The effect of a kibble diet versus a raw meat-based diet on energy metabolism biomarkers in dogs

Considering that dogs originate from carnivorous wolves and do not have a requirement for carbohydrates, it may be questioned whether high-carbohydrate diets are beneficial to their health. It is unknown how low-carbohydrate raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) affect dogs' energy metabolism in comparison to traditional high-carbohydrate kibble diets. In this diet intervention study, 46 client-owned Staffordshire Bull Terriers ate either a kibble or a RMBD for a median of 4.5 months. Before and after the trial, fasting blood samples were analyzed for glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. Bodyweight was also evaluated. Comparisons were made between the two diet groups at baseline and end, and between baseline and end within both diet groups. The kibble diet significantly increased HbA1c, total cholesterol, BHB, and bodyweight, whereas the RMBD significantly increased BHB, and decreased glucose, glucagon, cholesterol, and TyG index. At the end of the trial, the kibble fed dogs had significantly higher concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and VLDL compared to the RMBD fed dogs, and the RMBD fed dogs had significantly lower glucagon and TyG index, and higher BHB compared to the kibble fed dogs. No changes were found in insulin and HOMA-IR. In conclusion, kibble and RMBDs have different effects on energy metabolism in dogs. More research is needed on how these forms of feeding may affect dogs' long-term health.