PSV-B-29 - Late-Breaking: Comparisons of Practices of Raw Diet Versus Kibble Diet Dog Owners

An increasing number of pet owners feed raw meat-based diets (RD) to their dogs. Reasons include food safety concerns and the belief that feeding RD improves the overall health of dogs. However, it is unknown if owners that chose to feed RD also elect alternative healthcare and management strategies compared to owners that feed commercial kibble (CK). A survey was created to investigate differences in strategies between owners that feed RD versus CK. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics through social media, veterinary clinics, and food cooperatives. Participants were asked questions to determine demographics, feeding practices, and management decisions. Data were separated into the two populations, reported by frequency, and compared using Fisher's exact test with P < .05 considered significant. A total of 1,249 participants completed the survey. Owners of RD dogs more commonly had intact dogs (RD 42.7% vs KB = 28.7%, P < 0.0001) or chose to spay/neuter after 1 year of age (RD = 55%, KB = 47.8%, P = 0.02). CK and RD owners differed in preventative medicine strategies. RD owners were more likely to not vaccinate for DHPP (n = 296; 52%) compared to only 16.7% (n = 111, P < 0.0001) of CK owners. However, RD owners used antibody titer tests to monitor immunity (n = 234, 46.8%) much more frequently compared to CK owners (n = 86;13.4%, P < 0.0001). RD owners were less likely (P < 0.0001) to vaccinate for Bordetella, (a non-core vaccine; n = 356; 62%) compared to CK (n = 218; 32.9%). More CK owners had their dog(s) on heartworm prevention, compared to RF (CK= 79%; RF = 62% P < 0.0001) and provided chemical or prescription flea/tick medication for their dog(s) (RD = 57% vs CK = 83%; P < 0.0001). The results of this survey support differences in management between owners that feed RD compared to CK.