UC Davis veterinary cardiologist Dr. Joshua Stern led a team of researchers that has found a link between some popular grain-free, legume-rich dog diets and a type of nutritional deficiency and canine heart disease known as taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy. The FDA took notice and issued warnings about the potential connection.

Below are several resources for pet owners to gather more information on this discovery:

Dogs Fed Some Popular Diets Could Be at Risk of Heart Disease – UC Davis news release

“Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets” research paper – PLOS ONE

FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease – FDA

FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy – FDA

Additional Information on Dilated Cardiomyopathy – UC Davis Veterinary Medicine

Researcher: Possible Connection Between Diet And Canine Heart Disease Is Reversible – KPIX-TV (CBS San Francisco)

WEB EXTRA: Dog Owners Crowdsource Clues In Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy Mystery – KPIX-TV (CBS San Francisco)

After FDA Warning About Grain-free Pet Food, What's Safe to Feed Our Pets? – NBC News

Your Dog May Be at Risk for Developing Heart Disease Based on Their Food, FDA Says – USA Today

F.D.A. Names 16 Brands of Dog Food That May Be Linked to Canine Heart Disease – New York Times