Potential connection between certain diets and canine DCM
A question of food safety has been raised in our industry regarding a link between dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM and certain diets for dogs. As in the past, with any question that has arisen, the concern is taken very seriously and we let science be our guide. The difficult part of this is science moves at a much slower pace than traditional and social media where a frenzy has been created causing worry and stress among pet families. The reality is it will take time for the full scientific picture to form and as the FDA stated, it doesn’t yet know how certain diets may be associated with DCM in dogs.
What we can report is that the companies listed in the most recent update from the FDA have jumped in to work with the FDA to help with ongoing research and have also made themselves available to customers to answer direct questions about their brands. We recommend following updates from the FDA and the food companies who are working with the FDA to evaluate them by their actions, not solely media reports and social media discussions.
“We know it can be devastating to suddenly learn that your previously healthy pet has a potentially life-threatening disease like DCM. That’s why the FDA is committed to continuing our collaborative scientific investigation into the possible link between DCM and certain pet foods,” said Steven M. Solomon, D.V.M., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “Our ongoing work in this area is a top priority for the FDA, and as our investigation unfolds and we learn more about this issue, we will make additional updates to the public. In the meantime, because we have not yet determined the nature of this potential link, we continue to encourage consumers to work closely with their veterinarians, who may consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, to select the best diet for their pets’ needs.”
PIJAC Canada will continue to monitor this closely. We are hopeful the research progresses quickly and will provide a conclusion based on rigorous scientific method.
