Grain-free diets, boutique diets, exotic diets and dilated cardiomyopathy

Veterinary cardiologists are concerned. Grain-free diets, boutique pet food companies, and exotic ingredients are strongly implicated in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy - an enlarged heart - that is on the rise in breeds not previously expected to suffer this.

It's not about low taurine levels as was suspected at first. Rather, it is suspected to be from replacement ingredients such as chickpeas and lentils, and exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits. Lack of nutritional expertise at some pet food companies, combined with a lack of quality controls may also be factors.

So far, this is a canine problem, but cats are being watched.

Resources:
Tufts University: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/

University of Illinois: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/dcm-canine-heart-disease-boutique-diets/

The American Veterinary Medical Association: https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/pdf/10.2460/javma.253.11.1390

US FDA: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy