Helen Santoro, in our view, authored the most unbiased and best – yet likely the most overlooked – exposé regarding the debate on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in companion dogs. While we had read the article when it was released in July, we wanted to wait for responses from the named veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists who led the charge, that apparently roped in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Crickets (no communication). Even the media were ’crickets’ on the exposé.
Unfortunately, to this day, some of the unfounded claims – or claims that were based upon assertedly biased-research – prevail to this day.
We will only comment here on one thing. We have now realized that Ms. Santoro uncovered a high degree of influence after obtaining communications through the Freedom of Information Act.
Please remember that DCM is a complicated condition. Thus far, grain-free foods or foods made with pulse ingredients (lentils, peas) have not been directly linked to DCM. In fact, there is contradictory evidence – or evidence that nullifies those claims – that is based upon unbiased research.
The veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists who have spearheaded and steadfastly held onto their campaign against these foods, despite the lack of credible evidence, actually are the catalyst that provoked more pertinent nutritional research to be performed by unbiased researchers.
Please read Helen Santoro’s article and come to your own conclusions.
Did Industry Funding Influence an FDA Investigation into Canine Heart Disease and Grain-Free Dog Food? – 100Reporters
How canine heart disease was tied to grain-free dog food – Abridged version from the Associated Press
Hemopet’s Chronicling over Time:
July 29, 2018: Dodds responds to FDA Statement on Canine Heart Disease, Taurine Deficiency, and Potential Dietary Causes
October 14, 2018: Articles Circulating about Heart Disease in Dogs
January 7, 2019: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Heart Disease) in Dogs and Why Some Dogs Eat “Exotic” Ingredients
February 25, 2019: FDA Updates on Heart Disease in Dogs
July 8, 2019: Hemopet Responds to the FDA Implicating 16 Brands of Dog Food That May Cause Heart Disease in Dogs
September 16, 2019: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: Study on Protein Source
September 10, 2020: FDA Investigation into Heart Disease in Dogs: Where Are We in September, 2020?
August 20, 2021: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the News Again
August 27, 2021: FDA and DCM in Dogs Updates August 2021
September 20, 2021: Oxidation in the Body: What It Is, Advancements in Diagnosis and Antioxidants