Evidence-based medicine in further investigation of the hypothesised relationship between grain-free diets and acquired dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs

In the veterinary community, concerns have been raised of an association between grain-free diets and acquired dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. This prompted investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced in July 2018.

Observations by veterinary medicine clinicians have driven identification of important causal factors of veterinary diseases. However, it is essential that these observations are subject to rigorous scientific investigation before conclusions are drawn. This approach is the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine, contributes to understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, and informs objective decision making at the regulatory level.

Ausvet and One Health Scientific Solutions are keen to promote the application of evidence-based medicine in further investigation of this hypothesised relationship between grain-free diets and acquired dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. This Technical White Paper outlines some key considerations going forward.