First published in 2019. Rewritten in October 2026 to reflect what is known today.
In 2018, veterinarians began reporting a serious heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), in dogs from breeds not usually prone to it. Many of these dogs were eating foods labeled "grain-free", and many of those foods were high in peas, lentils, other legumes or potatoes. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened an investigation, and taurine, an amino acid important for the heart, came under the spotlight. Here is where things stand.
What is DCM?
In DCM the heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges, so it pumps less well. Some breeds inherit a risk, including Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers and Cocker Spaniels. The concern in 2018 was that it was appearing in other breeds, apparently linked to diet.
What we know, and what we don't
- The cause has not been established. The FDA's most recent update came in December 2022 and did not identify one.
- Low taurine does not appear to be the main cause in most cases, although some dogs, Golden Retrievers in particular, did have low taurine levels.
- The common thread in many reported diets was a large amount of peas, lentils, other legumes or potatoes, often used in place of grain. Grain-free on its own is not the issue.
- Most dogs eating these diets have not developed heart disease.
What this means for your dog
Look at the ingredient list, not the "grain-free" label. A diet built mainly on meat, with peas, lentils and potatoes playing a small part or none, is a sensible choice. It also fits the low-carbohydrate approach KetoPet recommends: high in protein, moderate in fat, low in carbohydrate. Heart meat is a good natural source of taurine.
If your dog is a Golden Retriever, a breed prone to DCM, or has eaten a legume-heavy diet for a long time, ask your veterinarian whether a heart check or a taurine blood test makes sense. Please don't start supplements or change diets without your veterinarian's advice.
Signs of heart trouble to report to your veterinarian promptly: tiring easily, coughing, faster or harder breathing at rest, fainting or collapse, or a swollen belly.
Further reading: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs, from VCA Animal Hospitals.
Our free guide, What's Really in the Bowl, explains how to look past the front of the bag and see what's really in your dog's food. If you have questions, the KetoPet community on Facebook is a good place to ask.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.