DogRisk Nutrition Related Research

Here you can find some of the much needed articles that the DogRisk research team has produced and published!
Early life programming by diet can play a role in risk reduction of otitis in dogs (2024)

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.

Assessing the association between supplemented puppyhood dietary fat sources and owner-reported epilepsy in adulthood, among Finnish companion dogs (2023)

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. 

The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life (2023)

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. 

Distinct healthy and atopic canine gut microbiota is influenced by diet and antibiotics (2023)

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. 

Whole blood trace element and toxic metal concentration in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy dogs: A case-control study (2023)

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. 

Mineral, trace element, and toxic metal concentration in hair from dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to healthy controls (2023)

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. 

Diet and dog characteristics affect major and trace elements in hair and blood of healthy dogs (2022)

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. 

Pharmacokinetics of Carboplatin in Combination with Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide in Female Dogs with Mammary Carcinoma (2022)

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.

Early Life Modifiable Exposures and Their Association With Owner Reported Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Adult Dogs (2021)

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. 

Puppyhood diet as a factor in the development of owner-reported allergy/atopy skin signs in adult dogs in Finland (2021)

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. 

Targeted Metabolomics With Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) Highlights Metabolic Differences in Healthy and Atopic Staffordshire Bull Terriers Fed Two Different Diets, A Pilot Study (2020)

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. 

Simultaneous allergic traits in dogs and their owners are associated with living environment, lifestyle and microbial exposures (2020)

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. 

Hair arsenic level in rice-based diet-fed Staffordshire bull terriers (2020)

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. 

The Effect of Atopic Dermatitis and Diet on the Skin Transcriptome in Staffordshire Bull Terriers (2020)

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. 

The effect of a raw vs dry diet on serum biochemical, hematologic, blood iron, B12, and folate levels in Staffordshire Bull Terriers (2020)

This pilot study explored how different diets affect the blood health of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Researchers compared a heat-processed high-carbohydrate diet (HPHC) with a non-processed high-fat diet (NPHF) in 33 dogs, including those with atopic dermatitis and healthy dogs. After an average of 140 days on these diets, significant differences were observed: dogs on the NPHF diet had higher red blood cell counts and platelet levels but lower levels of hemoglobin, cholesterol, and other blood markers compared to those on the HPHC diet. To our surprise, levels of vitamins B12 and folate, as well as iron, decreased in dogs on the NPHF diet, although there was much more meat in the NPHF diet. While many blood values remained unchanged, the findings suggest that diet does impact canine health, indicating a need for further research. 

Dif­fer­ences in skin gene ex­pres­sion between atopic and healthy Stafford­shire bull ter­ri­ers (2018, doctoral thesis)

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.

The re­la­tion­ships between en­vir­on­ment, diet, tran­scrip­tome and atopic dermatitis in dogs (2018, PhD thesis)

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. 

Raw Meat-Based Di­ets in Dogs and Cats (2017)

Feeding pets raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) is commonly practiced by many companion animal owners and has received increasing attention in recent years. It may be beneficial for the animals, but may also pose a health risk for both pets and their owners, as RMBDs may be contaminated by enteric pathogens—such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia—which are the most common zoonotic bacteria causing enteritis in humans.

Little information exists on the prevalence of these pathogens in pet food, and thus one aim was to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia in commercial RMBDs from retail stores. Little evidence also exists on the significance of raw meat feeding on the shedding of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic Yersinia in the feces of pets, and therefore, the second goal was to study the presence of these pathogens in dogs and cats fed RMBDs.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) only sporadically detected Campylobacter, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic Yersinia in RMBDs. These pathogens were not found by culturing, indicating a low contamination level in frozen RMBDs. They were also detected in the feces of dogs and cats, but the association with feeding RMBDs to them remained unclear.

Environ­mental and phen­o­type-re­lated risk factors for owner-re­por­ted al­ler­gic/ atopic skin symp­toms and for can­ine atopic dermatitis veri­fied by veter­in­arian in a Finnish dog pop­u­la­tion (2017)

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. 

Pop­u­la­tion Ge­net­ics and An­ti­mi­cro­bial Sus­cept­ib­il­ity of Can­ine Cam­py­lob­ac­ter Isol­ates Col­lec­ted be­fore and after a Raw Feed­ing Ex­per­i­ment (2015)

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. 

Val­id­at­ing and re­li­ab­il­ity test­ing the de­script­ive data and three dif­fer­ent disease dia­gnoses of the in­ter­net-based DOGRISK ques­tion­naire (2016)

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. 

In­flu­ence of nu­tri­tion at young age on can­ine hip dys­plasia in Ger­man shep­herd dogs: a case-con­trol study from Fin­land (2014, a student thesis)

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. 

