On June 27, 2019, the FDA issued a follow up report to its previous communications concerning its investigation into a possible link between grain free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart condition in which the heart becomes enlarged making it more difficult to sufficiently pump blood. Certain breeds of dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Irish Wolfhounds are thought to have a genetic predisposition to developing DCM. It is less common in toy and small breeds.
Solid Gold has been actively monitoring this situation since the FDA first announced it was investigating a link between diet and DCM. In its latest report, FDA provides a description of each DCM case it has investigated along with specific information such as Breed, Age, Gender, Brand of Food, Protein Source, Non Grain Carbohydrate source, etc.
While Solid Gold has not been identified by FDA as a dog food associated with any of DCM cases FDA is investigating, we want you to be aware of the steps we have been taking since the FDA investigation first came to light.
First, it is important to note that all Solid Gold dry dog foods on the market today were formulated by a Nutritionist with a PhD in animal nutrition.
Second, as FDA noted, it is still gathering information to better understand whether and how the amino acid taurine may play a role in these recent DCM reports. While the role of taurine is still unclear, Solid Gold has nevertheless, as an added level of precaution, begun the process of adding additional taurine to all our dry dog recipes, including both our grain free and healthy whole grain options. All Solid Gold foods contain naturally occurring taurine from our high quality proteins including beef, lamb, chicken and fish, and this additional taurine will help ensure adequate amounts.
Throughout the past 45 years, Solid Gold has been passionately committed to providing the best holistic, natural nutrition for your pets and our own. The quality of our products and the satisfaction of your pet is our upmost priority. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly with any questions or concerns about the recent FDA press release at dane@solidgoldpet.com or 1-800-364-4863. And of course, as FDA recommends, if your dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing, and episodes of collapse, you should contact your veterinarian or seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible.
