![]() Is there something inherently problematic with grain free diets? First it must be understood that taurine is synthesized from sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine in the liver. For the rice and rice co-products such as rice bran, it was demonstrated that these ingredients can decrease whole-blood taurine in cats (Stratton-Phelps et al., 2002), and this may be the result of the greater bile acid binding properties of rice bran (Kahlon and Woodruff, 2003) versus the other fibers. This may be attributed to the heat associated with the rendering process or the high concentration of structural proteins (wool and tendons) which are poorly digested. (1998) that the cysteine availability in lamb meal can be quite low (<50% bioavailable). Was there something inherent in the lamb meal and rice diets from these studies that would suggest a similar issue for the current FDA alert? It was demonstrated by Johnson et al. It was postulated that low circulating taurine may be due to inadequate taurine syntheses in the liver and this may serve as an early indicator of shortcomings in sulfur amino acid supply (methionine and cysteine) for this and other metabolic functions (Backus et al., 2006). The dogs were generally large breeds (e.g. ![]() In these cases, the suspected diet type was based on lamb meal and rice and formulated for maintenance. In late 1990’s there were a number of dogs in a few breeds reported with DCM in which diet may have been associated. ![]() Has there ever been a similar situation with DCM and dogs? Yes. Taurine supplementation has always been added to all RAWZ dry recipes-both canine and feline. RAWZ is 100% Rendered Free - Dehydrated proteins and real meats contain higher levels of naturally occurring methionine, cysteine and taurine, compared to some excessively processed meals, such as chicken meal or fish meal. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PET IS REALLY EATING? DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO LEARN HOW TO READ AND DECODE THOSE TRICKY PET FOOD LABELS. ![]() Our protein and amino acid profiles are better retained due to less processing. RAWZ has high protein efficiency ratios because it is 100% rendered free. It is better to remain focused on the root cause and solve the issues with a sound and prudent approach of an encompassing balanced, superior nutritional profiles. However, this may mask the underlying issue of inadequate key amino acids that may ultimately result in other diseases. The RAWZ Recipes (It’s Not Just About the Taurine) Supplementation with taurine may appear to be the easiest approach. Canine diets should have adequate levels of naturally occurring methionine, cysteine and taurine. All nutritionists should be evaluating their diets for these key amino acids. What should pet food manufacturers consider doing to address this issue? The balance of bioavailable methionine and cysteine are of critical importance. There has not been a direct link established regarding the cause, but diet is a suspected component along with animal genetics at this point. The issue has affected a small population of dogs (less than 100). There has been much confusion and second-guessing among pet owners, retailers and various pet food brands that produce and sell these diets. Why is this an issue? On July 12, 2018, the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert regarding a possible connection with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs fed “grain free” diets. The following post digs a little deeper surrounding this issue.Ĭlarifying the Confusion: Grain Free Recipes and the Recent FDA Report The release understandably caused quite a stir among pet parents who for years have believed such diets were preferable. In early July, the FDA released an alert about a possible connection with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs fed "grain-free" diets.
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