NM06 - Canine Non-Traditional Diets Impact the Immunological Health of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract: Background – Non-traditional dog foods (raw meat-based diets (RMBD), dehydrated, freeze-dried) are becoming popular feeding choices. Limited data exists characterizing the impacts on gastrointestinal health and systemic inflammation in dogs fed a non-traditional diet versus a traditional kibble diet (KD).

Hypothesis/Objectives –Serum and inflammatory markers were evaluated in dogs fed either KD or RMBD for > 1 year. We hypothesized that RMBD fed dogs would have an improved intestinal and systemic inflammatory profile.

Animals – 55 healthy, adult client-owned dogs fed either KD (n=27) or RMBD (n=28) for >1 year.

Methods – Dogs were grouped according to current feeding method (raw or kibble). Each group received a standardized diet (single brand of kibble or RMBD, with single ingredient snacks) for an additional 30 days following inclusion. Serum and feces were collected on day 30. Serum IgG, CRP, galactin-3, soluble receptor for advanced end glycation end products (sRAGE), and fecal intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), IgA and IgG were evaluated. Linear regression and correlation analysis were used to statistically analyze the data and log-transformation was used when necessary.

Results – Fecal IAP, IgA and IgG levels were significantly higher in the RMBD group compared to the KF group (p < 0.0004, p < 0.0006, p < 0.0002, respectively). No difference was observed in serum galactin-3, IgG, CRP or sRAGE between groups.

Conclusions and clinical importance – Dogs fed RMBD for 1 year have increased fecal IAP, IgA and IgG which may reflect improved gastrointestinal health and local immune function.