Grain Free or Gluten Free Diet Update.

Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a list of 16 diets linked to a form of heart disease known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).  Although no recalls have been issued this matter is being closely monitored.   Specific Grain-free/Gluten-free formulations on this list are usually made with no corn, wheat, soy, or rice.  They may be made with Legumes, peas, lentils, potato or sweet potato. A suspicion of taurine deficiency maybe to blame in non-grain diet. 

Unless a pet has specific reason for using a grain-free diet I would suggest not using it until this investigation shows more clarity.  You may switch to a diet in the same brand with a different formulation that includes some of the above named grain.  Gradual diet change is recommended to allow pet to become accustomed to a new formulation.

My advice for choosing brands is to stick to those made by large, experienced manufacturers who invest in (and publish) research, have comprehensive quality control including nutritional adequacy testing, have qualified nutritionists on staff (board certified veterinary nutritionists or well-trained PhD companion animal nutritionists), etc. There is a list of these guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association- see link e.

These guidelines encompass a range of brands to meet most philosophies, price points, store types, marketing categories, etc (Purina brands: ProPlan, Merrick, Chow, ONE, etc.; Hill's brands: Science Diet, Healthy Advantage, etc.; Mars brands: Royal Canin, Iams, Eukanuba, Nutro, Pedigree, etc).

I still advise use of the uncommon/limited and hydrolyzed ingredient diets in the veterinary therapeutic lines we carry (Purina, RC, and Hill's). Diets best suited for dogs with specific food allergy conditions.

Owners (and their Veterinarians) are asked to report any possible suspect cases of dogs diagnosed with DCM who have been on Grain-Free diets to the FDA.

Further information including the brands list (Starting with Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild) can be found on the following websites:  

www.fda.gov,   www.wsava.org,  www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu