Your pet isn't feeling well? has itchy smelly ears? itchy skin? allergies? to foods? How do you know? Is what your feeding your pet making them sick? How do you choose what to feed?
We are not experts but know how to search out expert advice - we've shared it because we know that one size does not fit all.
The grain vs. grain free debate continues. The FDA has walked back some earlier 'conclusions' and has finally agreed to complete thorough research before determining causation of increased DCM.
Don't take our word for it...review the facts below through links to the FDA updated reports and Q & A documents.
To quote the FDA:
"Most of the diets associated with the reports of non-hereditary DCM have legume seed ingredients, also called “pulses” (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.), high in their ingredient lists (although soy is a legume, we did not see a signal associated with this ingredient). These include both “grain-free” and grain-containing formulations. Legumes, including pulse ingredients, have been used in pet foods for many years, with no evidence to indicate they are inherently dangerous, but analysis of data reported to CVM indicates that pulse ingredients are used in many “grain-free” diets in greater proportion than in most grain-containing formulas. FDA has asked pet food manufacturers to provide diet formulations so we can further understand the proportions of ingredients in commercially-available diets and possible relationships with non-hereditary DCM.
FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets. Most of the diets associated with reports of non-hereditary DCM have non-soy legumes and pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.) high in their ingredient lists. CVM’s data show that pulse ingredients are likely used in many “grain-free” diets in greater proportion than in most grain-containing formulas."
What I don't understand is how there are so many more pet deaths in a similar time attributed to ingested flea and tick medications but there is no 'war' on them. (FDA reports below.)
From the FDA's Q& A linked below...
No. FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets."
Yet veterinarians continue to tell clients to not feed grain free, unnecessarily scaring and confusing pet parents.
Click on the first link below for the rest of this article.
Lyme disease, flea infestation, side effects from repellents. Which is the lesser of evils? The following articles pose some independent research on various types of preventatives. We do offer some natural solutions. The decision is yours.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Canines. History, updates, facts. Additional information below - scroll down.
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There are not as many cat food advisory sites but I've located a couple for you.
Fact and fiction from veterinarians.
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