Source: Texas A&M Today
A study by the Dog Aging Project (DAP) at Texas A&M University and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine reveals that dog owners’ demographics, especially age, significantly influence their dietary choices for pets, more than income or education. Analyzing data from over 40,000 dog owners, researchers found older owners are more likely to feed their dogs canned or home-cooked diets, while younger owners may opt for kibble or raw diets.
Geographic location and dog lifestyle also play roles. Active and rural dogs are more likely to receive home-prepared diets, while sedentary and urban dogs often consume commercial raw, canned, or home-cooked meals. These findings suggest that owner demographics and preferences, not just dog-specific factors, shape dietary decisions. The DAP, a research initiative with over 50,000 enrolled dogs, aims to study canine aging and improve pet and human health. To participate, owners can visit dogagingproject.com.
Read the full story HERE: https://today.tamu.edu/2024/12/06/study-links-owner-demographics-canine-nutrition/