Patrick Oconnell
Fromm is a family-run dog food company that has been around for over 100 years. They have been implicated in several cases of diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and have been criticized for their high-fat content and use of dairy or cheese in their recipes. While some dog owners have reported no issues with Fromm's food, others have expressed concerns about its nutritional adequacy and adherence to guidelines. Fromm's dog food contains a range of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains, with cheese featuring in several recipes. The presence of cheese in Fromm's dog food may be a concern for dogs with dairy sensitivities or allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for including cheese | To increase palatability |
| Concerns | High-fat content, dogs with dairy allergies or sensitivities |
| Other ingredients | Beef, oats, barley, chicken, fish, flaxseed, salmon oil, alfalfa meal, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and more |
| Nutritional profile | High protein, near-average fat, near-average carbohydrates, high-risk due to excessive carbohydrates |
| DCM cases | Multiple cases reported |
| Veterinary nutritionist on staff | No |
| Recall history | Recalled in October 2021 due to high levels of Vitamin D and in March 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
- Fromm's dog food has been linked to cases of DCM
- The food contains cheese, which may cause allergies or sensitivity in dogs
- Fromm's food is high in carbohydrates, fat and protein
- Fromm does not meet WSAVA guidelines
- Fromm's food is advertised as wholesome, but animals have different nutritional needs to people
Fromm's dog food has been linked to cases of DCM
Fromm dog food has been linked to cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is a form of heart disease that can be severe and even fatal. While the exact cause of DCM is not yet fully understood, it is believed that a combination of dietary and genetic factors may be at play.
In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of DCM in dogs consuming certain pet foods, particularly those labelled as "grain-free." These grain-free diets often contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds, and/or potatoes as main ingredients. From January 2018 to April 2019, the FDA received reports of 553 dogs with DCM, a significant increase from previous years.
One of the challenges with DCM is that dogs often do not show symptoms until they are very sick. Symptoms of DCM include lethargy, exercise intolerance, and shortness of breath. It is important for dog owners to be vigilant and consult their veterinarians if they notice any of these symptoms in their pets.
While Fromm dog food has been implicated in cases of DCM, it is essential to recognize that the condition is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Dietary choices, such as the inclusion of grains or specific ingredients like peas and lentils, may play a role, but further scientific evaluation is needed to establish definitive links.
To ensure the health and well-being of their dogs, owners should prioritize working closely with their veterinarians. Seeking professional advice can help navigate the complexities of canine nutrition and any potential risks associated with specific diets or ingredients, including those linked to DCM.
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The food contains cheese, which may cause allergies or sensitivity in dogs
Fromm is a popular brand of dog food that has been around for over a century. The brand offers a range of recipes, including grain-free options, and is marketed as a wholesome, natural option for pet owners. However, there has been some controversy surrounding Fromm dog food, with some pet owners and experts expressing concerns about its ingredients and potential health risks.
One of the concerns regarding Fromm dog food is the presence of cheese in many of their recipes. Cheese is not commonly found in dog food, and its inclusion may raise concerns about potential allergies or sensitivity in dogs. While some dogs may enjoy cheese as a treat, it is important to recognize that dairy products can sometimes cause digestive issues or allergies in canines.
Cheese is a known source of lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Some dogs, like humans, may have difficulty digesting lactose due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which breaks down this sugar in the small intestine. As a result, consuming cheese or other dairy products can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach upset in lactose-intolerant dogs.
In addition to lactose intolerance, some dogs may also have a true dairy allergy. Allergies are immune-mediated reactions to specific proteins, and in the case of cheese, dogs may be allergic to either the cow's milk proteins or the proteins in the cheese itself. Symptoms of a dairy allergy can include skin issues like itching, rashes, and ear infections, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
The presence of cheese in Fromm dog food may be a concern for pet owners whose dogs have allergies or sensitivities to dairy. While some dogs can tolerate small amounts of cheese without issue, others may experience adverse reactions. It is always important to monitor your dog's reaction to any new food and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns or notice any negative symptoms.
It is worth noting that Fromm is not the only dog food brand to include cheese in its recipes. Some premium dog food brands incorporate cheese for its nutritional benefits, assuming that dogs can digest it properly. Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids, which can support a dog's overall health. However, the potential for allergies or sensitivities should always be considered when introducing new foods to a dog's diet.
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Fromm's food is high in carbohydrates, fat and protein
Fromm dog food is a popular choice for pet owners, but it has also been the subject of some controversy and mixed reviews. The brand has been implicated in cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and has been labelled by some as a high-risk dog food due to its high levels of carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
The Fromm Gold range, for example, has been found to contain an average of 38% carbohydrates, which is considered excessive for dogs. Carbohydrates are not a nutritional requirement for dogs, but starch is necessary for extrusion in dry foods. The Four-Star Grain-Free Game Bird Recipe contains 31% carbohydrates, while the Gold Grain-Free Heartland Gold Puppy Recipe contains 37%.
