P.S.A About Grain Free Foods!
Dear Good Hands Clients and Friends,
We know many of you have questions and concerns about the warning that the FDA has issued about “grain-free” diets. The FDA has been investigating dog foods that include legumes, lentils, or potatoes as a main ingredient (or the main carbohydrate source). These foods are typically marketed as “grain-free”. The concern is that there has been an increase number of dogs developing a specific heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and that these “grain-free” diets may be associated with the increased incidence of DCM. This disease has typically been seen as a genetic condition in a few breeds of dogs, like Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes. The study is investigating the increase in the incidence of DCM in dog breeds that we typically do not see this disease in. While the exact cause of this is not known at this time, top veterinary specialists have noted that a common factor may be the type of foods they eat.
At this time, the doctors at GHVH are not recommending feeding a diet that has legumes (peas), lentils, or potatoes as the main carbohydrate source (most of these are advertised as “grain-free) unless it is medically necessary. Common grains found in most dog foods are corn, wheat, barley, rice, oats. Grain in itself is rarely an allergen. Most food allergies in dogs are associated with the protein source in a food. If your dog has a suspected food allergy we suggest trying a veterinary hydrolyzed diet or limited ingredient diet. In these cases, our veterinarians can assist you in selecting the most appropriate food for your pet.
The FDA has released a list of brands included in the investigation. The major dog food manufacturers such as Hills, Royal Canin, Purina, and Iams/Eukanuba do not have any diets associated with the current investigation.
We have included a few resources that will help answer some questions. Please give a call if you have any questions or concerns.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8989590
https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Arpita-and-Emma-editorial/Selecting-the-Best-Food-for-your-Pet.pdf
Call us at (706) 613-1880
Good Hands Veterinary Hospital opened in the fall of 2001. At Good Hands we are committed to providing the best medicine available to your pets. We pride ourselves in our work and look forward to serving your every need.
Good Hands Veterinary Hospital is a full service animal hospital with 5 doctors practicing weekly.We see patients based on appointments but are equipped for emergency visits. Our doctors are experienced in all types of conditions and treatments. We strive to make your pets experience calm and comforting while in the office.
We have a number of resource outlets located on our website. Browse around and look at our articles and pet videos. The best veterinary care for animals is ongoing nutrition and problem prevention. If you have any questions don't hesitate to call (706) 613-1880 or email us and we'll promptly get back to you. Our veterinarian office is located off of Daniells Bridge Rd in Athens, GA near the Oconee County line and you can find directions on our "Contact Us" page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter which is created especially for Athens pet owners.
At Good Hands Veterinary Hospital, we treat your pets like they are our own.
Dr. Eric Mueller
Athens Veterinarian | Good Hands Veterinary Hospital | (706) 613-1880
2391 Daniels Bridge Rd
Athens,GA 30606-6160
Fax Number: 706-613-1844