My dog has a meat allergy. Is his grain-free food safe from DCM?

Question

My dog has a meat allergy, and we have had some difficulty finding food that works for him. He currently eats Wholehearted Salmon and Pea Limited Ingredient. I have heard that grain-free diets, especially those with many legumes, can cause DCM. What are symptoms that I should watch out for? Should I switch his food? If so, to what? Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 4 years and 5 months old | 65 lbs

C. Rathjens, DVM · Accepted Answer

It's going to be hard to notice symptoms before it's too late - but signs that would be concerning are panting at odd times, decreased exercise capacity, rapid breathing while resting, and coughing. There are prescription diets that are hydrolyzed - which means the food is mechanically or chemically broken up in to such small pieces that the immune system no longer recognizes it as chicken or pork (etc). I would recommending asking your vet if one of those diets would be appropriate. If you can't find another diet that works for Padfoot, it's important to know that the risk of heart disease is low, even though it's higher for grain-free or boutique diets than others, so you have to weigh controlling allergies that cause immediate harm with the possibility of heart disease.

My dog has a meat allergy. Is his grain-free food safe from DCM?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

Share