The first thing we can expect from the results of blood tests performed on dogs fed raw food is that they may appear abnormal. This is simply because the parameters established to confirm negative or positive results, whether they are altered or normal, are referenced based on results and studies conducted on dogs fed dry food, which is completely different from raw food. Dry food is dehydrated, high in carbohydrates, and has a minimal amount of protein, in contrast to fresh raw food, which is moist, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Therefore, it’s normal for blood test results to appear altered in dogs consuming raw food.
What could be the expected results in blood tests performed on dogs fed raw food?
Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, an integrative veterinarian and expert in hematology and immunology, states in her book “Canine Nutrigenomics” that “It is important to understand that the ‘normal’ values indicated by standard diagnostic laboratories do not apply to dogs fed a raw diet.” She and Dr. Susan Wynn found that dogs fed a raw diet may have higher hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than dogs fed kibble. Dogs on a raw diet also statistically showed higher levels of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total proteins, albumin, the BUN/creatinine ratio, sodium, osmolality, and magnesium. These dogs also had lower levels of total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocyte counts, phosphorus, and glucose.
According to this study, the values that may differ are:
Values that may be elevated in dogs consuming a raw diet:
- Hematocrit
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Hemoglobin
- MCH
- MCV
- MCHC
- Total proteins
- Albumin
- - BUN/Creatinine ratio
- Sodium
- Osmolality
- Magnesium
Values that may be below average in dogs consuming a raw diet:
- Total leukocytes
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocyte count
- Phosphorus
- Glucose
In the same study, the doctors delved into the analysis of the renal function of dogs fed a raw diet by examining urine for any albumin filtration (indicative of renal damage). Since elevated levels of values related to renal function, such as urea and the BUN/Creatinine ratio, were detected, the result was:
“The results indicate that there is no albumin filtration in the urine of healthy dogs fed a raw diet, and no clinical effects on renal function were detected in the short or long term from feeding a dog a raw diet.” – W. Jean Dodds, DVM.
This suggests that if you feed your dog a raw diet and the blood test results show high urea levels, it does not necessarily mean there is renal damage. If your dog maintains a healthy behavior, good levels of activity, appetite, and normal psychomotor development, as well as other test values within a healthy range, there is no reason to worry.
If your veterinarian insists on switching back to dry food out of concern for renal damage, it is advisable to request more specific tests to assess renal function accurately and rule out potential damage.
In the event that renal damage is indeed detected, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a veterinarian nutritionist familiar with raw diets, as it is not recommended to feed a dog with renal damage dehydrated prescribed raw food, due to its poor nutritional content and lack of moisture, which could worsen the condition.
Recommendations:
First and foremost, before switching your dog from dry food to raw food, it is recommended for the owner to research this type of diet online. Then, perform complementary blood tests before and repeat them six months after the change. If any of them show abnormal results, take into account the observation of your dog’s condition, including weight, appetite, normal bowel movements, and consistent activity levels.
For the recommended blood tests before and after the change, these could include: Hematology, Blood Biochemistry: liver, kidney, pancreatic enzyme values, lipid and protein profiles, ions, and measurable vitamins in the blood. Urine examination. Stool examination. Hormone tests to check thyroid function.
Once your dog is on a raw diet and their levels are correct in a blood test, it is recommended to conduct these analyses every six months to a year to monitor any changes.
Sources:
– Dodds, W. Jean, DVM, and Susan Wynn, DVM “Raw Diets And Bloodwork Results: Should You Be Concerned?”.
– Dodds, W. Jean, DVM Canine Nutrigenomics.
– Dodds, W. Jean, DVM, and Susan Wynn, DVM. “Updated Second Progress Report: Study of Microalbuminuria in Dogs Fed Raw Food Diets.”
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