Evidence review
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Bad? What the FDA's DCM Investigation Actually Found
Short answer: it isn’t proven that grain-free food causes heart disease, and it isn’t proven safe either. The FDA found that most diets in reported cases of non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) had peas, lentils or other pulses high in the ingredient list — in both grain-free and grain-containing foods. Here’s what’s established, what isn’t, and how to decide.
Evidence reviewed: 202610 min read4 cited sourcesNo sponsored placements
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Key takeaways
- Between 2014 and November 2022, the FDA received 1,382 reports of DCM in dogs, most of them between 2018 and 2020.
- Most diets in those reports had non-soy legumes or pulses (peas, lentils, etc.) high in their ingredient lists — in both grain-free and grain-containing formulas.
- The FDA did not establish a cause, requested no recalls, and in December 2022 said it would only publish further updates if there is meaningful new scientific information.
- 'The FDA proved grain-free causes DCM' and 'the FDA debunked the link' are both inaccurate summaries.
- True grain allergies appear uncommon in dogs; the most commonly reported food allergens are animal proteins such as beef, dairy and chicken.
What is DCM?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which the heart enlarges and pumps less effectively. Valves may leak and fluid can build up in the chest and abdomen (congestive heart failure). Historically, DCM has been linked mainly to genetics in certain breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes.
The concern that began in 2018 was about non-hereditary DCM — cases in dogs and breeds not usually predisposed. The FDA describes this as a complex condition that may involve an interplay of genetics, underlying medical conditions and diet. According to the FDA, veterinary cardiologists have reported improved heart function in some non-hereditary cases with veterinary treatment and diet change when caught early.
Timeline of the FDA investigation
July 2018
The FDA announces it is investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating certain diets, many labeled grain-free.
June 2019
The FDA publishes an update including the brands most frequently named in reports. (It later said it would not update this list, noting many companies had since adjusted formulations.)
September 2020
The FDA joins a scientific forum hosted by Kansas State University where researchers present differing — sometimes conflicting — theories.
December 2022
The FDA says it will not release further public updates unless there is meaningful new scientific information, and publishes report counts through November 1, 2022.
What the FDA actually found
| Period | Reports |
|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2014 – Nov 30, 2018 | 329 |
| Dec 1, 2018 – Apr 30, 2019 | 190 |
| May 1, 2019 – Jul 31, 2020 | 608 |
| Aug 1, 2020 – Nov 1, 2022 | 255 |
| Total | 1,382 |
Established evidence The common factor was pulses, not ‘grain-free’ itself
The FDA states that most diets associated with reports had non-soy legumes or pulses (such as peas and lentils) high in their ingredient lists, and that this included both grain-free and grain-containing formulations. Pulses tend to be used in greater proportion in many grain-free diets.
Uncertainty What remains unknown
The FDA says it does not know the specific connection between these diets and non-hereditary DCM. It is unaware of any statistics on the background rate of non-hereditary DCM in dogs, and has no definitive information that the diets are inherently unsafe. It continues to explore the roles of formulation, nutrient bioavailability, ingredient sourcing, processing, genetics and underlying conditions.
Two common misreadings
Overstated
Myth: "The FDA proved grain-free food causes DCM."
The FDA reported an association in voluntary case reports. It did not establish causation, request recalls, or declare any product unsafe.
Also overstated
Myth: "The FDA admitted there's no link."
Ending routine updates is not an exoneration. The FDA still describes diet as one possible factor and continues to encourage research and owner–vet discussion.
Editorial interpretation Our interpretation
The honest position is uncertainty. Given a serious possible harm, unclear mechanisms and little evidence that grain-free diets benefit most dogs, many veterinarians and cardiologists suggest that dogs without a specific medical reason eat a grain-inclusive diet from a manufacturer with strong nutrition expertise. That is a precautionary judgement, not a proven finding — and it is a decision to make with your vet.
Do dogs need grain-free food?
