A huge percent of my customers are not frightened from this because they are for the most part educated and informed. I do understand that some are scared because of the 2007 dog/cat food crap, they want and think they are doing the best for their pets and then the FDA comes along and say that they might not be. This can be very confusing for many because who do they trust? the FDA? the independent pet store? their vet? the dog food company? I'm glad that many of my customers come to us to get an explanation before the panic sets in, as I said before my customers are educated and informed. My motto some raw is better than no raw.
Please read if the FDA and news media has scared you about your pet food.
I've had a few folks reach out to me about this, concerned. I want to help clear up some of the confusion. Media/FB/vets are hopping on this "don't feed grain free food" train like crazy. It's being sensationalized. While my heart goes out to anyone who's lost a dog to DCM, please know IT IS EXTREMELY RARE. Here are some important facts:
Out of an estimated 77 million pet dogs in the US, there are 560 dogs reported (from 2014 to 2019) with suspected diet related DCM. Tens of millions of dogs are eating these quality foods every day for years and yes, even their lifetimes, and are unaffected by DCM. That is literally just .000007% that are suspect of diet related DCM out of ALL dogs in the US.
A very important quote from the FDA's report from 6/27/19:
"Therefore, we do not think these cases can be explained simply by whether or not they contain grains, or by brand or manufacturer. To put this issue into proper context, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 77 million pet dogs in the United States. As of April 30, 2019, the FDA has received reports about 560 dogs diagnosed with DCM suspected to be linked to diet. Tens of millions of dogs have been eating dog food without developing DCM."
A few more stats from their status report.
Most linked with DCM:
75% of the proteins are not exotic - mostly chicken. There have been many "articles" & statements claiming to avoid BEG (boutique, exotic, grainfree diets). There is no evidence or research to support this and the FDA's report confirms this.
Over 95% of all dog cases reported were fed only dry kibble.
1/4 of the 560 dogs reported have a genetic predisposition to DCM regardless of what they eat.
Note that the study is ongoing and there is NO answer from the FDA, no recalls, no results or link stated by the FDA.
So please, stop clicking on these baiting headlines. They are playing into your fear because you truly love your pets. If your vet is telling you not to feed a grain-free food and your pet has been doing well on it, it's okay to politely disagree. Ask your vet if they are seriously concerned about your pet developing DCM and what evidence they have to support their concern beyond what you're putting in the bowl. Vets actually have very little nutritional training. You're better off seeking the advice of a Certified Holistic Vet - folks who have extensive education in animal nutrition WAY beyond what the majority of conventional Vets have.
Lastly, these claims are hurting small, independently owned pet supply stores and food manufacturers. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They are businesses owned by your neighbors who are helping put food on the table and roofs over the heads of those in their communities. When you shop local, $0.65 stays in your community, versus significantly less when you shop at large, national chains like PetSmart, Walmart, etc.
https://www.ahvma.org/…
https://www.fda.gov/…/fda-investigation-potential-link-betw…
Thank you for reading and please feel free to share
An email I just received so true had to share a part of it. "The more you can read the better you may know how to formulate the best answer, however remember it is FDA, you know the people we all trust LOL! They say glycophosphates are ok in cereal and preservatives and colors linked to cancer are fine... VARIETY always is the best fall back.. relate to would THEY eat boxed cereal 3x a day their entire life and not expect something to be related to their diet to manifest itself in their health? (Btw how much coffee is ok to drink everyday 2 cups from one study ,20 cups a day says another study...) "
Read more here.
https://truthaboutpetfood.com/fda-update-to-dcm-investigation-clarifies-a-few-things/