High-fat raw diet beats high-carb kibble in dog metabolism study
A new study shows raw meat diets may benefit dogs' metabolism more than kibble.
Why it matters
- Diet can significantly impact dogs' metabolic health.
- Findings may inform pet nutrition guidelines and human metabolic research.
By the numbers
- 46 Staffordshire Bull Terriers were studied.
- Trial lasted an average of 4.5 months.
- Both diet groups showed increased ketone bodies, but levels were higher in the raw food group.
The big picture
- High-carb kibble diets linked to adverse metabolic changes in dogs.
- High-fat raw diets may promote healthier metabolism, similar to some human diet studies.
What they're saying
- Some praise the study for highlighting potential issues with processed dog food.
- Critics note the study didn’t control for calories or activity levels.
- Suggestions for further research include comparing low-carb kibble and controlling for exercise.
Caveats
- Study didn’t control for calorie intake or activity levels.
- More research needed to understand long-term health effects.
What’s next
- Further studies with controlled calories and activity levels.
- Exploration of low-carb kibble options.