Yes, Joanne, I hope the investigation into the sudden increase of cases of DCM in dogs would come up with some more concrete answers soon also. However, it seems like it is complicated. Too bad some of the companies whose names keep coming up as having been fed to the dogs being diagnosed would step up and help support the research. They instead are turning their backs and continue to formulate dog food without employing people with the expertise to do so. Also using new untested ingredients without doing any type of feed trials.
So many people roll their eyes at the “big 3” donating money to the researchers. How would the research get done if they didn’t. I’m sure they would accept money from some of the other pet food companies as well. I’m guessing that Champion, Fromm, Global Pets, and Diamond have enough profits to contribute. They charge enough for their food! Where are their profits going? Not on veterinarian nutritionists, testing, research or feeding trials!
Not sure if the FDA ever came to a conclusion on what was causing dogs to die from jerky treats. I won’t ever feed those again either. Just like I will only feed foods that meet all the WSAVA criteria from now on.
You’re right about dogs being able to synthesize their own taurine if the proper precursors are available in their diet. There are several articles to be found on the internet with this information. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I am not an expert at analyzing dog food ingredient panels! You just can’t get the whole story from them.
Btw, Dr. Stern’s peer-reviewed study at UCDavis was privately funded. There was no money taken from any pet food companies.
My dogs are doing great on Purina ProPlan. Sounds like yours are/is as well, joanne. Best wishes!
