Pet Nutrition and Diet-Associated Heart Disease in Scottsdale, AZ
Nutrition plays a central role in managing many of the conditions our specialists treat, from inflammatory bowel disease to liver disease and bladder stones. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Aguirre and our internal medicine team carefully monitor research on diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and help families balance the benefits of therapeutic diets with potential risks.
The FDA Investigation Into Diet-Associated DCM
In June 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an update on its investigation into a possible link between certain diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, in dogs. The update included a list of pet food brands named in ten or more reports and the breeds most frequently reported, with many cases involving grain-free diets or diets high in peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes. While the update was a step toward greater understanding, the information remains challenging to interpret, and research is ongoing.
Each brand listed in the reports includes many different formulas with a variety of ingredients. Golden Retrievers were the most frequently reported breed, and Dr. Aguirre has recommended an alternative diet for this breed out of an abundance of caution.
Balancing Risk With Therapeutic Needs
For many of our patients, especially those with significant gastrointestinal disease, limited-ingredient and novel-protein diets are an essential part of treatment. Pets with inflammatory bowel disease may rely on these diets to control vomiting and diarrhea. Because there is not yet enough specific information to warrant a diet change for every patient, our team generally recommends continuing your pet’s current therapeutic diet unless otherwise advised.
As a precaution, Dr. Aguirre recommends measuring taurine levels and performing a baseline cardiac evaluation, which may include a cardiac ultrasound and chest radiographs, in patients who require a limited-ingredient diet as part of their inflammatory bowel disease treatment. Please contact us to schedule these baseline evaluations or if you have questions.
Nutrition in Specialty Medicine
Diet is a key part of treating and preventing many conditions, including:
- Bladder stones, where therapeutic diets can dissolve some stones and reduce recurrence
- Liver disease, including copper-restricted diets for copper-associated hepatitis
- Diabetes, where consistent, high-fiber or low-carbohydrate diets support blood sugar control
- Megaesophagus, where food consistency and feeding position make a major difference
- Kidney disease and ureteral obstruction, where hydration and diet support kidney health
Our internal medicine specialists tailor nutrition recommendations to each patient’s diagnosis. Prescription diets can be conveniently ordered through our online pharmacy.
Trusted Nutrition Resources
We encourage pet owners to explore the educational resources created by the Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University: Petfoodology. Browse all conditions we treat or learn what to expect at your visit.
Pet Nutrition FAQs
Should I stop feeding my dog a grain-free diet?
Not necessarily. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s breed, health conditions, and current diet before making changes.
What is diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy?
It is a heart muscle disease that the FDA has investigated for a possible link to certain diets, often grain-free or legume-rich formulas.
Why test taurine levels?
Low taurine has been associated with some cases of DCM, so testing helps identify pets who may be at risk.
Should my Golden Retriever change diets?
Out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Aguirre recommends an alternative diet for Golden Retrievers on implicated diets.
My pet needs a limited-ingredient diet for IBD. What should I do?
Continue the diet unless advised otherwise, and consider taurine testing and a baseline cardiac evaluation as a precaution.
Can diet help prevent bladder stones?
Yes. Therapeutic diets based on stone type can dissolve some stones and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Where can I find reliable nutrition information?
The Tufts University Petfoodology website is an excellent, science-based resource for pet owners.
Questions About Your Pet’s Diet?
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule a taurine test, cardiac evaluation, or nutrition consultation.