In addition to its high carbohydrate content, Fromm dog food also has a high-fat content, with the Fromm Gold range containing an average of 16% fat, and the overall brand featuring a mean fat level of 15%. The high-fat content is likely included to make the food more palatable to dogs, but it can lead to health issues down the line.
Fromm dog food also contains a significant amount of protein, with the Fromm Gold range showing a dry matter protein reading of 28%, and the brand as a whole averaging 28% protein content. This high protein content is boosted by the inclusion of ingredients like flaxseed, which contains about 19% protein, and alfalfa meal, which contains about 18% protein.
While some pet owners have reported no issues with feeding their dogs Fromm products, others have switched to alternative brands due to concerns over the high levels of carbohydrates, fat, and protein in Fromm food, as well as the brand's non-compliance with WSAVA guidelines and lack of a veterinary nutritionist on staff.
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Fromm does not meet WSAVA guidelines
Fromm is a popular dog food brand that has been around for over a century. However, it has faced scrutiny for not meeting certain guidelines, specifically the WSAVA guidelines. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) provides guidelines for pet food selection, focusing on nutritional adequacy and safety.
The WSAVA guidelines recommend choosing pet food that follows specific criteria. Firstly, they suggest selecting food that employs a team of experts, including full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionists. This is a crucial aspect, as veterinary nutritionists ensure that the food is formulated with the proper nutrients required for a dog's health.
Fromm has been criticised for not employing a veterinary nutritionist, which raises concerns about the nutritional adequacy of their products. This is especially concerning given the reported cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs fed Fromm. DCM is a serious heart condition, and some studies have linked Fromm's food to nutritional-mediated DCM, suggesting that the food may not provide adequate nutrition to support cardiac health in dogs.
Additionally, Fromm's food has a relatively high-fat content, which can make it more palatable to dogs but may also lead to long-term health issues. The brand has also been implicated in recalls due to high levels of Vitamin D, indicating potential quality control issues.
While Fromm may have its own team of pet nutritionists, their lack of adherence to WSAVA guidelines, particularly the absence of a veterinary nutritionist, raises concerns about the safety and nutritional adequacy of their products. As such, dog owners who prioritise their pet's health may opt for brands that strictly follow the WSAVA guidelines, such as Royal Canin, Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, and Purina. These brands are recommended by experts as they meet the stringent nutritional and safety standards set by the WSAVA, ensuring peace of mind for concerned pet owners.
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Fromm's food is advertised as wholesome, but animals have different nutritional needs to people
Fromm's dog food is advertised as wholesome, but it's important to remember that animals have different nutritional needs than humans. While Fromm employs pet nutritionists and includes a variety of ingredients in its recipes, there are some concerns about the nutritional adequacy of their products for dogs.
Firstly, Fromm's dog food has been implicated in cases of diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This issue has raised questions about the safety and suitability of their recipes for dogs, and some veterinarians and experts recommend feeding grain-inclusive foods that follow WSAVA guidelines instead.
Secondly, while Fromm's products may appear appealing to humans, with names like "Tuscan/Central American/European-inspired three cheese chicken with spinach," it's important to remember that dogs do not need this level of variety in their diets. Dogs' digestive systems are not designed to tolerate the same variety that humans do, and their nutritional needs are different.
Thirdly, while Fromm does include cheese in many of its recipes, this may not be suitable for all dogs. Some dogs may have dairy sensitivities or allergies, and the inclusion of cheese could potentially cause digestive issues or other health problems.
Additionally, some of Fromm's recipes have been criticised for their high carbohydrate content, which is not a nutritional requirement for dogs. The excessive carbohydrate levels in certain Fromm products have led to concerns about the overall nutritional balance of their dog food.
Finally, while Fromm claims to have a veterinarian and a person with a PhD in nutrition on staff, there are conflicting reports about the presence of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This discrepancy has led to doubts about the credibility of their nutritional claims and the formulation of their recipes.
In conclusion, while Fromm's dog food may be advertised as wholesome, it's important to remember that the nutritional needs of animals differ from those of humans. Seeking advice from a veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist is essential to ensure that the specific needs of your pet are being met.
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Frequently asked questions
Fromm includes cheese in their dog food as a source of protein and healthy fats. However, some dog owners have expressed concerns about the high-fat content in Fromm's products, which may be linked to dietary issues in dogs.
Fromm dog food has been flagged as high-risk due to its high carbohydrate content, which is considered excessive for dogs. Additionally, some dogs may have dairy sensitivities or allergies, and the presence of cheese in Fromm's recipes could potentially cause adverse reactions in these dogs.
The ingredients vary across Fromm's product lines, but common ingredients include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Fromm's dog food products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for different life stages, including growth, maintenance, and all life stages.
Yes, Fromm has recalled certain dog food products in the past due to high levels of Vitamin D in October 2021 and for unspecified reasons in March 2016.
