What does the Purdue Bloat Study tell us about food and feeding practices?
The recently released Purdue Bloat study is the largest most comprehensive research project to date. This study confirmed previous reports of increased risks of bloat, also know as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GSV) associated with food and feeding practices. Raised food bowls which were originally designed to lessen the incidences of GSV were found to significantly increase incidences of bloat. As raised food bowls increase the risk of GSV and are no longer recommended feeding practices. On a dietary note, 170% increase of GDV was found in dogs that consumed dry foods containing fat among the first four ingredients. The risk of GDV was increased 320% in dogs that consumed dry foods containing citric acid that were also moistened prior to feeding by owners. Occurrences in GDV were also found when kibble was moistened prior to being fed.
