The FDA and the scientific veterinary community have been examining a connection between Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and certain BEG diets. The recently coined term “BEG diets” refers to boutique diets with exotic ingredients, and/or grain-free diets.

DCM is a life-threatening condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened so that it is progressively less able to pump blood through the body. Currently, it is not well understood why some dogs develop DCM, but most dogs with dietary-related DCM do show improvement when the diet is changed.  It should be noted, however, that primary DCM, an inherited condition, is seen in Dobermans, Great Danes, and Irish Wolf Hounds. This form of the disease is NOT related to an inadequate diet and does not respond to dietary change.

To know the signs of DCM, you can visit our veterinarians at Clermont County.