Grain-free dog food & DCM

This page restates FDA’s published language about its investigation into non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. It is not a brand list and not a verdict.

Sources: FDA DCM Q&A · FDA 2018–2019 update

Bottom line (FDA’s own framing)

FDA has not established that grain-free diets (or any specific ingredient) cause non-hereditary DCM. The agency describes DCM as complex — potentially involving genetics, medical conditions, and diet — and continues to evaluate reports and scientific work (FDA Q&A).

Investigation timeline (high level)

• July 2018: FDA publicly alerts about an investigation into reports of DCM in dogs eating certain pet foods (FDA update).
• 2018–2019 updates: Many reported cases involved diets labeled grain-free; FDA also received reports for grain-containing diets. Diets in reports often listed peas, lentils, and/or potatoes high among ingredients.
• Ongoing Q&A: FDA notes most diets associated with reports have non-soy legumes/pulses high in ingredient lists, including both grain-free and grain-containing formulas; legumes have long been used in pet food “with no evidence to indicate they are inherently dangerous,” while proportions may differ in some grain-free formulas.

What FDA advises owners to do

Work with your veterinarian before changing diets; veterinarians may consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Report suspected cases through FDA’s pet-food complaint channels (linked from the FDA pages above).

We do not list or rank brands here.

Educational only — not veterinary advice. Diet changes for sick or at-risk pets belong with your veterinarian (and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist when homemade or complex diets are considered).