4 min read
Seemingly healthy grain-free pet diets aren’t helpful to a dog’s health. In fact, research shows they cause issues with the heart. Goodheart recommends against grain-free foods
A few years ago, Dr. Beth Spencer saw a sweet Pit Bull Terrier twice in two months for unrelated issues. The first visit required X-rays, which showed the dog’s heart was functioning normally. Just two months later, the dog was in heart failure! What changed?
The culprit was in his food bowl: The dog had been switched to a grain-free diet.
We understand why pet parents choose grain-free foods for their dogs. “They appeal to what we all want to do for our pets,” says Dr Spencer, Medical Director of Goodheart Broadway, “which is to feed them the best.”
At Goodheart, we do not recommend grain-free diets. Research shows they are consistently harmful to dogs’ hearts. Starting in 2019, the FDA linked BEG diets (BEG stands for boutique, exotic, and grain-free diets) to heart issues in dogs. Alongside veterinary cardiologists, the FDA monitored an increase in a specific type of heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The results confirmed an association between DCM and grain-free or boutique diets.
Yet, Dr Spencer confirms there is good news: most dogs recover and regain normal heart function once they return to an appropriately balanced food.
Here’s a quick reference guide on all things grain-free for your beloved pet.
Is it healthier for a dog to eat grain-free food?
No. Good marketing and human food trends have transformed a large share of the pet food marketplace into a potential landmine for dog health.
“Grain-free” means that the food doesn’t have normal carbohydrate sources in it. The food producers use alternatives like peas, lentils, and legumes, which are all linked to heart issues in dogs. Negative health effects in dog’s hearts build up over time.
At Goodheart, we spend a lot of time studying the science behind our veterinary recommendations so our patients can live long, healthy, and happy lives. We’ve never seen any evidence that these diets provided a benefit for dogs.
What happens to my dog if he’s on a grain-free diet?
The heart is a strong organ of muscles that acts as a pump to push blood throughout the pet’s body. When the heart muscle is healthy, it pumps very efficiently.
The negative health effects of a grain-free diet build up over time.
When DCM sets in, the heart muscle becomes thin and stretched out. It cannot effectively pump blood around your pet’s body.
Can my pet recover from a grain-free or BEG diet?
Yes. Let’s talk so we can help you switch your dog’s diet. Luckily, we’ve seen research and cases in our own hospitals where dogs gradually heal once we get them on a healthier diet free of peas, lentils, beans, etc.
Dr Beth Spencer spoke with Fox31 in 2020 about this subject. “Talk to your veterinarian. Make sure they are involved and that you’re having a conversation about your dog’s diet.”
Why is grain-free dog food so popular?
We treat our pets more and more like our children—we buy them toys, send them to daycare, and primp them at pet spas. These and more are normal activities. So, it’s not surprising that we want to feed them like our children, too.
The rise in popularity of gluten-free diets for humans created a similar trend for pets. However, pets have different nutritional needs from people.
“There is so much great marketing out there and good marketing doesn’t always equate with good food,” says Dr Spencer. “I asked one company what science they base their diet on. They said, we just put in whatever people want,” she notes. “I want ice cream all the time, but that doesn’t make it good nutrition!”
What kinds of food should my dog eat?
So, ignore the fancy marketing and beautiful packaging. What’s most important is a research-based pet food that offers your dog balanced nutrition, says Dr Spencer.
Goodheart is focused on pet nutrition and will ask about it at your yearly wellness visit.
Your pet’s age dictates different needs for growth, weight maintenance, and performance. At Goodheart, we’ll guide you on decisions for each stage of life.
If needed, we’ll review diets that offer nutrition to help with medical conditions.
At Goodheart, we’re passionate about your pet’s well-being. We’d love to chat about your pet’s dietary needs in more detail. Call us anytime. Or book your pet’s appointment online. We’re here for you 24/7.