Grain-Free Diets Linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Some Golden Retrievers

Could a Grain-Free Diet Be Bad for Your Golden?

                Grain-free diets for pets are quite popular these days.  And while they are typically good quality diets, dogs are omnivores eating both plants and meat, so grain-free diets are usually not necessary for dogs.  A few dogs may have allergies to grains like wheat, but, food allergies are much more likely to have protein like chicken or beef as the culprit.  And, in the case of Golden Retrievers, one study suggests that grain-free diets may be lacking in an amino acid called taurine.  Too little taurine can lead to health problems.  Breeds such as Newfoundlands and American Cocker Spaniels may also be affected.

                What is taurine?  Taurine is an amino acid found in muscle tissue and especially within heart muscle.  It aids in contraction of the heart.  Cats cannot make their own taurine and need to get taurine from meat and supplements in their diets.  Dogs can produce taurine, but some breeds are prone to deficiency.  Because dogs produce taurine, there are no regulations on adding this amino acid to dog foods.  If a pet does not have enough taurine, they can develop a serious heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in which the heart muscle does not contract efficiently and becomes thin and “flabby.” 

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Joshua Stern of UC Davis noticed many more Golden Retrievers being fed grain free diets were developing DCM.  There appears to be both a genetic predisposition to less efficient taurine use in these Goldens combined with the low taurine levels in some diets causing increased risk for DCM in the breed.

                But a grain-free diet should have more meat in it, why is taurine deficient in these diets?  Taurine is found in meat and fish, but, some grain-free diets actually up the amount of protein in their foods using plant proteins such as peas and beans (legumes) which do not contain taurine.  If a pet eats one of these grain-free diets, he could become deficient in taurine over time and this may put him at risk for DCM. 

                What should I do if I think my Golden Retriever might be taurine deficient?  Taurine blood levels can be checked to see if your dog is deficient in taurine.  Taurine supplementation may be necessary and changing to a diet higher in meat protein and/or a non-grain-free diet is recommended. 

                While more data is needed, the number of cases of Goldens developing DCM on grain-free diets is cause for concern.  If your dog does not have a documented grain allergy and is an at-risk breed for taurine deficiency, consider switching her diet to a high quality dog food that is not grain-free.

                This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Sources:  https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/researchers-getting-closer-understanding-dietary-taurine-and-heart-disease-dogs

Veterinary Cardiology Specialists:  Taurine Deficiency Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Golden Retrievers by Janet Olsen, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology).