You may have recently seen information about a possible link between a type of heart disease and popular grain-free and “boutique” diets.

 The doctors and staff at Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital have been following the research and available information carefully.  We are very concerned about the potential link between certain diets and the spike in the number of cases of a relatively rare form of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy.  Although good, accurate research takes time, we are confident that the work being done by the FDA and leading veterinary nutritionists and cardiologists is scientifically based, and will be thorough.

 Based on the currently available evidence (and lack of scientifically verifiable evidence to support the benefits of feeding grain-free or boutique foods for food allergies), we recommend commercial, scientifically researched diets.  We have long discussed the benefits of limited ingredient, modified protein diets for food allergies, rather than grain-free.  And now, with an added potential risk of heart disease, we have even more concerns about boutique foods. 

 Statistically, the number of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy is still very low.  However, the spike in documented cases, especially in breeds not typically predisposed to the disease, is very concerning to us.  The chance of your dog contracting distemper is very low, but we still strongly encourage you to protect against that risk by vaccinating…so why would we not take this concern just as seriously and avoid something that is potentially dangerous to our pets?

 One of the services we provide to you is remaining current on research, trends and risks.  We attend conferences, read journals, and consult with specialists and laboratories to help us guide you in making the best decisions for your pet’s wellbeing.  Although you may only see us once or twice a year, choosing a safe, healthy diet is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health, so please ask us your questions about what to feed your pet.  We care very much about you, your pets, and the choices you that face in keeping them healthy, safe and happy!