This study highlights the importance of clinical research on cats, dogs, and horses in the Nordic countries, as it plays a crucial role in improving medical care for these animals and has broader implications for human and environmental health. Between 2010 and 2019, 2,042 research publications were produced, mainly by Nordic universities with veterinary programs. Despite the growing veterinary healthcare sector, clinical research output has not increased since 2014. The study suggests that more funding, especially for salaries, and better collaboration between Nordic countries could help boost research in this field, ultimately improving veterinary clinical care.
This study suggests that early life factors, especially diet, can influence a dog's risk of developing otitis (ear infections) later in life. We found that dogs fed a raw, non-processed meat-based diet (NPMD) had a lower risk of otitis, while those on an ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet (UPCD) had a higher risk. This effect was seen both in the mother’s diet during pregnancy and in the puppy’s diet from 2 to 6 months of age. Puppies that ate more than 25% of their food as NPMD were less likely to develop otitis, while those with over 75% UPCD in their diet had an increased risk. Other factors, like sunlight exposure and being raised on a dirt floor, also seemed to reduce the risk. Though more research is needed, adjusting a dog’s diet and environment could help lower the chances of developing otitis.
This study explored whether feeding certain dietary fats to puppies could be linked to a reduced risk of epilepsy in adult dogs. We used data from the DogRisk food frequency questionnaire and compared 108 dogs with epilepsy to 397 without the condition, matching them by key factors like breed, sex, and age. We found that dogs fed fat fish or fish oil at least once a week during puppyhood were less likely to develop epilepsy later in life, though the association became less significant when other factors were considered. The study suggests fish fats, which contain omega-3s, may help protect against epilepsy in dogs, but more research is needed.
This study investigated how a dog's early life diet might influence the development of chronic enteropathy (CE), which is a long-term, chronic gut condition, later in life. Using data from Finnish dogs, we found that feeding puppies and adolescent dogs non-processed, meat-based diets, including raw bones, cartilage, and human meal leftovers, was linked to a lower risk of CE. Berries in puppyhood were also protective. On the other hand, diets high in processed carbohydrates, such as kibble, and feeding rawhides during puppyhood increased the risk of CE. The findings suggest that diet in early life plays an important role in gut health later in life.
This study explored how lifestyle factors such as diet, antibiotic use, and living environment affect the gut microbiota and atopy (a type of skin allergy) in two different but common dog breeds in Finland; Labrador Retrievers and Finnish Lapphunds. We found that dogs with atopy had different gut bacteria compared to healthy dogs, and that the two different breeds showed distinct microbiota differences as well. Diet had the strongest link to gut bacteria and only a weak connection was due to atopic symptoms. As expected, antibiotic use was associated both with more severe allergy symptoms and with changes in gut bacteria. Urban living increased allergy rates but didn’t affect gut bacteria. These findings also suggest that dogs might be useful models for studying human atopy and allergies.
This study investigated the levels of trace elements and toxic metals in the blood of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) compared to healthy dogs. We measured various elements, including copper, zinc, selenium, and toxic metals like arsenic and lead, in 19 epileptic dogs and 19 healthy dogs. We found that dogs with IE had significantly higher levels of copper, a higher copper-to-zinc ratio, and more selenium, while chromium levels were lower. Additionally, dogs treated with potassium bromide, a common epilepsy medication, showed elevated arsenic levels. The findings suggest that imbalances in copper, selenium, and chromium might play a role in canine epilepsy, and potassium bromide may affect arsenic metabolism.
This study compared the levels of minerals, trace elements, and toxic metals in the hair of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) to those in healthy dogs. Hair samples from 63 epileptic dogs (53 treated with anti-seizure drugs, 10 untreated) and 42 healthy controls were analyzed. Results showed that epileptic dogs had lower phosphorus levels and higher levels of copper, zinc, selenium, and arsenic in their hair compared to healthy dogs. The copper-to-zinc ratio was also higher in epileptic dogs. These differences were more pronounced in treated dogs, particularly the rise in arsenic levels, which was linked to potassium bromide treatment. The findings suggest that trace element imbalances may be involved in canine epilepsy, and anti-seizure medications might affect the metabolism of elements like arsenic.
