The researchers note that dog owners’ responses about their pets were not confirmed by subsequent veterinary diagnosis. However, the combined responses of 21.7% of puppies and 17.8% of adolescent dogs with gastrointestinal issues tracked with veterinarians’ experiences with the frequency of real-world diagnoses, researchers said.
The study design doesn’t prove causality – that the non-processed and leftovers diet is directly responsible for chronic gut problems in dogs, Hielm‑Björkman said.