Guardian reported effect of raw meat based diets in young animals on adult development of food adverse reactions

Abstract

Raw feeding practices and their increasing popularity, despite concerns being raised on this diet, among pet owners are an interesting subject for observing preventative qualities of nutrition. Using the hygiene hypothesis as foundation, this study examined the relationship between puppyhood diet and adult health status, focusing on food adverse reactions in dogs in the Netherlands. Data from 327 survey entries was analysed, leading to 266 respondents eligible for study entry. No significant benefit on risk of food adverse reaction development of raw feeding practices in puppyhood were found in the final analysis, however: tendencies towards lower odds were seen for the raw fed dogs. This study, due to its owner-based data, is very susceptible for bias. Further research into the preventative qualities of raw meat based diets are therefore necessary before recommendations on feeding practices can be made.