"Homemade diets are a significant nutritional strategy that enhances overall health and quality of life in both healthy and sick dogs. The study demonstrates that homemade diets serve as an effective tool in veterinary practices, yielding successful results in symptom management."
As awareness among pet owners about their dogs' nutrition grows rapidly, homemade diets are becoming increasingly popular. A recent study highlights the positive effects of homemade diets on dogs' overall health. In this article, we explore the importance, outcomes, and implementation details of homemade diets based on the findings of the study titled "Homemade Diet as a Paramount for Dogs’ Health."
Objective and Scope of the Study
This study was conducted on 167 dogs of various ages, genders, and health conditions. The participants included both healthy dogs and those with various pathological (diseased) conditions. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the long-term effects of homemade diets and to assess the adherence rates of dog owners to these diets.
The study particularly focused on the following health conditions:
- Gastrointestinal diseases (chronic diarrhea, vomiting, reflux)
- Dermatological issues (dermatitis, otitis, tear staining)
- Dogs experiencing both conditions simultaneously
Data and Findings
Participant Profile
- Total of 167 dogs:
- 30% mixed-breed, 70% purebred.
- Age range: 7 months – 14 years.
- 75% spayed females, 57% neutered males.
Diet Types and Preferences
|
Diet Type |
Initial (n) |
Final (n) |
Change (%) |
|
Homemade diet |
55 (26 mixed) |
104 (24 mixed) |
+62% |
|
Commercial food |
112 |
63 |
-38% |
A significant increase was observed in the number of dogs using homemade diets (p < 0.0001). The main reasons for discontinuing the diet were owner compliance issues (27%) and dogs not adapting to the new diet (15%).
Observations in Healthy Dogs
-
Coat Quality: 70% improvement in shine and softness.
-
Defecation Frequency: 47% decrease.
-
Overall Energy and Appetite: Stable.
Observations in Sick Dogs
|
Condition |
Improvement Rate |
|
Gastrointestinal diseases |
95% |
|
Dermatological diseases |
83% |
|
Dogs with both conditions |
100% |
Homemade diets were found to significantly alleviate symptoms, particularly in dogs suffering from chronic enteropathy (intestinal diseases) and dermatological issues.
Features of Homemade Diets
Homemade diets are tailored to meet the individual needs of each dog. The primary components include:
- Protein Sources: Chicken, turkey breast, beef.
- Carbohydrates: Rice, potatoes, couscous.
- Fats: Salmon oil, sunflower oil.
- Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, peas.
The meals are typically prepared by steaming or boiling with minimal water and are recommended to be served in two daily portions.
Benefits of the Diet
Significant improvements were observed in coat quality, energy levels, and appetite among dogs that adhered to the homemade diet.
|
Parameter |
Odds Ratio (OR) |
p-Value |
|
Appetite |
4.07 |
0.003 ** |
|
Energy Level |
3.47 |
0.017 * |
|
Coat Quality |
9.88 |
<0.001 *** |
|
Defecation Frequency |
0.01 |
0.93 |
|
Defecation Consistency |
0.01 |
0.97 |
Features of Homemade Diets
- Improved Digestive Health: A 95% improvement was observed in dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
- Natural and Fresh Ingredients: Prepared using human-grade food, preserving nutritional value.
- Reduction in Health Problems: 100% symptom improvement in dogs with both gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions.
Challenges and Kito Fresh’s Solutions
- Owner Compliance: Preparing homemade diets can be time-consuming, requiring owner education and process simplification. / Kito Fresh can be stored at room temperature and served in its specially designed, easy-to-open packaging.
-
Supplement Usage: 21% of owners discontinued supplements due to flavor incompatibility (93%) and difficulty in accessibility (7%). / Kito Fresh provides all necessary vitamins and minerals from its ingredients, eliminating the need for supplements.
Conclusion
Homemade diets are a significant nutritional strategy that enhances overall health and quality of life in both healthy and sick dogs. The study demonstrates that homemade diets serve as an effective tool in veterinary practices, yielding successful results in symptom management. Balanced diets tailored to individual needs should be recommended by veterinarians and nutrition experts for optimal outcomes.
References
- Pignataro, G., Crisi, P.E., Landolfi, E., et al. (2024). Homemade Diet as a Paramount for Dogs’ Health: A Descriptive Analysis. Vet. Sci. 11(438). DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11090438.