Owners’ attitudes and practices regarding nutrition of dogs diagnosed with cancer presenting at a referral oncology service in Ontario, Canada

Rajagopaul, S.; Parr, J. F.; Woods, J. Paul; Pearl, David L.; Coe, Jason B.; Verbrugghe, Adronie

doi:10.1111/jsap.12526

Cited by 22 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Nevertheless, the majority of respondents reported trusting veterinarians either “very much” or “somewhat” with respect to pet nutrition. These data are similar to previous studies, which have reported that most veterinarians do not discuss nutrition with clients at each veterinary visit or that, while veterinarians are considered trusted resources, with respect to pet nutrition, they are often not consulted (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Rajagopaul et al, 2016). …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…A majority of pet owners reported that they trust veterinarians as a knowledgeable resource with respect to pet nutrition either “very much” or “somewhat.” Most pet owners feeding RAP reported trusting veterinarians either “not very much” or “a little” with respect to pet nutrition. Similarly, previous studies have reported that pet owners that do not feed commercial diets have less trust in veterinarians, as a source of information on pet nutrition, than those that feed commercial diets (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Rajagopaul et al, 2016). Prior studies have reported that clients consider veterinarians to be their principle or most trustworthy source of information regarding pet nutrition (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Freeman, Janecko & Weese, 2013; Kienzle, Bergler & Mandernach, 1998; Laflamme et al, 2008; Rajagopaul et al, 2016), however only 9% of RAP feeders in this study reported that a veterinarian or animal nutritionist was their primary resource regarding their pet’s nutrition.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Similarly, previous studies have reported that pet owners that do not feed commercial diets have less trust in veterinarians, as a source of information on pet nutrition, than those that feed commercial diets (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Rajagopaul et al, 2016). Prior studies have reported that clients consider veterinarians to be their principle or most trustworthy source of information regarding pet nutrition (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Freeman, Janecko & Weese, 2013; Kienzle, Bergler & Mandernach, 1998; Laflamme et al, 2008; Rajagopaul et al, 2016), however only 9% of RAP feeders in this study reported that a veterinarian or animal nutritionist was their primary resource regarding their pet’s nutrition. It has been reported that approximately 15–17% of pet owners use online resources as a primary source of information for obtaining information on pet nutrition (Freeman, Janecko & Weese, 2013; Laflamme et al, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…As in prior surveys of pet owners in which respondent gender was reported (Connolly, Heinze & Freeman, 2014; Freeman, Janecko & Weese, 2013; Heuberger & Wakshlag, 2011; Hutchinson et al, 2011; Kienzle & Bergler, 2006; Rajagopaul et al, 2016), this survey’s respondents were primarily female. The reason for this bias is unclear, considering that these survey’s populations were different and the surveys had different goals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Survey of owner motivations and veterinary input of owners feeding diets containing raw animal products

Morgan

Willis

Shepherd

2017

PeerJ

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BackgroundThe practice of feeding of diets containing raw animal products (RAP) to pets (dogs and cats) is discouraged by veterinary organizations and governmental public health organizations. Nevertheless, the practice of feeding RAP to pets is increasing in popularity. Pet owner motivations for feeding RAP diets to pets have not been explored and the benefits of RAP diets remain largely anecdotal. We hypothesized that pet owners feeding RAP diets would not rely on veterinary advice in choosing their pet’s diet. We also hypothesized that these owners would have lower levels of trust in veterinary advice with respect to nutrition relative to pet owners not feeding RAP.MethodsAn anonymous web-based survey was developed to identify pet owner motivations for feeding RAP diets, and to characterize the veterinarian-client relationships of individuals feeding RAP diets.ResultsThere were 2,337 respondents and 2,171 completed surveys. Of survey respondents, 804 reported feeding RAP at the time of the survey. While 20% of pet owners feeding RAP relied on online resources to determine what or how much RAP to feed, only 9% reported consulting with a veterinarian in making decisions about feeding RAP. Pet owners feeding RAP reported lower levels of trust in veterinary advice both ‘in general’ and ‘with respect to nutrition’ than pet owners not feeding RAP. Most pet owners reported that a discussion regarding their pet’s nutrition does not occur at every veterinary appointment.DiscussionPet owners feeding a RAP diet have lower trust in veterinary advice than pet owners not feeding a RAP diet. Owners feeding RAP are more reliant on online resources than their own veterinarian in deciding what and how much RAP to feed. Pet owners perceive that nutrition is not discussed at most veterinary appointments. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the veterinarian-client communication with regards to nutrition.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Survey of owner motivations and veterinary input of owners feeding diets containing raw animal products

Morgan

Willis

Shepherd

2017

PeerJ

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“…5 Certain components of the diet and the diet type itself may be called into question for its nutritional adequacy, leading about 80% of owners to believe a diet change for their dog may be needed post-diagnosis; such as inclusion of homemade cooked or raw dietary components, and exclusion of conventional dry or wet dietary components. 5 This is a concern, as homemade diets are often deficient in some essential nutrients, [6][7][8] and raw diets possess risk of bacterial contamination. [9][10][11][12] Therefore, it is important to monitor dietary decisions made by owners of dogs with cancer to target nutrition education and how clinicians can best advise clients following a cancer diagnosis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unconventional diets and nutritional supplements are more common in dogs with cancer compared to healthy dogs: An online global survey of 345 dog owners

Bianco

Abood

Mutsaers

et al. 2020

Vet Comparative Oncology

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This survey aimed to investigate and compare diet type and supplement use between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, L.) with cancer and a population of owner-reported healthy dogs and to assess the sources of information dog owners consult. Respondents were mainly from English-speaking countries. Dogs were considered healthy (N = 213) if owners reported them to be in good health. Dogs were included in the cancer group (N = 132) if the owner reported that their dog had been diagnosed with cancer. An online survey was distributed to clients presenting to a tertiary oncology service, clients presenting to a local primary care veterinary practice, and through social media. Owners of dogs with cancer spent more time researching pet health (P < .001), pet nutrition (P < .01) and nutritional supplements (P < .001) than owners of healthy dogs. While veterinarians were most commonly reported to be an information source for both groups, owners of healthy dogs more likely consulted pet stores and owners of dogs with cancer tended more to social media groups and blogs. Healthy dogs were more likely fed commercial dry food (P < .001), whereas homemade cooked (P < .001) and raw diets (P < .05) were more prevalent among dogs with cancer. Supplement use, especially cannabidiol products, mushroom extracts or turmeric/curcumin, was also more common for this group (P < .001). Alternative diets and supplements were more popular among owners of dogs with cancer compared to owners of healthy dogs. These findings highlight the need for nutritional counselling and education of pet owners regarding nutrition-related topics, especially when their dog is diagnosed with cancer.

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Integrative Oncology

Pope¹

2023

Integrative Veterinary Medicine

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Owners’ attitudes and practices regarding nutrition of dogs diagnosed with cancer presenting at a referral oncology service in Ontario, Canada

Abstract: Following a cancer diagnosis, dog owners appear to change their approach to managing their dog's nutrition. Given the value owners place on veterinary nutritional advice, veterinarians have a key role in guiding nutritional management of the canine cancer patient.

Cited by 22 publications

References 40 publications

Survey of owner motivations and veterinary input of owners feeding diets containing raw animal products

Survey of owner motivations and veterinary input of owners feeding diets containing raw animal products

Unconventional diets and nutritional supplements are more common in dogs with cancer compared to healthy dogs: An online global survey of 345 dog owners

Integrative Oncology

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