fresh (this is usually lower in sodium) and it is advised to stick to (lean) beef, pork, and chicken.

FDA cites Blue Buffalo and 15 other brands that might be linked to dog heart failure. Wilton-based Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc. is one of 16 dog food brands cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as being a probable contributing cause of canine congestive heart failure.

This means that when considering the best protein sources for your dog's heart health, it's not enough to just look for a food with high protein content. The amino acid composition of the food is essential. Examples of high biological value (BV) proteins include: Whole eggs.

What is the Purina controversy? ›

The FDA noted a rise in adverse event reports related to pet food, especially products by Nestle Purina Pet Care, from November 22, 2023, to April 15, 2024. Reports included gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and neurological symptoms in pets. FDA Follow-Up Process: The FDA received around 1,300 adverse event reports.

On January 15, 2024 Purina Pet Food made the following public statement: “Pet parents continue to be understandably scared by an online rumor that there is an issue with Purina pet foods. This rumor is false, and we are saddened to see the confusion and fear that it has caused for pet owners.

Bacon is one meat that your dog shouldn't consume for a number of reasons. One of the main concerns of bacon is the high level of salt, which is known for causing adverse health effects in dogs that range from disagreeing digestive systems to untimely deaths.

Signs of heart disease are usually easier to see in dogs and less detectable in cats. Regardless, if your dog or cat has recently fainted, has a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or noticeable abdominal swelling, call your vet right away.

Older large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Doberman Pinschers, are prone to DCM. Myocarditis - Myocarditis is a heart disease that causes the heart muscle to swell in dogs. Myocarditis often has no symptoms until it is severe enough to cause heart failure.

If the problem is caused by a congenital condition (a heart defect that the dog has had since birth), surgical repair may be an option. In most cases, however, the problem cannot be cured, but treatment can help improve dogs' quality and length of life.

Congestive heart failure in dogs can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing, but it is not typically a painful death.