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Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM is a condition that weakens the heart muscle, causing heart disease in dogs. Certain breeds of dogs have a propensity for this condition including, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Dobermans, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards. Recently DCM has developed in dogs of other breeds secondary to a taurine deficiency.
The FDA began investigating the possible link between diet and DCM last summer. As of July 2019, the FDA has no scientific data on the cause of DCM and whether or not diet is involved.
All of this can be extremely frightening and confusing to dog owners seeking answers. In an effort to put this situation into perspective, we are providing useful information and links for anxious owners. One of the areas most trusted holistic veterinarians, Dr. Doug Knueven has written about this subject and advocates a raw diet.
Click Here to read the article. In his book,
The Holistic Health Guide, Dr. Knueven said, "According to a survey published in the
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, nutrition training in veterinary schools is inadequate and the quality of continuing education on nutrition is inferior." When you also consider that veterinary schools are funded by huge pet food corporations, it makes sense to listen a veterinarian who has a nutritional background.
First and foremost, don't panic. DCM is a serious but rare condition. There are over 70 million pet dogs in the United States. As of 2017 only 515 cases of DCM have been reported. At this time, the FDA is not recommending any dietary changes.
However, if you own a breed that is susceptible to DCM, consult with your breeder or holistic veterinarian about your dog's diet.
Here are some links from a few of our vendors so that you can learn more about this issue:
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