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The PFMA, along with the European pet food federation (FEDIAF), has said it is monitoring an ongoing investigation into Canine DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in the US.
The research, being carried out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), began in 2018 and aims to look into the possible causes of DCM.
Whilst the cause is currently unknown, investigations are looking in particular at the possible role of diet in relation to specific ingredients.
The PFMA said: “Current research suggests that a variety of factors may influence the development of DCM in dogs and the FDA has currently no definitive information indicating that diets under investigation are inherently unsafe and need to be removed from the market, and continues its investigation.”
According to the FDA, the diets most associated with non-hereditary DCM are high in legume seed ingredients such as peas and lentils. This is in line with a recent study by Tufts university. The FDA did emphasise that there is as yet no direct evidence indicating that they are harmful to dogs.
Currently, there is also no information to suggest a similar issue in the UK or Europe. PFMA urged owners to feed their pets with a complete and balanced diet, made by reputable manufacturers.
It added that owners should look for the term ‘complete’ on the pet food label, as this is a legal term that means the product must by law provide all the nutrients a pet needs for healthy bodily function.
