When the FDA sounded the alarm in 2018, claiming a potential link between certain dog diets and a rise in canine cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, panic spread among pet owners and the industry alike. But was this warning based on solid evidence, or was the issue blown out of proportion? Join us as we examine the data that challenges the FDA's early conclusions and hear from leading experts, including veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Justin Thomason, who has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. This episode offers a critical look at how the facts don’t always align with the headlines, and why collaboration and data are key to understanding complex health issues like DCM.

Helpful Links

DCM Incidence Study (Full Text): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.846227/full

Board-Invited Literature Review Episode — Pawing Through the Research: Uncovering the Fatal Flaws of DCM

Study Design — Think Twice: Even Bad Science Can Get Published!

The Impact of DCM on Pulse Farmers — Fellowship of Iron and Earth: From Farm to Bowl with Tim McGreevy

Show Notes

00:00 – Introduction

03:20 – Conducting Research During a Pandemic

07:47 – Bringing on Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologists

09:01 – Introducing Dr. Justin Thomason

12:26 – Understanding the FDA’s Initial DCM Announcement

14:22 – BSM Partners Steps in to Lead DCM Research

15:47 – Calling All Veterinary Cardiologists: We Want Your Data!

17:32 – The Problem with Most Veterinary Medical Record-Keeping

20:12 – Vets Jumping to Conclusions?

25:13 – Are Pets Protected Under HIPAA?

27:14 – The Critical Importance of Diet History

29:30 – Piecing the Puzzle Together

30:52 – Key Takeaways from BSM Partners Incidence Study

32:43 – The Availability Heuristic

33:57 – Digger Deeper into Breed and Age

36:23 – Best Practices for Diagnosing Canine DCM

42:13 – What Made Grain-Free Diets So Popular?

44:39 – The Widespread Impact, From Pulse Farmers to Pet Food Companies

46:28 – The Power of Collaboration

49:16 – What’s Up with Mixed-Breed Dogs?

50:09 – Don’t Go Looking for Zebras

52:13 – Good Record-Keeping for the Future

52:45 – Dr. Quest’s Key Takeaway from the Episode

53:54 – Conclusion and Farewell