Do vets recommend grain or grain free

What Dog Owners Need to Know About the FDAs Grain-Free Diet Alert and DCM

TheFDA is investigatingpotential links between canine heart disease and diet specifically grain-free dog food diets.Weve compiled the information you need to know to understand this ongoing investigation.

Why Is the FDA Investigating Grain-Free Dog Food?

It is easy to panic anytime we see an FDA headline about pet food. After all, keeping our dogs healthy is essential to us, and we know that diet can make a big difference in a dogs well-being. We reached out to Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the AKC, to hear his thoughts on the ongoing FDA investigation.

The FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain grain-free dog foods. The foods of concern are those containing legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes listed as primary ingredients. The FDA began investigating this matter after it received reports of DCM in dogs that had been eating these diets for a period of months to years. DCM itself is not considered rare in dogs, but these reports are unusual because the disease occurred in breeds of dogs not typically prone to the disease.

Between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM (515 dogs, 9 cats), and most reports were submitted after the FDAs first public alert in July 2018. The total number of pets affected is greater than 524 because some reports included multi-pet households.

What is Canine Heart Disease or Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of canine heart disease that affects the heart muscle. The hearts of dogs with DCM have a decreased ability to pump blood, which often results in congestive heart failure.

Some breeds, especially large and giant breeds, have a predisposition to DCM. These breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. While DCM is less common in medium and small breeds, English and American Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed to this condition.

The reports submitted to the FDA span a wide range of breeds, including many without a known genetic predisposition. When early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicated that recent, atypical cases in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus all consistently ate grain alternatives in their diets, the FDA took notice.

Should you be Concerned About Grain-Free Dog Food?

In the FDAs July 2019 update on diet and canine heart disease, they examined labels of dog food products reported in DCM cases to determine whether the foods were grain-free (defined as no corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), and whether the foods contained peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, or potatoes (including sweet potatoes). Their report states that more than 90 percent of foods reported in DCM cases were grain-free, 93 percent of reported foods contained peas and/or lentils, and 42 percent contained potatoes/sweet potatoes.

According to Dr. Klein, At this time, there is no proof that these ingredients are the cause of DCM in a broader range of dogs, but dog owners should be aware of this alert from the FDA. The FDA continues to work with veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the effect, if any, of grain-free diets on dogs.

The FDAs July 2019 update includes the names of dog food brands that were named 10 times or more in reports submitted through April 30, 2019. Most reports were for dry dog food, but raw, semi-moist and wet foods were all represented.

• Acana (67 reports)
• Zignature (64 reports)
• Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
• 4Health (32 reports)
• Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
• Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
• Natures Domain (29 reports)
• Fromm (24 reports)
• Merrick (16 reports)
• California Natural (15 reports)
• Natural Balance (15 reports)
• Orijen (12 reports)
• Natures Variety (10 reports)
• Nutrisource (10 reports)
• Nutro (10 reports)
• Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)

In the Dec. 1 version of theJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, provided an update to the research on DCM and emphasized the issue is not just grain-free diets. She calls the suspected diets BEG diets (boutique companies,exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets).

The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits, Freeman wrote.

Freeman emphasizes that although there appears to be an association between DCM and BEG diets, the relationship has not yet been proven, and other factors may be equally or more important.

The FDA encourages pet owners to report cases of dogs and cats with DCM that they suspect to be linked to diet by using the Safety Reporting Portal.

As a general rule of thumb, the best thing you can do for your dogs dietary health is to consult your veterinarian. Togetheryou can weigh the pros and cons of your dogs diet, consider whether grain-inclusive dog food or grain-free dog food are right for your dog, and, if necessary, monitor your dog for signs of DCM.

Why Do Vets Not Like Grain Free Cat Food?

Vets do not like grain free cat food because it is not as nutritious as food that contains grain. Grain free cat food also tends to be more expensive than other types of cat food.

Is grain free cat food harmful to cats?

Grain free diets can be both healthy and harmful to cats. On the whole, a grain free diet may be better for cats with allergies or food intolerances as it eliminates some of the potential triggers.

