Dilated Cardiomyopathy – the latest from the Pet Food Institute
You may be aware of recent news item, originating from America, in relation to a dog heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This condition is normally seen in certain breeds, but over time and more recently, is thought to involve interactions between genetics, underlying medical conditions, and diet.
As an organisation that cares deeply about the health and welfare of animals and takes its responsibilities in ensuring the safety of the pet food produced and sold in Australia, the PFIAA continues to watch and monitor this issue, alongside the Pet Food Institute (our American trade association counterpart).
While no individual cases or wider trends have been reported to the PFIAA, we’re seeing vets, nutritionists, cardiologists, manufacturers, suppliers and academia coming together to understand the condition as the situation unfolds.
Investigation of potential links between pet food and DCM are underway, and the PFIAA will continue to report and act in the best interests of the pets that our members collectively feed.
Some useful sources of more information:
- The Pet Food Institute (US) Q&A on Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Questions & Answers
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) in the USA have recently updated their information on Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on 3 November 2020 regarding an investigation into case reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs not genetically predisposed to the disease.
To learn about the current research, please go to:
https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/pet-food-matters/dcm/dcm-q-and-a/
The PFIAA and PFI are members of the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations.