Response to Industry News about Canine Heart Disease

July 25, 2018

Dear Fromm Retailer,

As you may be aware, the FDA issued an alert on July 12, 2018 in regards to the potential connection between diet and cases of canine heart disease.

In a separate, but related matter, University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine is conducting a study to better understand the impact of Taurine-deficient Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Golden Retrievers. On July 19, 2018 UC Davis issued a press release referencing the above study.

Based on the FDA alert and the summary of the ongoing studies there seems to be a focus on taurine and the potential link between diet and DCM. 

Recently, media outlets have published headlines indicating a link between grain-free diets and DCM.  This has caused many consumers to express concern about the safety of grain-free diets in general.  While the headlines focus on grain-free and heart disease, the studies are specifically researching how dogs metabolize taurine and the impact of taurine on heart health.  

It is important to note that Fromm has supplemented grain-free and grain-inclusive diets with taurine for several years.  While we carefully watch for further FDA notifications and monitor the results of the various studies, we want our retailers and consumers to feel confident knowing Fromm, has and will continue to supplement recipes with taurine.

Pet parents can feed Fromm with confidence, knowing we are a family-owned-and-operated company that is dedicated to the health and well-being of pets and has been since we started producing pet food in 1949.

Sincerely,

George Johnson, Director of Sales

Jim Glassford, Director of Marketing

Fromm Family Foods