The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't found that it does. It spent more than four years investigating reports of heart disease in dogs on grain-free diets, and said those reports don't establish that the diets cause it.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle. The FDA lists the signs as low energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and collapsing.

Diet isn't the only thing linked to DCM. The FDA describes it as a genetic condition in dogs, usually in large and giant breeds such as Dobermans, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds.

In July 2018 the FDA began investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating certain foods. Many were labelled grain-free, and they were high in peas, lentils, other legumes or potatoes.

In December 2022 the FDA said the reports it had received "do not supply sufficient data to establish a causal relationship" with the foods involved. It described the question as a complex scientific issue that may involve several factors.

It also said it won't publish further updates until there is meaningful new scientific information. As of September 2026, that December 2022 update is still the latest on the FDA's page.

The FDA didn't tell owners to stop feeding these foods. In its 2019 guidance it said it was not advising dietary changes based on the information gathered so far.

Not yet. Research continues on the topic, but a scientific consensus has not formed.

Yes. Peas are one of the main ingredients, along with sweet potato and tapioca. You can see the full ingredient list, and it's printed on every bag.

Questions about our food are always welcome at [email protected].