DCM in Dogs and the Impact of Legumes and Grains in Fresh Food Diets.
I haven't discussed the DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) controversy for some time, and this post pertains to fresh food diets. It's important to note that there has never been any direct evidence linking grain-free foods to DCM.
Nevertheless, if you, as a dog parent especially those with breeds that are typically more impacted, are not comfortable with feeding grain-free kibble, that is entirely your choice and decision! I'm not here to dictate what you should feed. My intention is to clarify the distinction between using large quantities of legumes in commercial food versus smaller amounts in meat-based, fresh food diets, along with the role of grains in fresh food diets.
The composition of a commercial kibble that incorporates significant quantities of legumes, which boost overall protein levels but possess amino acid profiles distinct from meat, greatly contrasts with a well-balanced, fresh food diet. This diet might contain a small portion of legumes, such as peas, alongside substantial amounts of fresh raw or cooked meats.
I rarely include legumes in a diet, but there are occasions when they are beneficial in small quantities for specific dogs with certain health conditions. For instance, peas are low in oxalates, making them suitable for daily feeding to dogs or breeds prone to calcium oxalate stones. Dogs that usually avoid vegetables often enjoy peas, which offer good fiber and more calories in a smaller volume compared to many other vegetables like broccoli and greens. This is always paired with a high level of meat protein.
Some of my clients ask for rice to be part of their raw or cooked diet because their veterinarian advised it for heart issue prevention. This is a misconception. Grains do not play a role in preventing heart disease, as they offer no specific benefits for heart health. While I'm not opposed to incorporating grains into fresh food diets, they are not necessary for protecting against DCM!
Ensuring balanced formulations in both raw and cooked diets with lean animal proteins is crucial for meeting amino acid requirements, including methionine and cysteine, which are precursors to taurine. Some dogs or breeds may have a reduced ability to convert methionine and cysteine into taurine, so I include a taurine supplement in all diets, even when there is ample animal protein. This provides extra assurance, and the dosage is not at therapeutic levels, which should only be administered under veterinary supervision. Taurine levels in fresh foods can vary significantly; different parts of the heart muscle contain varying amounts of taurine, and it is sensitive to freezing and heating. Therefore, I feel comfortable using a supplement for added assurance and to help maintain consistent levels, as taurine is not stored in large reserves in the body and is excreted in urine and bile.
I hope this clarifies that these foods should neither be feared nor praised; they are merely components of a diet, and what truly matters is the overall balance and composition of the diet.
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