Home › Grain-free & DCM

Grain-free diets and DCM: where the science stands

Short answerBetween 2018 and 2020 the FDA received rising reports of a heart disease - dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) - in dogs eating diets that were often, but not always, labeled grain-free. The common thread in most reported diets was not the absence of grain but a high position of non-soy legumes (pulses like peas and lentils) on the ingredient list. FDA has found no definitive evidence that these diets are inherently unsafe, has requested no recalls, and describes non-hereditary DCM as a complex condition likely involving genetics, underlying conditions and diet together. Reported case numbers have dropped since 2020. FDA's advice: talk with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.

Source: US FDA DCM investigation Q&A and status reports, linked at the end.

What DCM is

DCM is a disease of the heart muscle: the heart enlarges, pumps less effectively, and valves can leak, potentially leading to congestive heart failure. It has historically been linked to genetic predisposition in certain breeds; the investigation concerns non-hereditary cases, which veterinary cardiologists report can partially improve with treatment and diet change when caught early.

The numbers FDA published

Period	Dog DCM reports to FDA
Jan 2014 - Nov 2018	329
Dec 2018 - Apr 2019	190
May 2019 - Jul 2020	608
Aug 2020 - Nov 2022	255
Total	1,382

FDA cautions that reports are voluntary, often spike right after it issues public updates, and cannot be verified case by case - so these counts show reporting patterns, not the true incidence of the disease. Since the last public communication in 2020, reports have continued but at lower levels than 2018-2020.

The ingredient pattern investigators saw

Most diets named in the reports had legume seed ingredients - pulses such as peas and lentils - high on the ingredient list, across both grain-free and grain-containing formulas. FDA notes pulses have been used in pet foods for many years with no evidence they are inherently dangerous, but its data show they appear in greater proportion in many grain-free diets. It saw no signal linked to soy specifically. Open questions include formulation, nutrient bioavailability, ingredient sourcing and processing - which is why FDA asked manufacturers to share formulation data confidentially.

What this means for a bag in your hand

Grain-free is not the variableReported cases include grain-containing diets; the recurring pattern was pulses high in the ingredient list, not the absence of grain itself.

No recall, no banFDA states it has no definitive information that these diets are inherently unsafe and has asked for no recalls.

Don't panic-swapFDA and veterinary nutritionists advise discussing diet changes with your vet first - every dog's needs differ, and wholesale diet changes carry their own risks.

Read the list, not the bannerIf peas, lentils, pea protein and chickpeas occupy most of the first several lines, that is the pattern investigators flagged - see how to read the list.

If your dog is on a pulse-heavy diet and you are concerned - especially a breed with known DCM risk - bring the food's name and ingredient list to your vet. This is an evolving file, and your vet is the right filter for it.

BackComplete and balanced NextClaims & red flags

Wondering whether this food fits your dog?PawLine gives research-based answers tailored to your dog's breed, age, size and history - including label questions, ingredients and how much to feed.Ask PawLine

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play