DCM stands for dilated cardiomyopathy. If a dog is diagnosed with DCM, their heart muscle is enlarged and weakened, potentially causing valves to leak. Over time, this leads to congestive heart failure. In 2018, the FDA announced that it was investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating certain foods, many of which were grain-free and had a high percentage of legumes in the ingredients.
As a result, dog owners have been switching their dogs to a grain-inclusive diet. However, this is not a suitable option for dogs allergic to grains, so always speak to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s food. If you’re considering switching to a new food, here are the best dog foods to avoid DCM. You can browse these reviews to see if there’s a brand that will work well for your dog today. Once you find one you like, ask your vet about adding it to your dog’s diet.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food |
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Budget Buy | Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food |
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Annamaet Original Option Dry Dog Food |
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Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dry Puppy Food |
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Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Dry Dog Food |
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The 10 Best Dog Foods to Avoid DCM
1. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Brussels sprouts, chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli |
Protein content: | 11.5% |
Fat content: | 8.5% |
Calories: | 590 per pound |
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe contains no legumes. This fresh dog food is made with healthy, nutritious ingredients to give your dog a balanced diet. The Farmer’s Dog is not available in stores but is a delivery service that will send the food right to your door. It is stored in your freezer until you’re ready to thaw and serve it.
Each package comes with your dog’s name on it, which is helpful if you’re ordering for multiple dogs. The recipes can be pre-portioned to your dog’s caloric needs. You can offer your dog fresh food from wholesome ingredients, making The Farmer’s Dog the best overall dog food to avoid DCM. Veterinary nutritionists formulate the recipes and meet the AAFCO standards for quality1.
Keep in mind that this is a grain-free food. Talk to your vet about whether grain-free food is right for your dog, and always speak to your vet before changing anything in your dog’s diet.
- Convenient shipping to your door
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- More expensive than regular kibble
2. Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food — Budget Buy
Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, oatmeal |
Protein content: | 26% |
Fat content: | 15% |
Calories: | 406 per cup |
With no artificial ingredients or preservatives, Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food is the best dog food to avoid DCM for the money. You can purchase a 4.4-, 16.5-, or 33-pound bag, depending on how much you need at a time to match your dog’s size and age.
Evanger’s formula is complete and balanced, meeting AAFCO standards for dogs of all life stages. Real chicken is the first ingredient, and the prebiotics and probiotics promote healthy digestion. Ingredients like carrots, cranberries, parsley, blueberries, and oatmeal provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
The kibble size is small, around the size of large peas. Although is suitable for all breeds, larger pus may prefer a bigger pieces.
- Large bag for the money
- Includes prebiotics and probiotics
- No artificial ingredients
- Small kibble size
- Bland smell
3. Annamaet Original Option Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Salmon meal, brown rice, millet, rolled oats, lamb meal |
Protein content: | 24% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 406 per cup |
The Annamaet Original Option Dry Dog Food is not only suitable for avoiding DCM but also ideal for dogs with poultry allergies. Its protein content is made up of salmon, lamb, and fish meal, giving your dog a high-protein food that is also low in fat. Cranberries, blueberries, and apples add to the vitamin and mineral count. Annamaet also includes prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
This whole-grain formula is fortified with omega fatty acids to support the skin, coat, and brain. The chelated chemicals in the recipe help your dog absorb minerals that are vital for immune system health. The L-carnitine in the food works to metabolize fat to promote healthy muscle mass.
The kibble size has recently changed and is much larger than it used to be. It’s too big now for some small dogs that previously ate this food.
- High protein and low fat
- Include prebiotics and probiotics
- Omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and brain health
- Kibble has increased in size
- Expensive
4. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dry Puppy Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, dried beet pulp, chicken fat |
Protein content: | 25% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 466 per cup |
Chicken and menhaden fish make up the protein content of Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dry Puppy Food. Antioxidant-rich ingredients blend with glucosamine and essential fatty acids for healthy puppy development and joint function. The brain and nervous system are supported by the addition of EPA and DHA.
This balanced recipe provides the proper amounts of protein, fat, and carbs to keep puppies energetic and growing strong. Oatmeal and flaxseed aid digestion, and Dr. Gary’s is gentle on puppies’ sensitive stomachs. It’s suitable for puppies of all sizes.
Since chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe, the formula is not an option for dogs with poultry allergies. If your dog is not allergic to chicken and can tolerate grain, this is a healthy formula to avoid DCM.
- Complete and balanced for puppy development
- Gentle on digestive systems
- Contains glucosamine for healthy joint development
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
5. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, dried whole eggs |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 18% |
Calories: | 395 per cup |
The Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Dry Dog Food is perfect for small or mini breeds. This low-glycemic, limited-carb recipe may also be a suitable option for diabetic dogs. Check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Farmina is helpful in avoiding DCM in dogs because it contains no legumes but still offers premium nutrition. The recipe is 60% animal ingredients, 20% organic spelt and oats, and 20% fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. The formula is GMO-free. Omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health, while antioxidants from pomegranates and berries help fight off free radicals in your dog’s body.
The kibble size is tiny and not made for large dogs.
- Low-glycemic recipe won’t spike blood sugar
- Contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- High-protein, low-fat recipe
- Small kibble size may be unsuitable for large breeds
6. Dr. Tim’s Heirloom Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Pollock, salmon meal, millet, quinoa, spelt |
Protein content: | 32% |
Fat content: | 18% |
Calories: | 409 per cup |
Fish, eggs, and pork are blended to make up the high protein content in Dr. Tim’s Heirloom Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food. This wholesome recipe is crafted for sedentary to moderately active dogs, working with the metabolisms of a more casual lifestyle. Ancient, unchanged grains like spelt and millet are added for nutritional support. The recipe promotes digestive and immune system health with the addition of BC30 probiotic support. Omega fatty acids, EPA, and DHA support brain health and mental clarity while keeping coats healthy.
The recipe was formulated by a Ph.D. canine nutritionist and a small animal veterinarian. There is no poultry in this food, so it’s a good option for dogs with poultry sensitivities.
- Formulated by a canine nutritionist and veterinarian
- Poultry free for dogs with sensitivities
- Supports metabolisms of sedentary to moderately active dogs
- Expensive
7. Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Lamb meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture |
Protein content: | 32% |
Fat content: | 15% |
Calories: | 393.86 per cup |
Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food is a pricey option for those looking for a formula that will help dogs avoid DCM. This grain-inclusive recipe contains probiotics and digestive enzymes that aid digestion. Lamb is the first ingredient, but those looking to avoid poultry should know that chicken fat is also included in the formula.
Lamb meal from grass-fed lamb helps boost the recipe’s impressive protein content. It contains no peas, lentils, potatoes, or wheat. The formula is also eco-friendly and uses renewable energy to produce the kibble and packaging.
Nature’s Logic is made for dogs of all life stages and sizes, which is convenient. You don’t have to keep switching foods as your dog ages. However, the kibble size is small, so large dogs can eat and swallow it too quickly.
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
- Made with renewable electricity
- High protein content
- Expensive
- Kibble may be too small for large dogs
8. FirstMate Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Lamb meal, oatmeal, brown rice, chicken fat, tomato pomace |
Protein content: | 25% |
Fat content: | 10% |
Calories: | 489 per cup |
The gluten-free and low-glycemic formula in FirstMate Dry Dog Food won’t spike blood sugar. It doesn’t contain peas, potatoes, or wheat, but 70% of the protein is from free-range Australian lamb. The other 30% is made up of fruits and grains, including blueberries, cranberries, oatmeal, and brown rice. Your dog can have a low-carb meal while still getting the vitamins and minerals that they need.
While chicken fat is used in the recipe, it contains no chicken protein. This will help reduce the risk of poultry-related allergies and sensitivities, but it won’t eliminate them. Some dogs with poultry allergies can eat FirstMate without any issues.
- Protein derived from free-range Australian lamb
- Vitamins and minerals from fruits
- No chicken protein for dogs with poultry sensitivities
- Still has chicken fat
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
- No added probiotics
9. Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Lamb meal, brown rice, rice, canola oil, olive oil |
Protein content: | 25% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 482 per cup |
The hypoallergenic formula in Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food limits the risk of reactions in dogs with allergies. It is also easy to digest, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. The kibble is formulated with extra-virgin olive oil for healthy coats and a boost of antioxidants.
Grass-fed lamb is the first ingredient and the recipe’s single protein source, making it easy for your dog to digest and reduce allergic reactions. Tuscan Natural is made in the U.S.A. by Ph.D. nutritionists. Some dog owners don’t like the odor of this food or the way that their dogs smell after they eat it.
- Made by Ph.D. nutritionists
- Lamb is the single protein source
- Hypoallergenic recipe lowers allergic reaction risk
- Some dog owners find the smell unpleasant
10. Blackwood Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Whitefish meal, oatmeal, brown rice, pearled barley, ground grain sorghum |
Protein content: | 24% |
Fat content: | 12% |
Calories: | 375 per cup |
Most of the protein in Blackwood Large Breed Dry Dog Food comes from whitefish to give your dog energy and promote healthy muscles. This legume-free recipe uses oatmeal along with probiotics for healthy, easy digestion. It is cooked in small batches to lock in flavor and nutrients for overall health and wellness.
There are no artificial colors or flavors in this formula. The protein content is lower than some other brands on this list, but the fat content is also low. The kibble size is made for large or giant breeds. Small or mini breeds may not be able to chew this food.
- Contains probiotics
- Natural whitefish is the first ingredient
- Cooked in small batches for the best flavor
- Kibble is too large for small breeds
- Low protein
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods to Avoid DCM
You may have heard the reports of dogs developing dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, after eating grain-free diets, and now you’re looking for a formula without legumes or potatoes. The investigation between a grain-free diet and DCM began in 2018. From July 2018 through 2019, over 500 dogs have experienced issues associated with DCM. DCM is the most common cause of heart failure in dogs, for which there is no cure.
If you’re unsure what to do, especially if you’ve been feeding your dog a grain-free diet that includes legumes, contact your vet to work with them and find the best food for your dog. If your dog has a grain allergy, grain-free may be your only option. In this case, we recommend you consider the first pick on this list. It’s grain-free but contains no legumes.
Here are a few more tips for selecting a dog food to avoid DCM.
Taurine
Some cases of DCM were caused by a lack of taurine in the dog’s diet. Taurine is an essential amino acid found in animal protein. In the mid-1990s, it was discovered that adding taurine to a dog’s diet if it was deficient could significantly improve heart function.
The best way to avoid a taurine deficiency in your dog is to feed them food rich in fresh meat, including organs like hearts, livers, kidneys, and lungs. Protein sources like chicken and fish are also rich in taurine. However, beef, lamb, and goat contain lower amounts. Look for the taurine content on the package label, and ask your vet what the daily taurine requirement is for your dog.
No Legumes
Grain-free diets tend to use more legumes and potatoes to provide plant-based protein. This also enables manufacturers to use less whole meat in their recipes, saving money. That is why foods without legumes tend to be more expensive. The good news is that there is a formula without legumes for every budget.
- Peas or any form of peas, such as pea protein
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Beans
- Peanuts
- Alfalfa
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Grains
For a long time, a grain-free diet was promoted to be healthier than one with grains. Dogs were believed to be allergic to grains. While this is true in some cases, it’s more common for dogs to be allergic to the protein source in dog food. For example, you may think that your dog is allergic to grains when they are actually having a reaction to poultry.
Your vet may suggest a bland diet and then slowly reintroduce ingredients to pinpoint the culprit. If your dog is not allergic to grains, you can safely feed them a grain-inclusive diet, and they will receive health benefits from it. Speak to your vet if you have any questions.
If you’ve been feeding your dog a grain-free diet for years, developing DCM is not a guarantee. The most important thing to do is ensure your dog gets enough taurine. If you’d like to switch to a grain-inclusive diet or a grain-free diet without legumes, this list has great options.
Conclusion
For the best overall dog food to avoid DCM, we like The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe. This subscription dog food is delivered to your door using the freshest, natural ingredients. For a value option, Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food contains probiotics and prebiotics in the recipe and has a large bag size option.
We hope these reviews have helped you select the best food for your dog. Remember to consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels
Contents
- A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)
- The 10 Best Dog Foods to Avoid DCM
- 1. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
- 2. Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food — Budget Buy
- 3. Annamaet Original Option Dry Dog Food
- 4. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dry Puppy Food
- 5. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Dry Dog Food
- 6. Dr. Tim’s Heirloom Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
- 7. Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food
- 8. FirstMate Dry Dog Food
- 9. Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 10. Blackwood Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods to Avoid DCM
- Conclusion