Gluten-Free Diets for Dogs – What You Need to Know 

Humans aren’t the only ones partaking in the gluten-free diet fad.  So called “grain-free” dog foods have become popular these days, but the diets may not be good for your dog’s heart.  A recent investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils are linked to canine heart disease.

Grain-free dog foods are known to be close to “ancestral” diets, according to an article on the New York Times.  Some veterinarians have reported a link between these foods and a type of canine heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), In which the heart becomes enlarged and doesn’t pump blood properly.

Scientists are still investigating the link between grain-free dog foods and disease.  As always, we recommend that you speak with your veterinarian and dog nutritionist to determine the best diet for your four-legged friend.  In addition, if you suspect that your dog has heart disease which is tied to grain-free food, you are encouraged to report the case to the FDA’s electronic Safety Reporting Portal.