In 2018, the FDA announced an investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here’s what we actually know.
The Real Issue Isn’t Grain-Free
The FDA’s investigation pointed not at the absence of grains but at the presence of high quantities of legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) and potatoes as replacement ingredients. Many grain-free formulas use these as fillers, and they may interfere with taurine absorption.
What to Look For
Choose foods where the first three ingredients are named animal proteins. Avoid formulas where legumes or potatoes appear in the top five ingredients. And consult your veterinarian — not marketing copy — when making decisions about your dog’s nutrition.