Experts warn: Leaving dinner leftovers to your four-legged friends can be very risky for their health
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himExperts warn: Leaving dinner leftovers to your four-legged friends can be very risky for their health. Some foods, in fact, would increase the risk of heart disease.
The researchers of the Tuft University found a link between the consumption of legumes by dogs (contained in some grain-free kibble) and the development of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): this often fatal pathology causes an enlargement of the heart muscle, making it more difficult to the heart pumping blood throughout the body. Also there Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is following up on the matter, taking into consideration all the ingredients commonly used in the making of canine foods.
In fact, in July 2018, the FDA announced the launch of an investigative campaign on the development of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in relation to animal feeding. It was found that kibble and preparations labeled grain-free (i.e. free of grains and / or potatoes, but with high concentrations of peas, lentils and other legumes) have unexpected side effects on dogs' heart health. This concerns first of all some species already predisposed by their nature to the development of DCM (such as Boxer, Doberman and Saint Bernard), but also others not genetically predisposed to the disease (for example Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog).
(Also Read: Are You Right To Give Your Dog Ice Cubes To Cool Him?)
The researchers who conducted the study compared more than 800 canine food products that have legumes (especially peas) at the top of their ingredient list and saw how their consumption was linked to the development of DCM. It is therefore important for pet owners to become aware of the products they buy for their dogs, by reading the label and the list of ingredients, or by contacting a veterinarian if in doubt.
Not only kibble, however, are responsible for the onset of this serious heart disease. It is mainly the lightness with which we put the leftovers from dinner or lunch in our dog's bowl that supplements his diet with potentially harmful foods. In fact, not only peas and other legumes, but also the presence of table salt can be harmful to animal health. This is why giving our food to dogs should be avoided in any case, to avoid the risk of damaging their health.
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Sources: Nature / AKC
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