This study examined how diet and dog characteristics affect the levels of major and trace elements in the hair and blood of 50 healthy dogs. We found that the concentrations of mercury and lead in hair strongly correlated with those in blood. Hair color, sex, age, and diet also influenced element levels. Dark-haired dogs had more calcium and magnesium in their hair, while females had higher zinc in their hair and higher manganese and arsenic in their blood. Raw-fed dogs had higher zinc and selenium in their hair but lower manganese in their blood compared to dogs on dry or mixed diets. Dogs fed wild game had higher blood lead, and those eating rice had more arsenic. The study suggests hair analysis can be useful for detecting mercury and lead exposure, and diet and dog characteristics significantly impact element levels.
This study was designed to assess the effect of metronomic cyclophosphamide on carboplatin’s tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in female dogs with mammary carcinoma. Sixteen female dogs with mammary carcinoma were treated with 300 mg/m2 intravenous (i.v.) carboplatin therapy (n = 8) or 300 mg/m2 i.v. carboplatin which was associated with 12.5 mg/m2/day oral cyclophosphamide (n = 8). A non-compartmental analysis was applied to calculate the PK parameters of carboplatin in the second and fourth chemotherapy cycles. The carboplatin pharmacokinetics showed high interindividual variability with 10-fold variation in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) in the animals receiving carboplatin only. The systemic plasma exposure (AUC and Cmax) to carboplatin was equivalent in both of the treatments (carboplatin alone and carboplatin + cyclophosphamide). Carboplatin + metronomic cyclophosphamide was well-tolerated by all of the animals. Our results demonstrated that adding low daily doses of cyclophosphamide to the carboplatin therapy increased the survival rate of the female dogs with mammary cancer.
This study explored how early-life factors, such as diet and body condition, impact the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), also called chronic enteropathy, in adult dogs. Using data from over 7,000 dogs, we found that feeding a non-processed meat-based diet (such as frozen raw food diets) during early and late postnatal periods was linked to a lower risk of IBD, while an ultra-processed carbohydrate-based diet (such as kibble), increased the risk. Puppies that maintained a normal body weight in the first six months were less likely to develop IBD, whereas slim puppies had a higher risk, possibly meaning that their food absorption was abnormal already at a very young age. The maternal history of IBD was the strongest risk factor but it remained unclear if it was the fact that the mothers’ and the puppies’ diet has been the same, or if it was genetic. Male dogs were twice as likely to develop IBD as females. The study highlights the fact that by changing the diet, the owner may influence the risk of IBD as the diet of puppyhood significantly influences the dog’s risk of IBD later in life.
This study investigated how puppyhood diet affects the likelihood of developing allergy or atopic skin signs (AASS) in adult dogs. We analyzed data from over 4,000 dogs and found that dogs fed raw animal-based foods, such as tripe, organ meats, and human meal leftovers, along with fish oil supplements, had a lower risk of developing AASS. Additionally, dogs whose diets consisted of more than 20% raw food and less than 80% dry food had a reduced risk. While the study suggests these dietary patterns may influence skin health, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
This worldwide survey aimed to assess the risk of pathogen transmission from pets on raw, minimally processed (MP) diets to humans in the same household. Out of 5,611 responses from 62 countries, 77.1% of households fed only MP diets to their dogs or cats. No laboratory-confirmed cases of infection were reported, and only 0.55% of households had potential cases of transmission based on survey responses. The most commonly reported pathogens were Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli, primarily affecting adults. Factors associated with a slightly higher risk included preparing MP diets in a separate area and mixing them with dry food. Overall, the findings suggest that pathogen transmission from MP pet diets to humans is rare.
This pilot study investigated the impact of two diets on the metabolic health of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, focusing on those with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). We compared dogs on a raw meat-based diet (RMBD) and a kibble diet (KD), analyzing their serum and urine metabolites. The KD group had higher levels of methionine and other metabolites linked to negative health issues, while the RMBD group showed elevated carnitines and creatine linked to the diet’s higher meat content. The findings emphasize the connection between diet and metabolic health in dogs, suggesting a need for further research.
