The U.S. FDA has issued a warning linking 16 popular dog food brands to an increased risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). With more than 560 reported cases and 119 dog deaths, pet parents in Hong Kong are understandably concerned about the safety of pet food, dog food, and pet nutrition. Expensive imported brands do not guarantee better health. As Hong Kong’s first innovator in personalized pet food, Petsona provides scientifically backed dehydrated meals that retain 90% of fresh nutrition, certified by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards. Learn the truth about pet food, wet food, freeze-dried diets, probiotics, and personalized nutrition in Hong Kong, and how to protect your dog’s heart health through safe, balanced feeding.
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs linked to certain dog food brands. DCM is a serious heart disease where the heart’s ventricles enlarge, leading to congestive heart failure. By June 2019, the FDA had collected 560 cases and confirmed 119 deaths. Shockingly, most cases were linked to boutique or grain-free pet foods. Expensive does not equal safe, Hong Kong pet parents must evaluate nutrition quality, not just brand reputation.
The FDA highlighted 16 brands most frequently fed to dogs diagnosed with DCM:
Many of these brands are premium-priced and popular in Hong Kong, but they were found in multiple DCM cases. This shows the importance of complete, balanced nutrition rather than relying on marketing claims.
The FDA noted that most affected diets were labeled “grain-free” and used peas, lentils, chickpeas, or potatoes as main ingredients. While these foods are not inherently toxic, problems occur when recipes rely too heavily on plant protein, lacking essential amino acids such as taurine and methionine. Taurine is critical for heart health, and deficiency is strongly associated with DCM. For Hong Kong dog owners, this means choosing food based on nutritional completeness, not just marketing trends.
Petsona dehydrated meals combine the convenience of dry food with the nutrition of fresh food, retaining 90% of the original nutrients while offering formulas tailored to each dog’s needs.
The FDA’s warning on 16 dog food brands highlights a critical truth: premium pricing does not equal safety. With over 560 cases of canine heart disease linked to certain diets, Hong Kong pet parents must carefully evaluate their dog’s food. Grain-free formulas and boutique brands may carry risks if they lack taurine and balanced amino acids. The safest choice is a diet backed by science, certified by international standards, and tailored to individual needs. Petsona’s dehydrated meals preserve fresh nutrition, meet AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, and are designed for the unique requirements of every dog, ensuring healthier, longer lives.
1. Are grain-free dog foods safe for dogs in Hong Kong?
Not all grain-free diets are unsafe, but many rely heavily on peas, lentils, or potatoes, which can lead to amino acid imbalances. Without sufficient taurine, dogs are at higher risk of heart disease. Always choose pet food that meets AAFCO or FEDIAF standards, and prioritize formulas with animal protein as the main ingredient.
2. What makes Petsona dehydrated meals safer than traditional dog food?
Petsona uses dehydration technology to preserve up to 90% of the nutrition in fresh ingredients while extending shelf life. Unlike generic kibble, our meals are personalized based on your dog’s age, breed, and health needs. Certified by AAFCO and FEDIAF, our formulas provide complete, balanced nutrition that supports heart health and overall wellness.