Diet at young age and can­ine atopy/​al­lergy (type) disease

It seems that bone and raw food (BARF) at a young age has a positive influence.  Already when 20% (1/5) of the diet is BARF, there starts to be more healthy dogs per group.

In this study both raw proteins, raw vegetables and berries were saving the dog from atopy/allergy type of disease whereas typical commercial dry products seemed to increase the risk for this disease. In the logistic model of suffering from this disease or not, eating raw meat as well as raw bone and cartilage gave the strongest association of the food items.

Meta­bolo­m­ics from a diet in­ter­ven­tion in atopic dogs, a model for hu­man research?

Like humans, dogs too suffer from atopy and allergy. Anecdotal data suggest that a non-heated raw diet may help the disease. Strict diet intervention studies are easy to do on pet dogs as dog owners anyway tend to give their dogs the same food daily for months or years. Targeted metabolomics might shed light on common diet related physiology on a biochemical level.

To investigate the altered metabolite levels and perturbed metabolic pathways after a dietary intervention in dogs suffering from atopy .

It is unclear if the diet compositions (protein versus carbo-hydrate) or the way of processing the food, i.e. if it was non-heated or heated, had an impact on the results. However, we propose that the dog should be further studied as a model for human research.

Owner as­sess­ment of chronic pain in­tens­ity and res­ults of gait analysis of dogs with hip dys­plasia treated with acu­punc­ture (2016)

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.

Hu­man model? Ana­lys­ing vit­am­ins A, D and E in dogs

Dogs suffer spontaneously from many of the diseases that humans have but as they live shorter lives they get them sooner. Dogs live in homes, so diet interventions can be conducted in the human environment. While human diet interventions with long duration are difficult to conduct and control it is much easier with dogs: they eat only what humans give them and can eat the same food for months without it being unpleasant for the dog, nor for the owner. All these reduce confounding factors of the blood values and allow possible generalisations onto humans. Several studies concerning vitamins in dog blood have been made using various protocols, but no final reference values have been set for the concentration of vitamins in dog blood or tissues. Here we are piloting the methods.

As the canine serum concentrations of vitamins A, D and E are similar to those of humans and can be measured using the same protocols in a laboratory that analyses mainly human samples this could be an indication of an at least somewhat similar metabolism. This needs, however, to be studied further. Canine diet interventions could offer valuable results in a simpler and quicker format compared to human studies and it would be possible to evaluate lipidsoluble vitamins in these trials. Dogs are fairly inbred so we can see genetical differences between different breeds. This could explain, at least partially, the differences in vitamin concentrations between different breeds.

A small case series of dogs suf­fer­ing from can­ine hip dys­plasia sup­ple­men­ted with a joint for­mula con­sist­ing of fish oil, gluc­osa­m­ine HCl, chon­droitin sulfate and MSM (Nu­trolin Nivel®)

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a disease that leads to osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic pain. Nutrolin Nivel (Olini Oy, Espoo, Finland) was tested for this patient group in a non-blinded case series. This product is a joint formula with fluid fish oil as the source of omega-3 fatty acids (280 mg/ml) and tablets consisting of glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate and MSM (330 mg, 220 mg and 110 mg per tablet, respectively).

Decrease in chronic pain from baseline to the end of the 3 month supplementation period was suggested by a significant decrease in the HCPI (p=0.048). The decreases in mobility and quality of life VASs, were not significant.

This is the first report from a canine study involving a joint formula consisting of fish oil, glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. Although only one of the three variables examined showed a significant change, this was the only validated variable and therefore suggests that there is a positive effect. A randomized, blinded study should now be planned to verify these results.

Nu­tri­tional factors and neo­plasia in dogs: a data as­so­ci­ation study on the role of early age diet

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.

Ex­plor­at­ory study: 632 shared ex­per­i­ences from dog own­ers changing their dogs' food to a raw food (BARF) diet

In spite of the limitations of the study, such as self-selection of respondents, a likely tendency of social desirability in their answers, and the fact that the animals diseases were not verified by a veterinarian, this study points to health benefits of feeding raw food to dogs. Prospective research is needed.

Blood bio­chem­istry and haemat­o­logy pro­files between raw and dry food diet fed Stafford­shire bull ter­ri­ers

This study reports novel information about the different effects of dry and raw dog food on blood haematology and biochemistry values. More research is needed to confirm these results and find the physiological processes behind these phenomena.

The full "Blood biochemistry and haematology profiles between raw and dry food diet fed Staffordshire bull terriers" study can be found here.

The im­pact of diet fat on cho­les­terol, trigly­ceride and 3-OH-bu­tur­ate con­cen­tra­tions in blood samples of dogs

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.

Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats (2021)

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.

