07/26/2021
More info on nutrition dilated cardiomyopathy. If you choose Purina, use Pro Plan.
Jet (FC Road Warriors Dieter Brock x That's Gonna Take A Tarabyte UD GO VER RA SH MX MXJ ACT1 TKA CGC etc). 7/2/2018 - 7/10/2021.
This is a sad post to write, but important. I'm going to put on my veterinarian hat for a moment. Jet was a promising young hunting and field trial dog with a bright future ahead of him. About July 7th, his owner called me because Jet wasn't doing well and had been diagnosed with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and end-stage heart failure. In spite of excellent treatment (and I did get to talk to his veterinarian), Jet continued to deteriorate and passed away on the morning of the 10th.
Labradors don't get the genetic form of DCM, like Boxers and Dobermans. In a young Labrador like Jet who had a normal heart echo (ultrasound) at 7 weeks of age, a diagnosis of DCM is 100% nutrition. Jet was fed Acana Red Meat Recipe (grain free) from the time he was picked up at my place at 8 weeks. Unfortunately, although his owner was trying his best to do right by the dog (these boutique companies have some excellent marketing), Acana was the most common food in the initial FDA report of DCM cases.
We (veterinary community) do not entirely understand what is wrong with grain free foods, only that dogs who are fed grain free foods are at risk of developing Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and it does not appear to matter if taurine is added to the food or not. Sometimes you get lucky. I do see dogs in the clinic who are on Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, etc without problems. However, my colleagues and I, in a small rural practice, also found 5-6 cases of DCM between December and March from pets on grain free food. One of the vets I work with euthanized a dog with DCM this week, also caused by grain free food. The problem is real.
Reading material for skeptics:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/
https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-01-01/fda-urges-collaboration-dilated-cardiomyopathy-afflicts-more-dogs
I feed Purina Proplan to my dogs. Yes, it has corn in it! That is why my dogs do not have dilated cardiomyopathy (and I am sure of it, because they all get cardiac echos). I pay quite a bit to Purina for dog food and have never received a check or other "kickbacks" for recommending their food. If you don't like Purina, then try one of the other manufacturers who do feeding trials, have nutritionists on staff, and whose main diets have not been associated with DCM cases. Hills, Royal Canin, Iams, or Eukanuba are also excellent choices.
Feeding a good quality, balanced diet to your dog and keeping them slim will prevent a ton of nutrition related problems. Buying good food is much cheaper than veterinary visits. I wrote an article last winter on how to avoid spending money at your veterinary clinic that covers food as well as many other managment related topics.http://www.clairedvm.com/how_to_avoid_spending_money_at_vet.pdf
RIP Jet. I watched him run a derby last summer and he was a good dog. 💔
Dr Klatt
