FDA approved DCM safe dog food list 2023. Also known as Grain Friendly, Wholesome Grains, Grain Inclusive, Healthy Grains. Look for dog foods that contain whole brown or white rice, oatmeal, barley, whole oat groats, spelt, millet, quinoa, sorghum.
16 Dog Foods to Avoid on the FDA’s DCM warning list first issued June 2018.
What is DCM – (Dilated cardiomyopathy)
What does the FDA consider a “main ingredient”?
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 fluids in the chest and abdomen (congestive heart failure).
What dog food is killing dogs?
About the FDA Dog Food Warning in June 2018 re: grain free dog food and DCM – List of 16 Dog Food Brands to Avoid:
This is still just a warning and NOT A RECALL, and as of today, the nature of a possible connection between food and DCM in dogs has not been determined. – Peas, Lentils, Legumes and Potatoes are suspected.
Dog Food Brands to Avoid – Many of the 16 dog foods on this warning list have been considered and promoted as top best dog foods on this and many other dog food review sites for years.
FDA Updates Re: Grain-free dog food and cardiomyopathy
PLEASE NOTE* update Dec. 2022 –
Many of the dog foods named as the 16 brands to avoid have new formulas without peas, lentils, legumes and potatoes, since the warning was issued in 2018. Look for your favorite dog food brand and see if they have a new formula marked grain friendly, or ancient grain formula. Many on the list of 16 to avoid have since produced this alternate choice.
PLEASE NOTE: update July 2021 –
From The FDA webpage posted on December 2022.
FDA was asked: ” Is FDA planning to continue naming the brands most associated with cases?”
FDA answer: No, we are not planning to update the commonly reported brands, as we are aware that several pet food companies have adjusted diet formulations since our initial announcements about DCM. We have asked pet food manufacturers to share diet formulation information, which could substantially benefit our understanding of the role of diet in these cases. We continue to encourage pet owners to discuss their animals’ diets with their veterinarians.”
Questions & Answers: FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Investigation into a Possible Connection Between Diet and Canine Heart Disease – MORE FDA INFO HERE
Of the dog-food brands on the FDA Dog Food Warning list, 91 per cent of the products were labelled grain-free (did not contain corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), while 93 per cent contained peas, lentils (including chickpeas and beans), or potatoes (including sweet potatoes).
What is the FDA grain free dog food and heart disease warning about and what should I do? So far, this is just a warning and not a recall. No specific dog food brands have been recalled, but ***DOG FOOD BRANDS HAVE BEEN NAMED IN FDA REPORT LISTED HERE.***
The FDA is reporting that Dogs fed “grain free” food based on Peas, Lentils, Legumes and Potatoes are developing an unusual condition that can cause an enlarged heart, leading to death.
What does the FDA consider a “main ingredient”?
There is formal definition for what qualifies as a “main ingredient.” The FDA considers a “main ingredient” to be the first 10 ingredients listed in a food’s ingredient list before the first vitamin or mineral ingredient.
What are legumes? What are pulses?
Legumes are part of the Fabaceae plant family and are the fruit or seed of these plants. Common legumes include peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts. Pulses are dry edible seeds of certain legume plants. Examples include dried beans, dried peas, chickpeas and lentils. Not all legumes are pulses, but all pulses are legumes. Legumes/pulses are used as an ingredient for both human and animal food and have become a common plant-based source of protein. Many of these ingredients have long been included in pet food. Recently, the proportion of legumes and/or pulses has increased significantly in certain diets, including many labeled as “grain-free” or “zero-grain.”
What to do now if you want to change your dog’s diet.
- Check these alternatives of healthy dog foods with wholesome grains, if you are looking for a change.
- If you want to switch off of the “grain free” food there are some DRY Dog Food Brands containing white/brown rice, which is a healthy alternative. Don’t ignore all the premium, high quality and healthy dog foods that do contain rice. Rice is a good carbohydrate.
- These “grain inclusive dog food brands” contain no potatoes, lentils, peas or legumes, which are under investigation.
- Check with your veterinarian.
- These Best DRY Dog Foods contain white/brown rice as the carbohydrate.
Look for healthy grains, such as whole brown or white rice, oatmeal, barley, whole oat groats, spelt, millet, quinoa, sorghum.
PLEASE NOTE*: Many of these brands on this warning list have upgraded to newer formulas without the peas, lentils, legumes & potatoes since this original warning. Many also made new formulas with what is considered a healthier carbohydrate such as these grains: whole brown or white rice, oatmeal, barley, whole oat groats, spelt, millet, quinoa, sorghum. Always check labels. 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. Rachael Ray Nutrish.
Looking to switch? Here are some Healthy Grain Friendly Dog Foods – Pea Free, Legume Free, Lentil Free & Potato Free Dog Food:
GRAIN FRIENDLY DOG FOODS:
Acana Wholesome Grains,
Wysong Epigen,
Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains,
Victor Dry,,
Zignature Select Cuts,
Instinct Be Natural by Nature’s Variety,
Nutro Ultra,
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains,
Holistic Select Natural,
First Mate,
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula,
Wellness Complete Health,
Farmina N & D Ancestral Grain,
Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food,
Eagle Pack,