However, some grain free diets are high in fat and may be harmful if not fed in moderation. Some grain free diets are also low in protein, which may not be sufficient for all cats.

In general, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting a grain free diet as any changes to a cats diet should be made cautiously.

Do cats need to eat grain free?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats need to eat grain free diets. Some cat owners may believe this is because grain free diets are healthier for their cats, but there is no evidence to support this claim either.

In fact, grain free diets can be high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can lead to health problems for cats.

Do vets recommend grain or grain free?

There is some debate on the subject of grain vs grain free diets for pets. Grain-free diets are increasingly popular with many people believing that they are healthier for their pets.

However, there is some evidence that grain-free diets may actually be more harmful to pets than diets that include grains.

Grain-free diets typically consist of a lower quality of dog food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. In addition, grains are a major source of fiber which is important for maintaining a healthy gut flora.

Pets that are fed a grain-free diet may develop problems with their gut health, such as constipation or diarrhea.

There is some evidence that grain-free diets may actually be more harmful to pets than diets that include grains.

Does grain free cat food cause heart problems in cats?

There is no definitive answer as to whether grain free cat food causes heart problems in cats, as there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some experts believe that because grain-free diets are high in fat and low in protein, they could potentially lead to health problems such as obesity and heart disease in cats.

Additionally, grain-free diets may not provide the essential nutrients that cats need to maintain a healthy heart, such as fiber and vitamins.

What is the healthiest cat food for cats?

The healthiest cat food for individual cats will vary depending on their specific dietary needs and preferences. However, some general recommendations for the healthiest cat food include foods that are high in protein, low in fat, and balanced in terms of other nutrients.

Some specific recommendations for the healthiest cat food include canned cat food, high-quality dry food, and specially formulated kitten food.

Should cats eat grain?

There is some debate as to whether cats should eat grain. Some experts believe that grain can cause health problems, while others believe that cats should eat a small amount of grain as part of their diet.

Grain can contain harmful compounds that can harm the digestive system and cause health problems such as obesity and diabetes in cats. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving your cat grain as part of their diet.

Why is grain free cat food better?

Grain free cat food is typically made without grains. This is because grains are a common allergen for cats.

Grains can cause allergic reactions in cats, including skin problems, asthma, and GI issues.

Grains are also a major source of calories for cats. A cats diet should consist of about 25% of their calories from protein and 75% from carbohydrates.

Grains can contribute a significant portion of a cats caloric intake, which can cause weight gain and other health problems.

Grain free cat food typically contains high quality proteins and other nutrients that are essential for a cats health. These foods are also less likely to cause allergies or other health problems in cats.

What is the best dry cat food recommended by vets?

There are a variety of different dry cat foods on the market, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. One of the most respected brands of dry cat food is Royal Canin.

Royal Canin is known for its high-quality ingredients and its focus on providing balanced nutrition for cats. Some other popular brands of dry cat food include Natures Variety, Wellness, and Hills. It is important to choose a brand of dry cat food that your cat will enjoy and that meets their specific nutritional needs.

Some other factors to consider when choosing a dry cat food include the ingredients list, the flavor, and the price.

What is the healthiest grain free cat food?

The healthiest grain free cat food will vary depending on the individual cats individual dietary needs and preferences. However, some of the healthiest grain free cat foods on the market include brands like Orijen, Wilderness Hills, and Blue Buffalo.

These brands typically contain high-quality, meat-based ingredients, minimal grains, and no by-products. They are also typically low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option for your cat.

Does grain free cat food cause diarrhea?

Grain free cat food is a type of cat food that does not contain grains. This type of food is often thought to be a cause of diarrhea in cats.

However, there is not enough research to support this claim. Some cats may have diarrhea when they switch to a grain free diet, but this is likely due to the change in their diet rather than the food itself.

There is also no evidence that grain free diets are worse for cats than other types of diets.

