However, "
a tangled web of pet food industry funding and interests may have influenced the origin, data collection and course of the FDA study, according to an examination of internal FDA records and extensive reporting."
"A six-month investigation by 100Reporters has found that veterinarians who prompted the FDA to consider diet have financial and other ties to the leading sellers of grain-inclusive pet foods. Additionally, agency records show that for the initial study, some vets were instructed to submit only dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases that implicated grain-free, “exotic” or “boutique” pet foods. Suppliers of ingredients used in grain-free dog foods have also exerted pressure on the FDA to protect their market."
So essentially, the grain-free kibble makers influenced the research and reporting done to deny any potential link between grain-free and heart disease. Kibble companies are NOT in the business of animal health. This is about profit. Period.
In my view, it is a combo of McDonald's like kibble, of any kind, grain-free or not, in combination with too many vaccinations that attribute to an increase in canine heart disease.
On a personal note, I was truly blown away when I took Sheldon to the vet a few years ago and unfortunately wasn't able to see our holistic vet because I felt he needed to be seen immediately. He had a tremor, which I had never seen before and freaked out and took him in. Thankfully, it was just a fluke thing and most probably a symptom of vaccinosis that resolved itself because I had been giving him tons of homeopathic detox remedies at the time.
Anyway, upon examination, this vet asked what I fed Sheldon. I told him that I fed him dehydrated raw and had been doing so for years. He proceeded to lecture me on safety and quality. He suggested I feed grain-free. I asked him why. He told me that grain-free would prevent heart issues. I proceeded to ask how Sheldon's heart sounded. He said his heart was strong and that he was in great shape. This makes no sense. Why would this vet suggest I switch to a diet if he was in perfect health. The answer to this question is money. This particular vet was probably doing what he was trained to do, but typical vet training is also heavily influenced by kibble companies as they often make significant donations to vet schools. Again, this is not about helping our pets. This is about money.
As for Sheldon's diet: If it ain't broken, don't fix it.