Are peas and legumes bad for dogs?

While the connection to dilated cardiomyopathy has yet to be definitively confirmed, it is understandable if pet owners are more cautious when it comes to the presence of peas and legumes in their dog’s diet. And while these ingredients may an issue, they are not bad ingredients as such as it seems the problem may also be linked to how much a dog consumes.

Is there a grain-free dog food without peas and legumes?

Dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs may benefit from a grain-free diet. And if you are also wanting to remove legumes and peas from their diet then you need to go for carefully balanced formula to ensure they are getting sufficient fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. This does limit your choice but there are grain-free dog foods without peas and legumes on the market. Look for limited ingredient ranges, which include Merricks, ZIWI Peak, Victor and Rachael Ray Nutrish, to name few.

Does grain-free food really cause heart disease in dogs?

This also falls into the question raised by the 2018 research as to whether peas and legumes can cause DCM in dogs and definitive evidence has yet to be found. However, as some grain-free formulas add extra 'make up' ingredients into the recipe list, which include peas and legumes, it's understandable why there are associated concerns over grain-free food. Always read the ingredient label and if you are concerned about your dog’s grain-free diet, speak to your veterinarian.

What is boutique food?

Boutique food is the term given to grain-free food that's made without animal protein, using plant-based ingredients as well as plant protein or using more exotic or unusual meat. Dogs need a balanced diet, with good quality animal protein and complex carbs, and so the trend for boutique dog food has caused some concern, in light of the report into the possible link to DCM.