Links & Other Info

CONCERNS ABOUT GRAIN FREE DIETS:

Recent studies may have linked grain free diets that contain lentils, peas, legumes, pinto beans and potatoes to a serious heart muscle disease called cardiomyopathy. The following breeds have a genetic link to the disease: Golden Retreivers, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Doberman Pinchers, Saint Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, Cocker Spaniels and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. These dogs should not be on a grain free diet. All dogs may be at risk, and further investigation is still on going. While the genetic disease can only be helped with medication, if caught early, the grain free diet cases can be reversed with diet change.

We are recommending transitioning dogs off of a grain free diet, unless your dog has a sensitivity to wheat, corn, soy, barley or any other grains. Corn, wheat, and grains are a good source of nutrition for dogs, unless they have a known allergy to them. Grain free diets may cause a life threatening heart muscle disease and should probably not be fed to all dogs until more information is learned.

Please refer to the following links for more details about Grain Free diets and Cardiomyopathy, and what to look for in a diet. We recommend all diets should be AAFCO certified (Association of American Feed Control Official).

https://www.ucdavis.edu/.../dogs-fed-some-popular-diets-could-be-risk-heart- disease/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-fdas-grain-free-diet-alert/

Reference these excellent web sites for gaining information on various pet diseases, treatments, and management:

www.veterinarypartner.com

www.petmd.com

Pet Obesity Prevention

ASPCA - Poison Control

www.reptilecare.com

For information about feline diabetes:

www.felinediabetes.com

https://youtu.be/2j1juUI612U?list=PLgyMKAquGJOZ5SzVyoeogCjDCSHi_8rIB

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_diabetes.cfm