Raw meat-based diets for dogs: survey of owners' motivations, attitudes and practices.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The popularity of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for pets has been increasing in recent years even if the reputed health benefits are mainly anecdotal. A web-based survey was developed to better understand the motivations and habits of owners who decided to feed their dogs RMBDs.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 218 dog owners, 62 of whom were living with people whose immune system was impaired or weakened. Internet was the preferred source of information for more than half of the respondents, and feeding dogs a more natural and healthier diet was the main reason behind owners' interest in RMBDs. About 80% of the participants completely abandoned commercial pet food and showed marked distrust especially towards the lack of clarity on the ingredients used (

SUBMITTER: Morelli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6399943 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature