This study is from UC David Veterinary School
UC Davis Investigates Link Between Dog Diets and Deadly Heart Disease
wwwvetmed.ucdavis.edu/…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.
Comment from my Veterinarian
So I have an article about this up in the office and have posted on our Facebook site. The problem is peas and potatoes. They seem to block taurine absorption or manufacturing. This is being mainly researched in dogs right now ( specifically Goldens). But has been seen in cats.
So the short answer is stop feeding grain free.