DUBLIN, Ohio – Dr. Michael Henricks says Dilated cardio-myopathy or DCM is a serious condition that the FDA's been studying for some time.

“Grain free diets have been a big issue in human medicine and also veterinary medicine for a long time now. We didn't know before, but just we've seen these cases of DCM on a sharp increase. Ten to fifteen times increase over the last two or three years,” says Doctor Michael Henricks of Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic in Dublin. 

• A new study on dog food may have some pet owners re-thinking their choice of dry food. 
• The Food and Drug Administration recently announced a link between 16 dog foods and a potentially deadly condition.
• More than 500 dogs were said to have Dilated Cardiomyopathy from 2014-2018 

DCM happens when the heart muscle is stretched and is not able to contract efficiently.

It can lead to fluid in the lungs and eventually heart failure.

Research shows there's a genetic component and its more common in larger breeds.

Since 2014 there have been more than 500 cases reported to the FDA, and more than 100 dogs have died from the condition.

“So there's things called legumes, which are peas, lentils, other sort of legume plants that they're basically subsidizing to still make it well balanced in lieu of the grains. And these are the things that we think, potentially could be causing these changes to the heart,” says Henricks.

The most incidents occurred in the following 16-brands of dog food: 

Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro and Rachel Ray Nutrish. 

Dr. Henricks says to look for the tell tale signs in your pet.

“Change in appetite, change in energy level, and then any coughing. We also need to be smart because its a hotter time of year and of course dogs in the heat of the day aren't going to want to be out there as long as they normally are,” says Henricks. 

Dr. Henricks says it's important to research the ingredients of your pet's food.

He advices talking to your local vet and always pay close attention to any recalls and studies from the FDA.

“I think there's enough information to maybe make a change, and just be cautious right now, because the FDA is serious. The FDA doesn't do these things just on a whim. I think we need more time to figure it out,” says Henricks.