We partnered with a university-led research program to quantify the impact of raw pet food on dog’s health.
UNIVERSITY-LED
CRUELTY-FREE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
SURVEY BASED
16,000 DOGS OF ALL AGES & BREEDS
Researching the power of raw nutrition
Instinct is proud to have a multiyear research agreement with Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman and the DogRisk independent research program at the University of Helsinki. We are the only raw pet food company in North America to sponsor this study.
Together, they are making groundbreaking discoveries to better understand the role of nutrition in our pets' health and well-being — including the power of raw. We've seen how raw diets can transform pets' lives first-hand, and we're closer than ever to understanding how.
Researcher Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman, DVM, PhD, is the Principal Investigator at DogRisk Research Group, University of Helsinki.
The Raw Studies
Canine Atopic Dermatitis / Environmental Allergies
Canine atopic dermatitis, often called “environmental allergies,” is caused by an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to one or more substances in the environment. Symptoms for pets include itching, excessive scratching, ear infections, hot spots, greasy or flaky skin, hair loss, and excessive chewing on the paws.
The Learnings
Puppies fed raw have fewer environmental allergies than Puppies fed Kibble*.
*Statistically significant; puppies 1–2 months of age.
Likelihood of developing allergies by diet
Puppies fed kibble are 182% more likely to have environmental allergies as adults than puppies fed raw*.
Why It Matters
Developing stronger immune system
Raw pet food is high in protein, with a broader range of functional compounds and no cooking toxins at all. All of this protects the immune system as a puppy from developing allergies as an adult.
Likelihood of developing allergies
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD appears to be an abnormal immune response to, or because of, an abnormal gut microbiome on a background of genetic predisposition. Symptoms include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or any combination of these symptoms.
The Learnings
Puppies fed raw have a reduced risk of developing IBD later in life compared to puppies fed kibble**
**Statistically significant; puppies 1–6 months of age.
Risk of developing IBD by diet
Puppies fed kibble are 61–85% more likely to develop IBD as adults compared to puppies fed raw**.
Continued Research
The work doesn’t stop here. Our partners are currently pursuing how a raw diet can positively impact the following health issues:
HIP DYSPLASIA /MOBILITY ISSUES
CHRONIC EAR INFECTIONS
CANCER
Team of Experts
We have a dedicated team of experts crafting and making our raw recipes, from food scientists to quality control specialists to our on staff Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® and vet techs. Together, they have decades of experience in pet food.
Stephanie Striar Certified Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Education & Training Manager
Jason Meents B.Sc
Vice President of Research & Development
J.C. Cash
Veterinary Education & Training Associate
Robbie Swanson
Senior Director of Production
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