Veterinarians receive VIN Veritas Award for research on diet-related canine dilated cardiomyopathy

Photo: RubenPH/Adobe Stock

The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) recently announced the winners of its 3rd VIN Veritas Award, which is bestowed yearly. The recipients of the award for 2024 went out to Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition); Kim Skibbe, DVM; and Caitlin Holly, DVM. They were awarded as a result of their research and advocacy on the ongoing investigation into the relationship between grain-free dog food and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM),¹ a serious and potentially deadly disease.²

The VIN Veritas award is given to colleagues who exhibit exceptional courage and integrity in the service of science and truth. Nominations are sought from veterinary professionals, and a committee selects the recipient(s) each year.¹ Last year, VIN awarded Brennan McKenzie, VMD, MS (Physiology and Behavioral Biology), MS (Epidemiology) for his commitment to advocating evidence-based veterinary medicine.¹

The puzzling link between canine DCM and grain-free diets

In 2018, the FDA began investigating reports of dogs who were following grain-free diets after veterinarians began observing a rising incidence of DCM in dogs.^2,3 Certain breeds of dogs are known to be predisposed to DCM. However, the affected dogs did not belong to any of these breeds. Notwithstanding their breed, the canines diagnosed with DCM shared a common factor: they were fed either grain-free diets or "boutique" diets containing non-traditional ingredients that contained legumes or “pulses,” such as peas, lentils and beans; or that were grain-free and contained potatoes instead.^2,3

Between January 2018 and April 2019, the FDA received reports of 553 dogs diagnosed with DCM, marking a stark contrast to previous years, when reports ranged from 0 to 3 cases. Breeds affected included 95 golden retrievers, 62 mixed-breed dogs, 47 labrador retrievers, 25 great danes, and more than 50 other breeds with multiple reports.² The FDA identified 16 dog food companies linked to 10 or more DCM cases associated with their products. The majority of the diets (more than 90%) were grain-free. 93% of them contained peas or lentils, and a much smaller percentage contained potatoes. However, testing showed that these foods had comparable average percentages of protein, fat, taurine, and taurine precursors as products that did contain grains.²

Most dogs typically consume grain-free diets for a prolonged period, sometimes a year or more, before they show signs of diet-related DCM.² Still, according to the AKC, one study found that dogs fed a high pea-based diet showed enlargement of the left ventricle of their heart after only 3 months. Moreover, changes to the heart like these can happen long before signs associated to heart failure appear, suggesting that there may be more affected dogs than those reported.²

The reasoning behind the relationship between these grain-free canine foods and an increase in DCM in breeds not commonly predisposed to the condition remains unclear. Still, a clear indication of correlation persists, underscoring the need for continued investigation and caution among the public.¹

References

1. Third annual VIN Veritas Award winners named. News release. Veterinary Information Network. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-annual-vin-veritas-award-winners-named-302192016.html
2. Coile C. Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: Closer to solving the mystery? American Kennel Club. April 16, 2024. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dogs-update/#:~:text=At%20first%2C%20grain%2Dfree%20diets,chickpeas%2C%20and%20dry%20beans).
3. FDA investigation into potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. United States Food and Drug Administration. December 23, 2022. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy