Pulse Diets in Dogs: Champion Petfoods

Pulse Diets in Dogs: Champion Petfoods and the Latest Research

Updated: August 2025

Few topics in pet nutrition have stirred as much debate as pulse-rich diets and their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—collectively known as pulses—have been used in many grain-free diets as primary sources of carbohydrates and plant proteins. But do they play a role in heart disease? A recent study brings more clarity, and one key detail has raised questions: it was funded by Champion Petfoods, makers of Orijen and ACANA.

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What Are Pulse Diets?

Pulses are the seeds of legumes and include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. In dog food, they are often added because they:

• Provide plant-based protein
• Offer dietary fiber
• Act as a low-glycemic carbohydrate source

However, since 2018, pulses have been under scrutiny due to reports of dogs developing DCM while eating grain-free diets high in these ingredients. The FDA investigated, sparking widespread concern. Although no single ingredient has been proven to cause DCM, pulses remain a focus of research.

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The Champion Petfoods Study

A recent study investigated the effects of diets containing pulses on canine health. Key facts include:

• Funding: The study was funded by Champion Petfoods.
• Processing: All experimental diets were manufactured in Champion’s facilities.
• Independence: According to the publication, Champion Petfoods had no role in data collection, analysis, interpretation, or writing of the study’s conclusions.

This type of disclosure is important in scientific research. While industry-funded studies can raise concerns about bias, transparent reporting helps build trust. In this case, the researchers made it clear that while Champion provided financial and logistical support, they did not influence the findings.

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Why Does Disclosure Matter?

Pet parents often worry that studies funded by food companies may be biased toward positive outcomes. This concern isn’t unfounded—across human and animal nutrition, industry-funded research has historically leaned toward favorable conclusions for sponsors. However, it’s also true that:

• Pet food research is expensive, and much of it relies on industry funding.
• Disclosure statements allow readers to weigh the evidence critically.
• Peer-reviewed publications undergo scrutiny by independent experts before acceptance.

In this case, acknowledging Champion’s involvement doesn’t invalidate the study—it just means readers should interpret results in context.

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What Does the Study Show?

The published results (summarized):

• Diets containing pulses did not show immediate harmful effects on heart function in the study period.
• Taurine and amino acid levels, key nutrients linked to heart health, were monitored closely.
• More long-term and large-scale studies are still needed before drawing definitive conclusions.

In short: this research suggests that pulses are not inherently dangerous, but we still don’t know the full picture—especially when diets rely heavily on them.

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What This Means for Pet Parents

If you’re feeding a grain-free or pulse-heavy diet, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Balance matters: Problems are more likely when diets are poorly formulated or over-rely on plant proteins.
• Watch taurine levels: Some breeds are more prone to taurine deficiency. Ask your vet if testing is appropriate.
• Transparency counts: Choose brands that publish research, disclose funding, and make ingredient sourcing clear.
• Vet guidance: Always consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes, especially if your dog has heart concerns.

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Bottom Line

The Champion Petfoods-funded study adds valuable insight into the pulse diet debate. While the company funded and manufactured the diets, researchers stated clearly that the data and conclusions were independent. For now, the evidence suggests that pulses aren’t a clear villain, but diet formulation and balance remain crucial. This study is one step forward in unraveling one of the biggest controversies in modern pet nutrition.

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References

1. [Study Citation Placeholder: insert when final publication is linked]
2. FDA. “Investigation into Potential Connection Between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy.” fda.gov.
3. National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.

Related reading: DCM and diet • Grain-free diets explained • Taurine in dog nutrition