Conclusion

Vets do not recommend grain free cat food because it can cause health problems. Grain free cat food is high in fat and can cause obesity, pancreatitis, and other health problems.

The Truth About Grain-Free Diets for Cats

Everyone seems to be talking about grain-free these days. Whether its in relation to our own health or that of our beloved companion animals, everyone who is anyone has an opinion. So, what is the truth about grain-free diets for cats?

Is grain really bad for cats? What about carbohydrates and gluten? Lets not forget that cats are the quintessential obligate carnivore, so do any or all of these ingredients cause actual harm to our cats?

If we do decide to feed grain-free pet food to our cat, were still not out of the woods in terms of controversy. Conduct any internet search on the topic and youre besieged with queries such as: does grain-free food hurt cats?

Do grain-free cat diets cause heart disease? Is there a link to DCM? What about diarrhea and the amino acid taurine? To help you sift through all of these questions, lets go back to the basics.

What Are Grain-Free Diets?

Grain-free diets are exactly as described. They are foods that dont contain any grains. The most common grains found in cat food are wheat, barley, rice, corn, and oats.

However, a grain-free diet doesnt mean that the food is carbohydrate-free. When grains are removed from commercial cat food diets, the carbohydrate content is often instead comprised of ingredients such as potato, tapioca, lentils, peas, yams and even carrots, beans, and cranberries. Its also not unheard of for a grain-free diet to contain as much, if not more, carbohydrate than its grain-filled counterpart.

How Do We Differentiate Between Grains, Carbohydrates, Cereals, & Gluten?

When it comes to cat food, we often put carbohydrates, grains, cereals, and gluten into the same category.

Generally speaking, the terms grains and cereals can be used interchangeably, with cereals considered to be any grass that is grown for its grain.

Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are collections of molecules containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms that together form compounds we recognise as sugars, starches, and fibers. When these compounds are broken down and metabolised, they release energy in the form of glucose.

This energy is then used as a basic fuel source for every single cellular process in our bodies. Carbohydrates are typically found in fruits, grains/cereals, vegetables, and milk products.

Gluten, on the other hand, is actually a protein, so an entirely different molecular structure to carbohydrate and also with a different function. It helps foods to maintain their shape and is found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale, and oats.

All of these cereals are grains, but not all grains contain gluten. Some gluten-free grains include corn, millet, rice, and sorghum. Confused yet or is everything crystal clear? So, why does all of this matter & how does it relate to the cats/carbohydrates/grain controversy?

Are Carbohydrates Good for Cats?

There are multiple text books, academic research papers, articles, videos and even TV programmes that have been produced to discuss the topic of cats and carbohydrates.

Im going to try to keep it simple:

1. Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they have an essential dietary requirement to obtain some of their nutrients from animal sources. They cannot be vegetarian or vegan, unless a commercially prepared cat food is supplemented with artificial forms of taurine and other essential micronutrients normally found in animal sources.
2. Cats do not require carbohydrates in their diet. They are uniquely adapted to be able to use dietary protein to meet all of their energy needs for cellular function and survival.
3. Although cats dont have an essential requirement for dietary carbohydrates, they are well able to break them down and metabolise them in order to obtain energy in the form of glucose. Furthermore, by using carbohydrates as a primary energy source, this means that they are able to conserve protein for other vital functions such as carrying oxygen through the blood system; making antibodies to fight infection; building new cells for growth and repairing tissues such as muscle. Proteins form the backbone of every organ, bone, skin, hair and living tissue in the body and cats by their very nature, require more protein from their food than dogs.
4. Carbohydrates dont just supply energy. They form secondary important functions in the body, too. One of these is the contribution to gastrointestinal health. Whole grains and in particular fiber are key to this secondary benefit. They help to normalize bowel movements and contribute to a healthy microbiome by providing fuel for the good bacteria in the gut. They also help to control glucose levels in the blood which is important for the prevention and management of diabetes and they aid in the feeling of satiety or fullness, which is useful for weight loss. Finally, there is emerging evidence that cereal/grain derived fiber is associated with a healthy cardiovascular system in humans.