This study explored the relationship between allergies in dogs and their owners, focusing on how their living environments and lifestyles affect their skin and gut microbiota. We examined 168 dog-owner pairs, finding that both were more likely to have allergies if they lived in urban areas. We discovered that while some skin bacteria were shared between dogs and owners, the specific bacteria linked to allergies differed between the two species. This suggests that both dogs and humans may be influenced by similar environmental factors that increase allergy risk, but their microbiomes may respond differently. Overall, the study highlights the complex interplay between environment, lifestyle, and allergic traits in both species.
This study investigated the levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in the hair of Staffordshire bull terriers fed a rice-based diet. We compared seven dogs consuming rice with nine dogs that did not eat rice. We found that the dogs on the rice diet had significantly higher levels of iAs in their hair, indicating a potential risk of long-term arsenic exposure from a rice-heavy diet. The study highlights concern about the safety of rice in pet foods, suggesting that prolonged consumption could potentially pose health risks for dogs.
This study examined how atopic dermatitis (CAD) and diet affect gene expression in the skin of Staffordshire bull terriers. We compared skin samples from four dogs with CAD and four healthy dogs after feeding them either a high-carbohydrate kibble diet or a raw meat-based diet. We found 149 genes were differentially expressed between atopic and healthy dogs, indicating changes in skin processes related to blood vessel formation, skin cell growth, and fat metabolism. Additionally, 33 genes were altered between the two diet groups, with the raw diet linked to higher expression of genes that may enhance immune response, anti-inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress. Overall, the findings suggest that a raw diet might improve skin health and immunity in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Presented at the 2020 Metabolic Health Summit, San Diego USA
This study examined how high-fat, low-carb (HF-LC) and low-fat, high-carb (LF-HC) diets affected glucose markers in Staffordshire Bull Terriers over 4-5 months. Dogs on the LF-HC diet (kibble) showed increases in HbA1c, a long-term glucose marker, and body weight, suggesting elevated blood sugar over time. In contrast, dogs on the HF-LC diet (raw food) experienced reduced blood glucose and glucagon levels, although insulin levels remained unchanged in both groups. These findings align with human studies, suggesting that HF-LC diets may help manage blood sugar and weight in dogs, similar to effects seen in humans. The study highlights the potential of HF-LC diets for weight management and metabolic health in dogs.
This study compared the effects of two diets—a heat-processed high-carbohydrate (HPHC) dry diet and a non-processed high-fat (NPHF) raw diet—on blood health markers in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Over 140 days, 33 dogs, including those with skin conditions and healthy controls, were monitored for changes in blood cell counts, iron, B12, folate, and other biochemical markers. The dogs on the raw diet showed higher red blood cell and platelet counts but lower mean cell hemoglobin, cell volume, and certain enzymes compared to the dry diet group. Folate, B12, and iron levels dropped significantly in the raw diet group. While differences were observed between diets, most blood markers stayed within normal ranges, suggesting diet does influence blood health but highlighting the need for more extensive research.
The study looked at Staffordshire Bull Terriers, either affected by atopy (a skin condition influenced by genetics, environment, and diet or being healthy. We analyzed data from 8,643 dogs, five breeds were identified to most likely experience skin issues: West Highland White Terriers, Boxers, English Bulldogs, Dalmatians, and French Bulldogs. It was found that being born in the owner’s home and living with other dogs were linked to fewer skin symptoms, while overly clean households and a high percentage of white fur increased the risk. In a clinical trial, the effects of raw and dry diets were examined, revealing that raw food improved skin gene expression related to immune defense. The findings suggest that overly sanitized environments and specific diets may hinder proper immune system development in young dogs, potentially leading to CAD later in life.
This study investigates canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), a complex skin condition influenced by genetics, diet, and environment. We analyzed data from over 8,600 dogs to identify breeds more prone to skin symptoms and found that West Highland white terriers, boxers, and English bulldogs reported the most issues. Dogs born into their owner's family and those living with other dogs had fewer symptoms, while overly clean households increased skin problems. Additionally, a diet trial with 46 Staffordshire bull terriers revealed that dogs on a raw diet had different blood profiles and gene expression compared to those on dry food, suggesting that diet may impact immune response and skin health. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering not too strict environmental cleanliness and species-appropriate dietary choices in preventing CAD.
Presented at the 2018 Gut Day Seminar at the University of Helsinki, Finland
This study used a two-dog breed canine model to explore how lifestyle factors influence the gut microbiota and its links to allergy, reflecting similar trends seen in human allergies. We examined the effects of environment, housing, diet, medication, and outdoor exposure on the gut microbiota of allergic and healthy dogs. Findings showed that diet significantly impacted gut microbiota, especially among Finnish Lapphunds, while allergic Labrador Retrievers displayed distinct microbiota profiles. Antibiotic use in allergic dogs increased Escherichia–Shigella levels in their gut, and urban living was associated with higher allergy rates. Overall, the study suggests that dogs offer a valuable model for understanding the lifestyle-related origins of allergies in humans.
This study explores the safety of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for pets, which are popular among many animal owners. While these diets may offer health benefits, they may also be contaminated with pathogen bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia. We investigated the prevalence of these pathogens in commercial RMBDs in Finland and in the feces of dogs and cats fed these diets. We found very low levels of contamination in the RMBDs and detected some pathogens in pet feces, but the connection to RMBD consumption remained uncertain. We can conclude that although these pathogens may be present in some foods, less than a handful of cases have ever been reported in the literature, where either dogs or humans living in the same household would have got a raw food borne disease. We therefore conclude that a possible risk is not a true risk.
This study examined how environmental factors, and physical traits affect allergic skin symptoms and canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) in Finnish dogs. Using data from over 8,600 dogs, we found that living in a detached house, having other dogs at home, and being born in the current household were linked to a lower risk of skin issues. Conversely, having a predominantly white coat and living in very clean households were associated with higher risks. Certain breeds, including the West Highland White Terrier and Boxer, reported more allergic symptoms. While some associations were identified, the study does not establish direct cause-and-effect relationships.
This study evaluates the reliability of the DogRisk food frequency questionnaire, an online survey that gathers information about dog nutrition, living conditions, and health issues. Over the first three years of the study, researchers tested the questionnaire's accuracy by comparing responses with official records and conducting repeat tests with participants. We found a high agreement (Cohen's Kappa scores between 0.95-0.99) for basic information like breed and gender. While most disease-related answers were also reliable, a small percentage (8.9%) of owners reported having diagnosed the skin disease themselves and had not verified it by a veterinarian. Overall, the results suggest that the DogRisk questionnaire is a valuable resource for studying canine health and nutrition, supporting its use for future research.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pain intensity and kinetic variables in dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) treated with acupuncture, carprofen, or a placebo.
DESIGN Randomized, controlled clinical study. ANIMALS 54 HD-affected dogs and 16 healthy dogs.
PROCEDURES Seven HD-affected dogs were removed from the study. Dogs with HD were treated in a blinded manner for 30 days with acupuncture (once weekly for 5 sessions; n = 15), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16), or placebo capsules containing lactose (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16). Dogs were evaluated 2 weeks and immediately before (baseline) and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the onset of treatment. Owners evaluated the dogs' pain intensity with 2 validated questionnaires and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and evaluated degree of lameness with a VAS for locomotion. Kinetics of the hind limbs were also evaluated. Sixteen HD-free dogs were used to assess the evaluation protocol.
RESULTS Owners' assessments revealed that outcomes of the 3 treatments did not differ significantly. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory and VAS pain intensity assessments were decreased from baseline at weeks 4 and 6, respectively, but only in acupuncture-treated dogs. The locomotion VAS values were decreased at week 4 in acupuncture-treated and carprofen-treated dogs. Kinetic evaluation findings did not differ among the groups or over time.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neither acupuncture nor carprofen was significantly different from placebo. Acupuncture and carprofen reduced the degree of subjectively evaluated lameness, and acupuncture was associated with a decrease in validated chronic pain scores.
This study investigated the effects of supplementing the diets of dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) using either fish oil or corn oil, focusing on oxidative stress and blood parameters. Seventy-seven dogs were given 0.2 ml/kg of either oil daily for 16 weeks. Results showed that fish oil significantly reduced levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and increased free carnitine, while corn oil also reduced oxidative markers but to a lesser extent. Both oils had no serious side effects. A significant reduction in platelets counts, and a significant elevation in glucose and cholesterol measurements were observed in dogs receiving corn oil. We recommend not to use corn oil as a placebo oil in OA studies.
