Raw Feeding for Dogs in the UK and Australia: A Social and Ethical Cross-Cultural Comparison
New international research project seeking to expand understandings of owner perspectives on raw meat-based diets for dogs in the UK and Australia
At present, very little is known about owners’ decisions to feed their dogs raw meat-based diets beyond nutrition and health perspectives. This project aims to capture an in-depth understanding of the social aspects around raw feeding. We would like to invite you to take part in an international research project. See below for more information about the project and how to participate.
Research group
- Dr Pru Hobson-West, Primary Supervisor, University of Nottingham
- Professor Kate Millar, Secondary Supervisor, University of Nottingham
- Professor Rachel Ankeny, Primary Supervisor, University of Adelaide
- Dr Michelle Phillipov, Secondary Supervisor, University of Adelaide
- Natalia Ciecierska-Holmes, PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide and University of Nottingham
What is the purpose of the study?
What to feed your dogs is an important decision for many owners. In recent years, raw meat-based diets have become an increasingly popular alternative diet for dogs. This project is exploring dietary shifts in human and non-human animal companions. The primary aim is to better understand the values, practices and ethics of dog owners who feed raw meat-based diets, while themselves eating a plant-based diet. To conduct this research, we are asking participants who themselves eat a plant-based diet to complete food diaries and attend an online research interview.
Why have I been invited?
You have been invited to take part because you are a self-identifying vegetarian or vegan who feeds your dog a raw meat-based diet and are over 18 years of age. We are inviting 20 to 30 participants like you to take part.
Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be given an information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. This would not affect your legal rights.
What does taking part involve?
We would like you to complete a food diary for three consecutive days followed by an online research interview lasting one hour.
1. Raw feeding diary
Time: Three days, one photo/video per day
Location: Your home
2. Research interview
Time: One hour
Location: Online
Participants will not be paid but your participation will help to improve understandings of decisions around raw feeding for dogs and the relationship with your own diet.
For further information or to participate in this study, please contact:
Researcher: Natalia Ciecierska-Holmes, PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide and University of Nottingham, email: natalia.ciecierska-homes@nottingham.ac.uk
Supervisor/PI: Professor Rachel Ankeny, Department of History, email: rachel.ankeny@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Melanie Jordan, Research Ethics and Integrity Officer, REC Chair and Associate Professor in Criminology, email: melanie.jordan@nottingham.ac.uk, +44 (0)115 74 87284/95 15410