BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki in Finland studied 4022 dogs to evaluate the relationship between allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms (AASS) at adult age and different types of diets as well as individual dietary food items. The study found that there was an association between a puppy’s diet from 2 to 6 months of age and the risk of developing AASS in adulthood. 

The researchers found that puppies with diets consisting of up to 20% raw tripe and organ meats were significantly less likely to develop AASS than their counterparts fed a kibble diet. Furthermore, puppies that received leftover scraps from human meals were less likely to suffer from AASS later in life. Interestingly, feeding a fish oil supplement a few times a year was seen to offer protective benefits, but those benefits were lost when puppies were supplemented several times a week. 

In contrast, feeding puppies fruits high in sugar and canned fruits with added sugars showed a higher risk of AASS in adulthood. Researchers also found that dogs with high circulating BPA from eating food from cans were more likely to develop AASS. Puppies that were regularly supplemented with mixed vegetable oils high in Omega 6 such as corn, sunflower and soybean oils. Feeding puppies dried animal parts that have been treated under high heat and allowing puppies to drink from outside water puddles are also significantly correlated with AASS. 

The researchers concluded from the study that even as little as 20% of the diet as raw food with 80% as processed dry food will significantly decrease the risk of AASS in adulthood. The researchers on this study believe by feeding raw foods, puppies are able to develop a diversified population of beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers acknowledge, however, that this is only causal relationship at this point and further studies are needed to determine the exact associations with dietary factors and adult AASS.