This study investigates the rising trend of feeding dogs raw food, which some owners believe is healthier than commercial dry food. We examined fecal samples from 36 Finnish dogs before and after they were fed either raw or dry food, looking for Campylobacter bacteria, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans. We found that 56% of the dogs had Campylobacter, mostly the species C. upsaliensis. Although two raw-fed dogs had another type, C. jejuni, there was no strong link between diet and bacteria presence. While most bacteria were sensitive to antibiotics, some showed resistance to streptomycin. The findings suggest that while raw feeding is becoming more popular, further research is needed to understand its risks for both pets and their owners.
Presented at the 2016 European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition congress (ESVCN)
This study reports novel information about the different effects of dry and raw dog food on blood haematology and biochemistry values, finding distinct differences between the two groups. Findings suggest that diet type may significantly impact blood analysis values, though more research is needed to confirm these effects and find the physiological processes behind these phenomena. This also opens up a discussion about whether raw fed dogs should have their own normal reference values.
Presented at the 2015 Finnish Veterinary Congress (Eläinlääkäripäivät)
This study explores whether dogs with atopy (allergic skin disease) could serve as models for human allergy research, especially in dietary studies. Preliminary reports suggest that a non-heated, raw diet may improve symptoms in atopic dogs, making diet intervention studies feasible, as pet dogs typically eat consistent meals for long periods. By analyzing metabolites, researchers aim to uncover how diet affects biochemical pathways in dogs with allergies. Though it's unclear if diet composition or processing (heated vs. non-heated) impacts results, these findings suggest that dogs could be useful models for human dietary allergy research.
Presented at the 2016 Waltham International Nutritional Sciences Symposium (WINSS)
This study suggests that feeding raw food to dogs may be associated with various health benefits, including relief or even complete recovery from issues such as skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, eye and urinary tract issues, among others. While the findings are encouraging, it is important to note certain limitations — including the self-selected nature of the respondents and the fact that the dogs’ health conditions were not clinically verified by a veterinarian. These results highlight the need for prospective, controlled studies to further explore these associations.
Presented at the 2015 Finnish Veterinary Congress (Eläinlääkäripäivät)
This study examines the potential for using dogs as models in dietary research on vitamins A, D, and E, given that they share many diseases with humans but experience them more quickly. Unlike human diet studies, which are hard to control over time, dietary interventions in dogs are easier to monitor, as dogs consume only what humans provide and can tolerate the same food over extended periods. Initial findings show that dogs’ blood levels of vitamins A, D, and E are similar to humans, suggesting a comparable metabolism. Since dogs are relatively inbred, genetic differences between breeds might help explain variations in vitamin levels. This research approach could offer simpler, faster insights into lipid-soluble vitamin metabolism relevant to both species.
This study investigates how young dogs' nutrition affects the risk of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in German Shepherds. It found that feeding a bone and raw food diet (BARF) or raw meat and other natural supplements may help protect against CHD. In contrast, feeding cooked meat, bones, and cartilage could increase the risk. Both hip dysplastic and non-dysplastic dogs commonly ate dry commercial food, and it did not show association to CHD. However, the amount of raw food in their diets during puppyhood significantly differed between the two groups, suggesting even small amounts of raw food might provide protection. The researchers recommend further studies and clinical trials to confirm these findings.
A poster about this study was presented at the 2013 Waltham International Nutritional Sciences Symposium (WINSS) and is available below.
This study examined the cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration of epaxial muscles in Dachshunds with spinal cord compression from intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) compared to dogs with non-compressive spinal cord lesions from fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). Using MRI images, researchers found no differences in CSA or fat infiltration on either side of the muscles in Dachshunds. However, FCE dogs had larger CSA and less fat infiltration in their longissimus muscles compared to those with IVDH. Factors like the duration of neurological deficits, age, body size, and conformation likely contributed to the differences observed between the groups.
