Updating a collaboration that began in July 2018, the FDA believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors.
The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) will continue to investigate this potential association of certain pet foods containing a high proportion of peas, lentils other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.) as main ingredients (listed within the first 10 ingredients in the ingredient list, before vitamins and minerals).
Many of these case reports included breeds of dogs not previously known to have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Source: FDA, February 19, 2019. Link.
A puzzling aspect of the recent spike in DCM cases is that they have occurred just in the last few years. The FDA is working with the pet food industry to better understand whether changes in ingredients, ingredient sourcing, processing or formulation may have contributed to the development of DCM.
INSIGHTS: What you can do? The FDA is open to additional opportunities for collaboration and welcomes the submission of any information that may aid in its investigation. Detailed instructions for submitting case information can be found on How to Report a Pet Food Complaint. < link >