Pet Digest

Vegan Diets for Dogs: A Trend with Hidden Dangers? Understanding the Link to DCM Last updated: August 2025 Over the last decade, veganism has grown beyond being just a human lifestyle choice. More pet owners are now choosing to feed their dogs plant-based diets, citing ethical, environmental, and health reasons. But with veganism for dogs trending, an important question arises: is this diet truly safe for our canine companions? One of the most alarming concerns linked to plant-based dog diets is the potential connection to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) , a heart condition that has been reported more frequently in the past several years. In this post, we’ll explore what veganism for dogs looks like, why it’s trending, why even major brands are creating vegan dog foods, and how it may relate to the increased reports of DCM cases. Why Vegan Diets for Dogs Are Trending The push toward plant-based diets for dogs mirrors the rise of veganism among humans. Many dog parents w...

Heart Disease and Nutrition: What Your Dog’s Heart Needs Heart disease is a common and serious condition in dogs that can affect their quality of life and longevity. While genetics and age are key factors, nutrition plays a vital role in both prevention and management of cardiac issues. Common Types of Heart Disease in Dogs Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): Degeneration of the mitral valve causing heart murmur and heart failure. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, impairing function. Congenital Heart Defects: Present from birth and may include valve or septal defects. We previously discussed Diet and DCM Risks , highlighting the importance of taurine and balanced nutrients. Nutrition’s Role in Heart Health Key Nutrients to Support Cardiac Function Taurine and L-carnitine: Amino acids vital for heart muscle energy metabolism. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Antioxidants (Vitamins ...