Taurine golden retriever free#

The FDA is also involved in researching the link between grain-free dog foods and DCM. Here is a handout with practical tips for heart failure in dogs from cardiologists. A diet change and taurine supplement were prescribed and all but one of the goldens showed improvement (Wuest, 2019). 23 out of the 24 dogs were fed either grain-free, legume rich or combination diets (Wuest, 2019). Stern conducted a study with 24 golden retrievers who were diagnosed with DCM and taurine deficiency (Wuest, 2019). Stern is a cardiologist and the lead veterinarian researcher at UC Davis. Stern due to the increase in cases found at UC Davis. Research of grain-free dog food linked with taurine deficiency and DCM was initiated by Dr. Rather, the issue may be with ingredients utilized instead of grains such as peas, lentils, potatoes, and other legumes (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, 2020).” “There has been no conclusive evidence to suggest the lack of grain content itself is responsible for the development of DCM. “The implicated diets are collectively referred to as ‘BEG diets’ from B outique companies, contain E xotic ingredients, and many are labeled as G rain-free (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, 2020).” Some dog owners continue to feed their dog a BEG diet and supplement their food with grain however, this is not recommended (MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, 2020).

Taurine golden retriever free#

These non-grain ingredients are what block the function of taurine (“Taurine and Grain Free Information”). Grain-free dog foods replace grains with ingredients such as peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes as the carbohydrate (“Taurine and Grain Free Information”). If these foods appear within the first five ingredients listed on the pet food label, this can be cause for concern (“Is Grain Free the Way to Be?”). DCM is typically seen in large breed dogs such as Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, and Irish Wolf Hounds (“Is Grain Free the Way to Be?”).

The most common cause of DCM is genetic however, in rare cases, other factors could be the culprit in other breeds that are not typically affected, like golden retrievers and their diet (Wuest, 2019). If untreated, it can result in congestive heart failure and even death (“Taurine and Grain Free Information”). Taurine is an amino acid for heart health and dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disorder that results in reduced heart pumping and increased heart size (Wuest, 2019). However, after research has been conducted, although not conclusive, grain-free dog food may cause taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in golden retrievers (“Taurine and Grain Free Information”). When grain-free food gained popularity around 2007, dog owners thought this was the healthy food solution or the answer to their dog’s allergies problems (“Is Grain Free the Way to Be?”). Grain-free dog food has been a topic of discussion amongst golden retriever owners for years now, and for good reason.