We recognize the recent concern with nutrition, specifically grain-free diets, and the potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. We’re here to shed some light so you can feel confident about the Jinx products that go into your pup's bowl.
What is DCM?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease found in dogs which results in a weakened heart muscle that cannot pump blood effectively. If you’ve googled it, chances are you’ve seen it referenced with grain-free diets. Grain-free recipes use non-grain carbs including chickpeas, lentils, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes and other legumes. Grain-based recipes typically include brown or white rice, barley, oats, millet or a selection of ancient grains like milo.
Should I Be Worried?
Luckily, the number of DCM cases reported to the FDA is a relatively small amount - 0.0007% of today’s dogs. While diet is commonly referenced, the potential link between diet and DCM involves multiple things, including genetics, ingredients, nutrients, processing, and other factors.
What Diet is Best?
If you’re unsure of what to feed your fur baby, you can ask yourself the following Qs.
- Is my dog enjoying his/her food? Do they have a loss of appetite?
- Does my dog seem to have good energy levels?
- Am I taking my dog to the vet regularly?
- Are there tests in line with where they should be?
If you answered NO to any of the above, you should consider consulting your vet and switching their diet. Whether you decide grains or grain-free, you should focus on recipes that include high quality, carefully selected ingredients, as well as ones that meet the AAFCO nutritional profiles for their life stage.
At Jinx, we’re committed to producing high-quality food that we feel proud to feed both our dogs and yours. Jinx kibble not only contains the nutrients recognized as essential for dogs, but we also supplement them with nutrients like taurine to support their heart health. We offer both a grain and grain-free diet so you can feel confident your pup is getting the good stuff that’s best for their bowl. Have any Qs? We’re all ears: support@thinkjinx.com.