"FDA Investigates Pet Food and Heart Disease: Key Facts to Understand"

The FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free pet foods and diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs since 2018. DCM is a condition where the heart weakens and enlarges, making it less efficient at pumping blood. The FDA has reported 1,382 cases of diet-related DCM in dogs and a smaller number in cats. A study suggests that high levels of peas in certain pet foods may be a culprit. While the FDA has not recalled any pet food products, experts recommend switching to a traditional diet if a dog shows signs of heart failure. The problem may be more widespread than reported, and more research is needed to understand the specific ingredients causing heart damage. Symptoms of heart failure in dogs include decreased activity, tiredness, coughing, and decreased appetite.