#USA #New York #dog health #The Farmer's Dog #Fresh Dog Food

New Research Highlights Hydration Benefits of Fresh Canine Diets

Recent studies conducted by The Farmer's Dog have revealed significant advantages of fresh, human-grade dog food in maintaining canine hydration and urinary health. This groundbreaking research stands out as it is among the first to quantitatively assess how moisture-rich diets impact overall water intake in dogs, providing vital insights for pet owners.

Understanding the Shift in Dog Diets

Historically, dogs consumed moisture-rich whole foods. However, the transition to dry kibble has occurred over a relatively short time span in evolutionary terms. Jonathan Regev, Co-founder and CEO of The Farmer's Dog, points out that this shift could have consequences on dogs' hydration levels.

The Research Methodology

The Farmer's Dog undertook two comprehensive hydration studies designed to evaluate how different dog diets affect total daily water intake. Utilizing a 14-day crossover design, the studies involved ten adult dogs that alternated between a fresh meal plan and a traditional dry kibble diet. These diets were rigorously analyzed for moisture content by an independent laboratory. Researchers meticulously monitored food and water intake and recorded weekly body weights to assess the impact on hydration.

Key Findings on Hydration

The results of the study were enlightening:

• - Dogs consuming The Farmer's Dog's fresh food recorded an impressive daily water intake of 522.5 grams versus only 434.1 grams for those fed dry kibble, irrespective of the larger quantity of water drank by kibble-fed dogs.
• - Interestingly, dogs on fresh diets tended to drink less water from their bowls, indicating that their hydration needs were largely being met through their food.
• - On average, these dogs exceeded their daily water requirements by an impressive 40%.

This data heralds a new understanding of how food composition directly influences hydration levels in dogs, challenging assumptions about the need to offer more water.

Validating Urinary Health Effects

Moreover, the research correlates hydration with urinary health. An ancillary study evaluated urinary relative supersaturation (RSS) in dogs consuming The Farmer's Dog’s recipes. The findings indicated that the RSS levels fell within the safe zones for preventing urinary stone formation, thus underlining the importance of fresh food diets for maintaining urinary health in dogs.

Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist involved in the study, emphasized the significance of the results, stating, "These datasets are a critical leap towards understanding fresh feeding and its health implications for our dogs." He noted the dual benefits of not only increased hydration but also the potential to prevent health issues commonly associated with kibble diets.

A Strong Investment in Pet Health

The Farmer's Dog continues to invest heavily in animal health research, with a commendable $10 million commitment toward veterinary studies and initiatives to further explore the benefits of minimally processed diets. This not only reinforces the company's dedication to pet health but also encourages pet owners to consider nutrition as a vital component of their dogs' overall well-being.

As the understanding of pet nutrition grows, this research provides a solid foundation for future investigations and an additional impetus for pet owners to rethink conventional views on hydration and nutrition. By prioritizing fresh, human-grade foods, dog owners may play a pivotal role in enhancing their pets' hydration and health without relying solely on water bowls.

Conclusion

The evolution of dog diets reflects a critical aspect of their overall health. With findings from these studies, The Farmer's Dog aims to reshape how pet owners perceive and manage their dog’s hydration, urging them to focus on food quality as a key driver of health. For more information on their offerings and to explore fresh feeding options, visit The Farmer's Dog.