Most dogs digest cooked grains well. Grain-free marketing often implies grains are ‘fillers’ or common allergens, but the evidence points elsewhere:
Established evidence Food allergens in dogs
A critically appraised review (Mueller, Olivry & Prélaud, BMC Veterinary Research, 2016) of dogs with confirmed adverse food reactions found the most commonly reported allergens were beef, dairy products, chicken and wheat. Animal proteins dominated the list. A grain-free food that still contains beef or chicken does not avoid the most common triggers.
If your dog has suspected food allergies, the evidence-based route is a veterinarian-supervised elimination diet trial — not a switch to a retail grain-free food. Our guide to choosing dog food covers when to involve your vet.
How to decide for your dog
If your dog currently eats a grain-free or pulse-heavy food
- Don't panic or switch abruptly. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's food, breed and health history.
- Check the ingredient list for peas, lentils, chickpeas or other pulses near the top — including split forms like pea protein and pea fiber (see the label guide).
- Ask the manufacturer WSAVA's questions about formulation expertise and quality control.
- Know the signs that warrant a prompt vet visit: weakness, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance, coughing, breathing difficulty or fainting. Some dogs show no signs early on.
- If you switch, transition gradually over about 7–10 days.
- If your vet suspects DCM, they may recommend cardiac testing and can report the case to the FDA.
Community evidence — not veterinary advice
What dog owners are saying
Grain-free feeding — what owners discuss
Grain-free is one of the most frequently debated feeding topics in Reddit dog communities. These are owner experiences and opinions, not veterinary evidence.
Positive or supportive experiences
- Many owners report their veterinarian advised against grain-free food unless there’s a medical reason, and say this resolved their uncertainty.
- Several commenters, including one describing a veterinary cardiology rotation, emphasize that the concern centers on pulses replacing grains rather than the absence of grain itself — consistent with the FDA’s description.
- Some owners say they keep grain-free food only because a vet identified a specific intolerance in their dog.
Negative, mixed or contested views
- Some commenters state flatly that grain-free ’causes’ heart disease, which goes beyond what the FDA has established.
- A minority, often raw feeders, report positive experiences with grain-free diets and question the concern.
- Owners disagree about whether only a short list of large manufacturers is ‘safe’, a claim that isn’t supported by WSAVA, which doesn’t endorse brands.
Editorial interpretation How to read this
Community consensus has moved toward grain-inclusive diets from manufacturers with strong nutrition expertise. That broadly matches veterinary precautionary advice, but community statements of certainty overstate the science.
Discussions summarized
Frequently asked questions
Did the FDA recall grain-free dog food?
No. The FDA states it has no definitive information that the diets are inherently unsafe and has not requested recalls related to non-hereditary DCM.
Are peas bad for dogs?
Peas and other pulses have been used in pet food for many years, and the FDA says there’s no evidence they’re inherently dangerous. The open question is about diets where pulses make up a large proportion of the formula.
Is taurine the explanation?
Taurine deficiency explains some diet-associated DCM cases, but many reported dogs had normal taurine levels. Researchers have not identified a single mechanism.
Should I switch my dog from grain-free food?
Discuss it with your veterinarian, who knows your dog’s breed and health. Many veterinarians suggest grain-inclusive food for dogs without a medical reason for grain-free. If you switch, do it gradually.
Is grain-free food better for dogs with allergies?
Usually not on its own. The most commonly reported food allergens in dogs are animal proteins like beef, dairy and chicken. A vet-supervised elimination diet is the reliable way to identify a food allergy.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Questions & Answers: FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs — Regulatory / Government
- AVMA News. Until more science is available, FDA will end public updates on potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy — Veterinary organization
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? (Freeman et al., 2018), JAVMA 253(11):1390–1394 — Peer-reviewed research
- BMC Veterinary Research. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats (Mueller, Olivry & Prélaud, 2016) — Peer-reviewed research
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Vet first
This guide is general information. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s health history and should guide individual decisions.
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