Eval­u­at­ing ox­id­at­ive stress, ser­o­lo­gical- and haemat­o­lo­gical status of dogs suf­fer­ing from os­teoarth­ritis, after sup­ple­ment­ing their diet with fish or corn oil

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of disease, and the antioxidant physiological effect of omega-3 from fish oil may lead to improvement of canine spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA).

Supplementation with fish oil resulted in a significant reduction from day 0 to day 112 in MDA (from 3.41 ± 1.34 to 2.43 ± 0.92 μmol/L; P < 0.001) and an elevation in Free-Car (from 18.18 ± 9.78 to 21.19 ± 9.58 μmol/L; P = 0.004) concentrations, whereas dogs receiving corn oil presented a reduction in MDA (from 3.41 ± 1.34 to 2.41 ± 1.01 μmol/L; P = 0.001) and NTBI (from -1.25 ± 2.17 to -2.31 ± 1.64 μmol/L; P = 0.002). Both groups showed increased (albeit not significantly) GSH and 8-OH-dG blood values. Dogs supplemented with fish oil had a significant reduction in the proportions of monocytes (from 3.84 ± 2.50 to 1.77 ± 1.92 %; P = 0.030) and basophils (from 1.47 ± 1.22 to 0.62 ± 0.62 %; P = 0.012), whereas a significant reduction in platelets counts (from 316.13 ± 93.83 to 288.41 ± 101.68 × 10(9)/L; P = 0.029), and an elevation in glucose (from 5.18 ± 0.37 to 5.32 ± 0.47 mmol/L; P = 0.041) and cholesterol (from 7.13 ± 1.62 to 7.73 ± 2.03 mmol/L; P = 0.011) measurements were observed in dogs receiving corn oil.

In canine OA, supplementation with deep sea fish oil improved diverse markers of oxidative status in the dogs studied. As corn oil also contributed to the reduction in certain oxidative markers, albeit to a lesser degree, there was no clear difference between the two oil groups. No clinical, haematological or biochemical evidence of side effects emerged related to supplementation of either oil. Although a shift in blood fatty acid values was apparent due to the type of nutraceutical product given to the dogs, corn oil seems not to be a good placebo.

Com­par­ison of cross sec­tional area and fat in­filt­ra­tion of the epaxial muscles in dogs with and without spinal cord com­pres­sion

This study investigated the cross sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration of the epaxial muscles in Dachshunds with compressive spinal cord lesions due to intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) and in dogs with non-compressive spinal cord lesions with fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). The CSA and fat infiltration of the multifidi and longissimus dorsi muscles were determined from T1 weighted magnetic resonance images.

Difference in CSA and fat infiltration between the lesion- and non-lesion side in the Dachshunds was assessed using mixed model analysis. Difference in CSA and fat infiltration between Dachshunds and FCE dogs was analysed with independent sample t-tests.

There was no difference in CSA or fat infiltration between sides in the Dachshunds. FCE dogs had greater CSA (multifidus P = 0.036, longissimus P < 0.001) and less fat infiltration compared to Dachshunds (longissimus P = 0.017).

Duration of neurological deficits, age, body size and conformation are likely to have influenced the difference between the groups.

Mark­ers of iron meta­bol­ism in re­tired ra­cing Grey­hounds with and without os­teo­sar­coma

Greyhounds have well-described clinicopathologic idiosyncrasies, including a high prevalence of osteosarcoma (OSA). Hematocrit, HGB, and HGB oxygen affinity are higher than in other dogs, while haptoglobin concentration is lower, so we hypothesized that Greyhounds have a different iron metabolism. To our knowledge, there are no reports on serum iron profiles in Greyhounds.

To elucidate iron metabolism in Greyhounds, we wanted to compare serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%SAT) in healthy retired racing Greyhounds (RRGs) with OSA (RRGs - OSA), and also with non-Greyhounds (NGs), without and with OSA (NGs - OSA).

TIBC was lower in RRGs than in NGs (P < .0001), and in RRGs - OSA than in NGs - OSA (P < .0001). NGs - OSA had lower TIBC than healthy NGs (P = .003). Percent SAT was higher in RRGs than in NGs (P < .0001) and in RRGs - OSA (P = .008), and %SAT was also lower in NGs than in NGs - OSA (P = .004). Percent SAT was also higher in RRGs - OSA than in NGs - OSA (P = .001). Both RRGs - OSA (P = .02) and NGs - OSA (P < .0001) had lower serum iron concentrations than their healthy counterparts.

Lower TIBC and higher %SAT may constitute another Greyhound idiosyncrasy compared with other dogs. In this study, all dogs with OSA had higher serum iron concentrations and %SAT than healthy dogs.

Iron status in blood donor dogs (2014)

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. 

Fatty acids in serum and diet – a ca­non­ical cor­rel­a­tion analysis among tod­dlers (2013)

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.