When it comes to the topic of cats and carbohydrates, all of the above issues seem to have combined, divided, reformed, and coalesced to create a maelstrom of controversy.

By extension, and in no small part linked to the human controversy surrounding food sensitivities and gluten in particular, this has now also encompassed cats and gluten-containing grains.

Is a Grain Free Diet Good for Cats?

There are several controversies surrounding grain for cats.

Lets Break Down a Few of the Most Controversial Points Related to Cats, Grains, and Gluten.

Cat Allergies & The Missing Link to Grain and/or Gluten

Do cats have a sensitivity to grains and/or gluten? There is no significant scientific, peer-reviewed research that I can find that supports this theory on a widespread level.

There is certainly no evidence of anything akin to Coeliac disease in our furred friends. Of the studies that have been conducted the main food allergens that appear to trigger a hyper-sensitive or allergic response in cats are predominantly the proteins found in meat, specifically beef, dairy, and fish.

Chicken is also a potential culprit, but corn was only found in one study to affect 4 out of 56 cats. If a cat does have a true food allergic response to a specific grain, it would most likely be to the protein in that grain (contained within the gluten) plus there would be visible clinical signs such as itchiness, excessive hair loss even to the point of bald patches and inflamed skin.

Also Read:Hair Loss In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

In this case, a food trial with a grain-free diet would be recommended under the close supervision of your local veterinarian, after ruling out other potential causes.

Grain Free Diets & Heart Disease (DCM)

So, what do we know so far? Cats dont need carbohydrates and can use protein for all their energy needs at a cellular body level, surely then low-carbohydrate and/or grain-free diets are the solution. Right? Wrong.

Now we enter the debate about grain-free diets and DCM, otherwise known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

In June 2018, the US Food & Drug Administration started to investigate a potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs. These diets are now bracketed as BEG i.e. boutique companies, exotic ingredients, or grain-free.

The FDA investigation is still on-going, but there does seem to be some evidence that certain BEG diets that have legumes, pulses, or potatoes as their main ingredient source, are linked to the development of this heart condition in dogs and to a lesser extent in cats.

DCM is a condition where the muscle of the heart loses its elasticity, resulting in an enlarged heart. As the heart becomes dilated, it becomes harder for the muscle to do its job of pumping blood around the body efficiently, which in turn can lead to leaking of the heart valves and a back-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen.

Ultimately it can result in congestive heart failure and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Grain-Free Cat Food & Taurine

So where does the taurine link come into all of this? Taurine is an essential nutrient in cat food and taurine deficiency is well-documented as a potential cause of DCM.

However, most dogs being diagnosed with DCM in relation to their consumption of BEG foods, are not deficient in taurine. Furthermore, supplementing commercial diets with taurine could actually do more harm than good given the lack of quality control for nutritional supplements.

So Is Grain Free Food Bad for Cats?

Ultimately, the jury is still out when it comes to taurine and its link to DCM in cats, as most of the focus to date has centred on dogs.

Furthermore, for the vast majority of dogs diagnosed with diet-associated DCM we still dont know the exact cause.

It is an issue that is undergoing active research both by the FDA and independent veterinary nutritionists and research institutions, so hopefully, well be able to provide more information soon.

Final Thoughts

1. Grain-free diets are predominantly a marketing tool designed to mirror the rise in human interest in grain-free foods.
2. Just because a diet is labelled as grain-free doesnt mean it doesnt contain carbohydrates. In fact, many grain-free diets are higher in carbohydrates than grain containing cat foods.
3. Cats are well adapted to metabolising carbohydrates, although primarily use protein as their main energy source.
4. There is no scientific peer-reviewed research to support the theory that cats are widely allergic to grains or indeed gluten.
5. Most grain-free diets contain one of the more common allergen triggers i.e. chicken, fish or beef.
6. There does seem to be a link between some grain-free diets and heart disease, but the jury is still out when it comes to the exact cause of diet-associated DCM in dogs, let alone cats.