The Importance of Nutrition

As with humans, nutrition can have a big influence on your pet's health. A carefully designed diet helps keep your companion in top shape, while a deficient diet can seriously harm their health.

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY AND NUTRITION

Recently, numerous cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a myocardial disorder leading to systolic dysfunction and eventually causing heart failure, have been detected in dogs (and even cats) of various breeds and ages.

Once widely noted in specimens of certain particular breeds (Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels in particular) exhibiting echocardiographic signs and exhibiting taurine deficiency, the disease was easily treated with taurine supplementation.

The cases detected recently, however, do not seem to have the same origins and are not treated as easily. The cause suspected today? Grain-free, exotic or boutique diets are currently popular. Improper nutritional balance, inadequate proportion of ingredients, addition of unwanted ingredients and the impact of certain ingredients on taurine absorption are possible causes of this increase in DCM cases. Here are some food brands that are being monitored:

• 4Health
• Acanada
• Blue Buffalo
• California Natural
• Earthbound Holistic
• Fromm
• Merrick
• Natural Nalance
• Nature’s Domain
• Nature’s Variety
• NutriSource
• Orijen
• Rachel Ray Nourish
• Taste of the wild

It should be noted that few cases of CMD have been reported in animals consuming a hypoallergenic diet or veterinary brand grain-free foods.

This issue is a perfect example of the positive or negative impact that food can have on the health of your companion.

Do you have questions about your pet's diet? Our team of animal health professionals are here to help. Do not hesitate to ask us your questions or ask us for advice!