Introduction

The diet has significant physiological and metabolic effects on the body, and it might have important role and effect on dog’s blood parameters and health, which is important to consider in veterinary practice.

Objectives

To determine the effects of different diets on the blood biochemistry and hematology profiles in pet dogs.

Methods

A total of 101 client-owned dogs were included in the analyses. Altogether, 28 were fed a 100% raw diet (mean age 4.3 years), 26 a 100% dry diet (mean age 5.1 years), and 47 a mixed diet (dry and/or raw and/or home-cooked food) (mean age 3.9 years). Hematology was analysed from EDTA whole blood and biochemistry from serum samples. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal Wallis test.

Results

Although most values were within reference limits, the following significant differences were observed: blood erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and creatinine were higher, and alkaline phosphatase was lower in raw food fed dogs than in dry and mixed food fed dogs.

Thrombocytes, albumin, and protein were higher in raw food fed dogs than in mixed food fed dogs. Phosphate was higher and sodium lower in mixed food fed dogs than in dry and raw food fed dogs. Glucose and urea were higher in mixed food fed dogs than in dry food fed dogs. Cholesterol was higher in dry food fed dogs than in raw and mixed food fed dogs.

Conclusions

This study shows significant effect of the diet on blood parameters in dogs, and diet should be taken into account when evaluating blood parameters.