This study assessed iron levels in 130 healthy dogs, including 75 blood donor dogs and 55 controls. Blood donor dogs had higher serum iron levels and transferrin saturation but lower unsaturated iron-binding capacity than controls. Experienced donors, who had given blood more frequently, showed mild iron deficiency, although still within normal limits. The study also found that Greyhounds had a higher percentage of transferrin saturation compared to other breeds, indicating a potential breed-specific characteristic. Overall, while blood donor dogs generally maintain healthy iron levels, frequent donations can lead to mild deficiency over time.
Presented at the 2013 Finnish Veterinary Congress (Eläinlääkäripäivät)
This case series explored the effects of Nutrolin Nivel®, a joint supplement containing fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM, on dogs with hip dysplasia (CHD), which causes osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Over three months, the study observed a significant reduction in pain scores, although improvements in mobility and quality of life were not statistically significant. While only one measure showed a clear benefit, these results suggest a positive effect that warrants further research with a larger, randomized study.
This study investigated iron metabolism in retired racing Greyhounds (RRGs), particularly focusing on those with osteosarcoma (OSA) compared to non-Greyhound dogs (NGs) with and without OSA. We measured serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%SAT). We found that RRGs had significantly lower TIBC and higher %SAT than NGs, indicating a unique iron metabolism in Greyhounds. Additionally, both RRGs with OSA and NGs with OSA had lower serum iron concentrations than their healthy counterparts, although RRGs with OSA had higher serum iron levels and %SAT than NGs with OSA.
This study explored how the fatty acid profiles in the diets of young children relate to those found in their blood. We analyzed dietary records and blood samples from 135 children at age 1, 133 at age 2, and 92 at age 3 as part of a larger diabetes study. We found that the intake of fatty milk was linked to higher levels of certain fatty acids in the blood, including pentadecanoic, palmitic, and conjugated linoleic acid, across all ages. Additionally, at ages 2 and 3, there were correlations between dietary and blood levels of specific omega-3 fatty acids. The study also noted that the dietary records maintained by parents were of high quality, and that non-fasting blood samples were suitable for analyzing overall fatty acid levels. A key takeaway was the novel finding that consuming milk fat is associated with higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid in the blood.
Presented at the 2013 Waltham International Nutritional Sciences Symposium (WINSS)
This study on canine atopy/allergy type diseases found that incorporating a diet of bone and raw food (BARF) at a young age had a positive influence on health, with even a 20% BARF diet correlating with a higher number of healthy dogs. Raw animal proteins, vegetables, and berries were associated with a reduced risk of atopy/allergy diseases, while typical commercial dry food products appeared to increase the risk. In the logistic model used, the consumption of raw meat, bone, and cartilage showed the strongest protective associations against the development of these diseases.
Presented at the 2004 ESDAR congress
This study tested the efficacy of Refinie®, a Finnish berry product rich in polyphenols, in reducing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. Polyphenols, found in berries like cranberry, can prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to urinary tract walls. In this randomized, double-blind trial, 59 female dogs with recurrent UTIs received either Refinie® or a placebo daily for nine months. Results showed that dogs receiving Refinie® had significantly fewer UTI episodes than those on the placebo, with 83.3% of placebo dogs experiencing four or more UTIs during the study. Refinie® was generally well-tolerated, and owners reported fewer UTIs in their dogs, suggesting potential benefits of berry-based polyphenols for urinary health in dogs. Further studies are encouraged to confirm these findings.
Raw food and nutraceutical oils seem to decrease the odds of neoplasia development when provided at young age, while processed foods seem to increase the odds.
Both our nutrition based variables and the other significantly associated confounding variables might be a piece in the pathophysiological puzzle of neoplasia. It would be intrinsically related with early gut health, at a time when the immune system is having its initial contacts with antigens and forming its microbiota.
As dogs and humans both suffer from similar cancers we hypothesize that for both, the development of neoplasia may have a fundamental relation with their diet.
This study shows significant effect of the diet on fat metabolism parameters in dogs: After eating a high fat diet the dogs had significantly more ketone bodies and less triglycerides and cholesterol in their blood. This suggests that dogs also change from producing and using glucose to producing and using ketone bodies as fuel in their bodies. Next we should analyse the change in the different cholesterol lipoprotein transporters (LDL, VLDL and HDL) in the trial dogs.