What Grains Do Dogs Need for Heart Health?

TL;DR

The FDA began investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in 2018, particularly in diets high in peas, lentils, and potatoes. They ruled that carbohydrates are not the issue.
Grains like brown rice, barley, and oats provide fiber, B vitamins, and steady energy that support overall heart and digestive health.
Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy, grain-inclusive formulas are a safe option according to most veterinary nutritionists.

Grains like brown rice, barley, and oats contribute fiber that supports digestion, steady energy, and gut bacteria diversity in dogs.

In 2018, the FDA began investigating reports of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating grain-free diets rich in peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes. DCM is a condition where the heart muscle weakens and loses its ability to pump blood effectively. More than 90 percent of the foods tied to reported cases were grain-free, and 93 percent contained peas or lentils as primary ingredients.

However, they found that this was more due to the increased popularity of grain-free diets rather than as a mechanism of action. Researchers now believe the issue is an issue of genetics and taurine deficiency.

Grains have been part of balanced dog food formulations for decades without concern. At Kismet, our grain-inclusive dog food uses barley and brown rice because they support digestion and have a long track record of safety.

Unless your vet has identified a specific grain allergy, a grain-inclusive formula is a safe path for long-term whole-body health.

Key Takeaways

Ingredients like brown rice, barley, and oats provide fiber that aids digestion, sustains energy levels, and promotes a diverse gut microbiome.
The FDA investigated a potential connection between grain-free diets high in peas and lentils and dilated cardiomyopathy, though researchers now believe genetics and taurine deficiency are the more likely underlying factors.
Unless a veterinarian has diagnosed a specific grain allergy, grains have a decades-long track record of safety in balanced dog food and support whole-body health.

Sources:

FDA's Grain-Free Diet Alert and DCM | American Kennel Club