Hey SJD – I absolutely understand your concern for dogs and their health. However, the scientific principle of correlation not equalling causation is not something we have made up, and this is a clear situation of that principle at play. The FDA themselves have noted that they do not know how or why DCM is correlated with these foods. Claiming theories and hypothesis as fact would certainly be fear-mongering, which is what we’re trying to avoid.

Regarding any affiliate commission we receive, they largely come from Amazon or Chewy – not brand manufacturers themselves, so we do not get any incentive for offering one brand of food over another. I do in fact feed my dog Nutro, as they are a trusted brand with a credible background. Ben feeds his dog Blue Buffalo.

While we’re working on adding more grain-inclusive recommendations, the truth is that a large percent of high-quality dog foods have taken up the grain-free mantel (although they’re no doubt changing that now). I have been able to find few to no well-regarded, salmon-based dog foods that are ALSO grain inclusive. Salmon tends to be associated with higher-quality brands, and most higher-quality brands have been focused on grain-free diets. Hence, not many options. If you (or anyone else) has identified any salmon-based, grain-inclusive dog foods with good ingredients, please do share!

Many owners seek out salmon-based dog foods due allergens or issues with other protein sources. In many cases, the potential dangers associated with the foods listed here may not outweigh the benefits, particularly if owners are looking for a salmon dog food to avoid other protein allergens. As we’ve said, really the best person who will understand your dog’s unique situation and needs is your vet, so I’d suggest consulting them with any questions or concerns. However, we stand by our general recommendations in this article. Hope that helps!

I would think you would want to add it to your considerations at least. When my very realistic and conservative vet tells us about this and we should switch because our food IS ON the FDA list as are all 5 that you have “recommended” I have a hard time understanding why you would not make that point.

This is not hysteria, as you clearly have stated there is a correlation. By saying that there is not causality you sound like you are spouting the manufacturers who “, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

It also says that some breeds are more prone to the disease – I’m Not willing to chance it

Do you feed your dogs any of these brands that the AKC has listed from the FDA:
•Acana (67 reports)
•Zignature (64 reports)
•Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
•4Health (32 reports)
•Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
•Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
•Nature’s Domain (29 reports) KIRKLANDS Made by DIAMOND Pet Foods
•Fromm (24 reports)
•Merrick (16 reports)
•California Natural (15 reports)
•Natural Balance (15 reports)
•Orijen (12 reports)
•Nature’s Variety (10 reports)
•Nutrisource (10 reports)
•Nutro (10 reports)
•Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)

Hey, SJD.
Yes, we’ve heard about the correlation between grain-free diets and DCM.

We’ve written about it extensively:
Taurine, DCM, & Dog Food: What’s the Connection?
FDA Grain-Free Dog Food Warning: 16 Dog Foods Correlated With DCM
Best Dog Food With Grains: Grain-Inclusive Dog Food

I’ll point out that the FDA has not recommended that owners switch foods, nor has causality been established. Some grain-free foods have been correlated with some cases of DCM.
A lot of people are getting way out in front of the science about this issue.

Nevertheless, we recommend that owners discuss the issue with their vet to make the best possible decision on behalf of their pet.
Owners who’ve recently adopted or purchased a new pet may, however, want to start by selecting a grain-inclusive recipe made my a major manufacturer just to sidestep the issue entirely.

Just wanted to clear some things up! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!

Based on the science at Cornell Do NOT feed your dog any of the highlighted brands.

Review this: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/companion-animal-hospital/cardiology/canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm

then search for a list of DCM dog foods