FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dear Client,

Thank you for reaching out to us with your concerns regarding the current research involving the link between certain pet diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Many reports from lay people, mainstream media, and social media outlets include alarmist information, such as erroneously stating there is definitive cause and effect. This is false, as the current FDA reports do not state that at all. Please, visit the FDA website for accurate information and for all of their updates:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

The choice of an animal’s (and human’s) diet involves numerous variables -- including the animal’s health status, age, what ingredients it tolerates, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. After reading the information from the FDA, if you are concerned about the risk of feeding your pet’s current diet, then you may want to consider other brands not on the FDA’s list. As a general rule, we support feeding commercial diets that have been formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionist and follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines.  AAFCO is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies. 

At this time, the medical research is ongoing. We will provide an update if we receive further information.

-- The Doctors and Staff at Memorial-610 Hospital for Animals