K. M. Algya et al. (2018) conducted one of the first controlled comparisons of how different diet processing methods affect canine health. Using a replicated 4×4 Latin square design, eight adult dogs were rotated across four commercial diets: extruded kibble (EXT), roasted refrigerated (RR), grain-free roasted refrigerated (GFRR), and raw (RAW).
Key Findings:
- Digestibility: Protein and fat digestibility were higher in GFRR and RR diets than in kibble. Dogs fed RAW had the lowest fecal pH, indicating microbial shifts toward protein fermentation.
- Blood chemistry: Serum triglycerides remained within healthy ranges but were lower in RAW and GFRR diets compared with kibble, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.
- Gut microbiota: RAW and GFRR diets reduced species richness compared to kibble but increased Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while kibble maintained higher Firmicutes. All cooked and raw diets raised Fusobacteria, taxa linked to protein metabolism.
- Palatability and tolerance: All diets were well accepted, fecal quality remained stable, and dogs stayed healthy throughout the study.
Conclusion: Lightly cooked and raw diets were not only highly palatable but also promoted improved nutrient absorption, healthier serum lipid profiles, and significant microbial restructuring compared to traditional kibble, highlighting how food processing can shape canine physiology.
Source: Algya, K. M., Cross, T.-W. L., Leuck, K. N., Kastner, M. E., Baba, T., Lye, L., Godoy, M. D., & Swanson, K. (2018). Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets. Journal: Journal of Animal Science. Publication Date: June 8, 2018. Authors: K. M. Algya et al.
