Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or DCM in dogs is a disease that makes it harder for the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system.

DCM has a huge genetic component that affects several breeds; primarily large and giant breed dogs.

It is particularly common in a few specific dog breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, Boxers and Cocker Spaniels. It has also been reported to occur in breeds that don’t usually get this disease, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers.

However, there are also systemic conditions that can cause the heart to contract poorly, which may contribute to the disease.

These conditions include:

Amino acid deficiencies (taurine in particular)

Low thyroid levels

Heart inflammation (myocarditis)

Prolonged rapid heart rate

Poor blood flow to the heart

Is DCM Linked to Grain-Free Foods?

In 2018 the FDA announced it was investigating a link between grain-free diets and taurine deficiency in dogs, which can lead to DCM in dogs.

However, in December 2022 the FDA announced it had insufficient data to establish causality among DCM case reports and pet food products ingested by afflicted dogs. More research suggests that the investigation was a false alarm and what the science makes clear is that DCM is largely an inherited disease.

The impact of dietary considerations on dogs who would likely develop DCM with age and genetic predisposition is unknown.

Therefore, when it comes to diet, the theory that legumes like peas and lentils or veggies like beet pulp and potatoes that are used in kibble as fillers instead of grains may inhibit the uptake of taurine and therefore in some cases cause DCM is not yet scientifically proven.

It is very important to understand that grains do not contain taurine.

Taurine is an amino acid which is mainly found in animal protein / meat. It is not present in plant protein sources such as grains and/or legumes. Unlike other amino acids, which are used mainly to build proteins and clump together, taurine is a loner and special attention should be given to it – either in making it or ingesting it… it is an important building block.

It has many special functions, including:

being a component of bile, which breaks down dietary fat;

 it’s vital for the proper function of muscles (especially the heart), eyes, brain, and the immune system; and

it has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Unlike cats, dogs can manufacture their own taurine.  Taurine can be synthesized in dogs from the precursor amino acids cysteine and methionine. But, with advancing age, taurine production decreases.  This means taurine production relies on adequate methionine and cysteine in the diet. So, the problem may be a deficiency of those amino acids, rather than a lack of taurine itself.

The microbiome may also play a major role in taurine deficiency. This turned out to be the primary factor in cats.  The taurine from bile is reabsorbed in the colon … but bacteria can “steal” taurine and prevent this crucial recycling.

It is important to make sure there is plenty of dietary taurine in your pet’s diet.

Feeding a balanced RAW diet which includes heart, organs, and plenty of red and dark muscle meat, dogs will get plenty of taurine and help avoid any deficiency. Poultry, fish, and seafood are also sources rich in taurine. Mussels are a great food source with high amounts, as well as manganese, zinc, iron, iodine, and Omega 3’s.

The amount of taurine in meat depends on how much work the muscle does. Darker meat indicates hard working muscles which are loaded with higher levels of this very important amino acid.

A variety of organ meats like tongue, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney will typically have high levels of taurine.

Smaller animals like rodents, birds, and fish/seafood have a higher concentrate of taurine than larger animals such as cows/sheep.

Plant proteins contain no taurine, so a vegetarian or vegan diet that’s not supplemented can cause taurine deficiency in dogs. To make sure your dog gets plenty of taurine, you will want to feed plenty of premium quality RAW meat.

Pawsome Raw balances all their meals with meat that is naturally rich in taurine and making sure you feed keeping great heart health as a priority. 

For more information on top grade, premium quality nutrition for pets, Contact Pawsome Raw. We have Petfood Nutritionists that will assist you with advice on dealing with pets’ allergies.

www.pawsomeraw.com