A literature review
The potential negative effects of raw feeding on canine health
A literature review
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / KUEU4872
Ashlee Hoffman, BSc( Hons), RVN
Ashlee graduated from Middlesex University with a first-class degree in veterinary nursing in 2023. Her passion for animal welfare began while growing up with a variety of pets ranging from dogs and cats to bearded dragons and rodents. After graduation, she worked in a large, advanced practice for a year before returning to a smaller setting, where she now enjoys providing care on a more personal level. She has a special interest in exotics and nutrition, and plans to complete certificates in these areas of practice in the future.
Katie Jewiss, BSc( Hons), RVN, DipHE CVN, DipAVN( SA), PGcert
Katie qualified as an RVN from Middlesex University in 2015 and has since gained extensive experience in small animal and referral practice. She has spent the majority of her clinical career as an internal medicine RVN in a referral setting and has previously taught on the veterinary nursing degree programme at the College of Animal Welfare. After contributing to the education and training of future veterinary nurses, she returned to clinical practice, where she is now a lead nurse. Her current interests include internal medicine, pharmacology, and promoting the development and recognition of the RVN role.
ABSTRACT Raw feeding is becoming an increasingly popular dietary choice for dogs; however, raw diets can have several negative health implications.
This article aims to explore the negative effects of a raw diet on canine health and considers the role of the veterinary nurse( VN) in minimising these effects.
Through a systematic literature review, eight papers relating to the research topic were identified and critiqued by the authors, allowing conclusions to be drawn on the negative effects of a raw diet.
Bacterial and parasitic infections and nutritional imbalances were identified as the most common negative effects of a raw diet. The most commonly identified bacteria were
Escherichia coli and Salmonella, with Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma gondii presenting as common parasites, as well as the uncommon coccidian parasite Hammondia heydorni. Musculoskeletal issues were identified as consequences of a nutritionally imbalanced raw diet.
Inappropriate raw diets clearly have negative effects on canine health; however, there is a need for further research in several areas in order to more completely understand the issues. Through further research, and VNs ' contributions to the promotion of healthy raw diets, animal health and welfare can be improved.
Keywords raw diet, nutrition, nutritional deficiency, welfare, bacteria, parasites, antimicrobial resistance
36 Veterinary Nursing Journal