We know that when you choose a diet for your pet, you want it to be of the absolute best quality. With so many options available for purchase, it can be hard to parse out the best one, especially if you factor in things like your pet's medical history or age. That's why we feel it's incredibly important to discuss diets with your vet. Here are a few factors to consider when browsing the pet food aisles.
Is It Grain-Free?
We hope not! The FDA conducted a study in 2018 that found a potential link between grain-free diets and dogs developing DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) later in life. Most of these grain-free diets can be referred to as "boutique" or "designer" and often take our own personal diet fads into account over the factual nutritional needs of our animals. These brands and their diets are not as veterinarian approved as they claim to be, though their marketing will always boast otherwise. So, we recommend that all dogs remain on or switch to a grain inclusive diet from a reputable company with clinically-tested diets following the nutritional requirements designated by AAFCO.
The information is a bit foggy regarding diet-related DCM in relation to cats, but there have been some reports that cats may be experiencing similar issues long-term. When looking to replace the presence of grain in diets, sometimes companies will look to things like peas, chickpeas, beans, etc. But studies are showing that these high-pulse diets may be causing DCM in cats as well. So, at this time we're recommending grain inclusive diets for cats as well, as there is no research showing that this is a harmful choice for them.
Contact Us Before Changing Your Pet's Diet
We want to make sure that your pet has the best chance at a long, happy, and healthy life. We need to look at the complete medical history to make decisions about what diet will be best suited to your pet's needs, whether you plan to make it at home or buy it at a pet store. Please alert us to any diet changes you intend to make for your pets so we can guide you on the path to achieving a nutritionally sound and safe diet choice.
