January 13, 2026
1 min read

Understanding the Grain vs. Heart Health Debate

Dog owners have received conflicting and frequently simplistic information over the past ten years regarding grains, grain-free diets, heart health, and DCM (Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy) This has obviously caused irritation for guardians who just want to do what is best for their dog.

Based on long-term feeding statistics, formulation records, and BARF World's experience, it's critical to make clear a crucial fact that is frequently overlooked:

Although grains are not biologicallynecessary for dogs, they are also not inherently dangerous. Dogs' physiology is tailored for animal-based nutrition, especially animal protein, animal lipids, and naturally occurring amino acids like taurine, methionine, and cysteine that promote heart function. This is because dogs are facultative carnivores.

Veterinarians' concerns about DCM were not brought on by the lack of grains, but rather by:

Diets that substituted plant proteins for animal proteins
Formulations that were low in amino acids or poorly bioavailable
An excessive dependence on peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes

Those ingredients were never the foundation of BARF World diets. In the past, BARF World formulas have placed a strong emphasis on:

A high proportion of animal muscle meat, organs, and bones
naturally occurring taurine and taurine precursors
lack of dependence on legumes or starch fillers to meet protein requirements.

Mitral Valve Disease vs. Diet Associated DCM

Diet-associated DCM is not the same as mitral valve disease (MVD). Cavaliers and mixes frequently have MVD, which is degenerative and hereditary rather than dietary.

From BARF World's feeding records of dogs with early-stage MVD and heart murmurs:

Lean muscle mass and total cardiac workload are typically better supported by diets high in bioavailable animal protein.
The absorption of naturally occurring taurine from animal sources is more reliable than that of manufactured supplements.
For sensitive dogs, consuming too many carbs and fermentable starches may worsen inflammation and intestinal stress.

"Hard Swallowing" and Digestive Problems

The hard swallowing, gulping, and licking you're witnessing are frequently linked to gastrointestinal irritation or acid reflux. Customer feeding reports and BARF World data have consistently demonstrated that:

Raw diets (like BARF Worlds) frequently enhance gastric emptying time and minimize reflux behaviors
Highly processed kibble can stay in the stomach longer and ferment
Diets high in starch may increase the production of gastric acid.

Acid reflux symptoms, excessive licking or gulping, stool quality, and digestive comfort all improve for many dogs switching from kibble to a physiologically suitable raw diet.

The philosophy behind BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

The foundation of BARF World's strategy has always been species-appropriate nutrition rather than dietary fads.

An appropriately balanced raw meat diet:

removes superfluous starches and fillers
naturally produces full profiles of amino acids.
promotes heart health without depending on beans or grains
Reduces inflammatory load on the gut

BARF World frequently suggests the following for elderly
dogs or dogs with cardiac issues:

Organ inclusion that is balanced
Proteins high in omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation
avoidance of legumes and reliance on artificial fortification

By paying attention, asking questions, and speaking up for your dog's long-term health, you are already doing a lot of things correctly. The greatest diets for canine physiology, digestion, and cardiac support are those based on biologically relevant ingredients, according to BARF World's experience. Nutrition should support the body, not fight it.

As usual, any dietary changes should be made gradually and in consultation with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable on fresh or raw feeding principles, particularly for a dog with a heart issue. Your dog is fortunate that you are giving his care this much thought.

Justin Bagar

Justin grew up right outside of San Francisco California. He is accompanied by his Wife; Yvette, and his 2 dogs, Gizmo and Turbo. Justin takes care of all social media, Minnesota Warehousing, and content creation. His hobbies include cars, editing, and esports. His passion for pets started at a young age with his childhood dog, BJ; a big white and gray Husky