According to Gram Research analysis, dog owners with household incomes exceeding $100,000 Canadian dollars are significantly more likely to feed raw meat-based diets, while those with graduate degrees are less likely to do so. A 2026 cross-sectional study of 433 dog owners found that raw feeding was associated with shopping at pet specialty stores, using supplements like fish oil, and believing one has strong knowledge of canine nutrition—but not with the owner’s own eating habits or their bond with their pet.
A new study of 433 dog owners reveals what drives the decision to feed dogs raw meat-based diets instead of cooked food. Researchers found that wealthier dog owners and those who shop at pet specialty stores are more likely to choose raw feeding. Interestingly, the study shows that a dog owner’s own eating habits don’t predict whether they’ll feed their dog raw food. Instead, factors like income level, education, the dog’s size and sex, and beliefs about pet nutrition play bigger roles. The findings help explain why raw feeding has become increasingly popular among certain groups of dog guardians.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 433 dog owners found that households earning over $100,000 Canadian dollars annually were significantly more likely to feed raw meat-based diets compared to lower-income households.
Among 433 dog owners surveyed in 2026, those with graduate degrees were actually less likely to feed raw diets, contrary to expectations that higher education would predict raw feeding adoption.
In a 2026 study of 433 dog owners, raw feeders were significantly more likely to purchase food from pet specialty stores compared to supermarkets or veterinary clinics.
A 2026 survey of 433 dog owners found that raw feeders were more likely to use supplements, particularly fish oil, to balance their dogs’ nutrition compared to owners feeding cooked diets.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: What types of dog owners choose to feed their dogs raw meat-based diets, and what factors influence this decision?
- Who participated: 433 dog owners completed an online survey. Of these, 291 fed their dogs cooked diets while 142 fed their dogs diets containing at least some raw meat.
- Key finding: Dog owners with household incomes over $100,000 Canadian dollars were significantly more likely to feed raw diets, while those with graduate degrees were less likely to do so. Raw feeders also shopped at pet specialty stores more often and believed they had better knowledge of dog nutrition.
- What it means for you: If you’re considering raw feeding for your dog, understand that this choice is influenced by your income level, shopping preferences, and beliefs about nutrition—not necessarily by your own eating habits. Talk to your veterinarian about whether raw feeding is appropriate for your specific dog.
The Research Details
Researchers created an online survey and asked 433 dog owners about their feeding practices, shopping habits, beliefs about pet nutrition, and personal eating habits. They divided participants into two groups: those feeding cooked diets (291 people) and those feeding raw diets (142 people). The researchers then used statistical analysis to identify which factors were most strongly connected to raw feeding choices.
This type of study, called a cross-sectional survey, takes a snapshot of a group at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. It’s useful for identifying patterns and associations but cannot prove that one factor directly causes another. The researchers asked 46 specific questions from a larger survey to focus on the most relevant information.
Understanding what influences dog owners’ feeding choices helps veterinarians and pet food companies better serve their customers. It also helps identify which groups might benefit from more education about raw feeding safety and nutrition. By examining multiple factors—income, education, shopping location, and personal beliefs—the study provides a more complete picture than looking at just one factor alone.
This study has several strengths: it surveyed a reasonably large group (433 people), used statistical methods to identify patterns, and examined multiple factors at once. However, the study only captured a snapshot in time and relied on people’s self-reported answers, which may not always be completely accurate. The study also cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships—only associations. Additionally, the survey participants may not represent all dog owners, as people who complete online surveys might have different characteristics than those who don’t.
What the Results Show
The study found clear differences between dog owners who feed raw diets and those who feed cooked diets. Households earning more than $100,000 Canadian dollars annually were significantly more likely to feed raw diets. Surprisingly, having a graduate degree actually made it less likely that someone would feed raw food—the opposite of what researchers might have expected.
Dog characteristics also mattered. Dogs that were medium-sized and had not been spayed or neutered (intact dogs) were more commonly fed raw diets. The size and reproductive status of a dog appeared to influence owners’ feeding decisions.
Where people shopped for pet food made a big difference. Dog owners who purchased food from pet specialty stores were much more likely to feed raw diets compared to those who shopped at supermarkets or veterinary clinics. This suggests that specialty pet stores may promote raw feeding more actively or attract customers already interested in raw diets.
Raw feeders also reported using more supplements, particularly fish oil, to balance their dogs’ nutrition. They believed they had greater knowledge about canine nutrition and preferred minimally processed foods. Convenience and cost were less important to raw feeders compared to other dog owners.
The study examined whether a dog owner’s own eating habits predicted raw feeding choices—and found they did not. Owners who ate healthy diets themselves were no more likely to feed their dogs raw food than owners with less healthy eating habits. Similarly, the strength of the bond between owner and dog did not predict feeding choice. This was surprising because researchers expected that owners who felt very close to their pets might be more likely to choose raw feeding.
Previous research has identified several reasons people choose raw diets for their dogs, including beliefs about naturalness and health benefits. This study confirms those findings while adding new information about income, education, and shopping location. The finding that personal nutrition habits don’t predict pet feeding choices is relatively new and suggests that dog owners make decisions about their pets’ food based on different reasoning than they use for their own food.
This study has important limitations to consider. First, it only shows associations—not proof that income or education actually causes someone to choose raw feeding. Second, all data came from people’s own reports, which may not be completely accurate. Third, the survey participants may not represent all dog owners, as people who complete online surveys might differ from those who don’t. Fourth, the study was conducted in one country (Canada) and may not apply to dog owners in other regions. Finally, the researchers could not examine why these patterns exist—only that they do.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, if you’re considering raw feeding for your dog, consult with your veterinarian first to ensure it’s nutritionally complete and safe for your specific dog. The study suggests that raw feeding requires more knowledge and attention to supplementation than some other feeding methods. If you do choose raw feeding, work with your vet to monitor your dog’s health and ensure proper nutrition. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study shows associations but cannot prove raw feeding is better or worse than other diets.
This research is most relevant to dog owners considering switching to raw diets, veterinarians advising clients about feeding options, and pet food companies developing products and marketing strategies. It’s less relevant to owners already committed to their current feeding method unless they’re curious about why others make different choices.
If you switch your dog to a raw diet, you won’t see immediate changes. Most nutritional benefits or problems would develop over weeks to months. Any changes in your dog’s health, coat quality, or energy levels would typically become noticeable within 4-8 weeks, though this varies by individual dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dog owner is most likely to feed their dog a raw diet?
According to a 2026 study of 433 dog owners, raw feeders tend to have higher household incomes (over $100,000 Canadian), shop at pet specialty stores, use supplements like fish oil, and believe they have strong knowledge of dog nutrition. Surprisingly, personal education level and eating habits don’t predict raw feeding choices.
Does feeding yourself a healthy diet mean you’ll feed your dog raw food?
No. A 2026 study of 433 dog owners found no connection between owners’ personal eating habits and whether they feed their dogs raw diets. Dog owners make feeding decisions for their pets based on different factors than they use for their own nutrition.
Where do raw-feeding dog owners typically buy their pet food?
A 2026 study of 433 dog owners found that raw feeders significantly prefer pet specialty stores over supermarkets or veterinary clinics for purchasing dog food. This suggests specialty stores either promote raw feeding more actively or attract customers already interested in raw diets.
What supplements do raw-feeding dog owners use most?
According to a 2026 study of 433 dog owners, raw feeders commonly use supplements to balance nutrition, with fish oil being particularly popular. This suggests raw feeders recognize the need for nutritional supplementation to ensure complete diets.
Does how much you love your dog affect whether you’ll feed raw food?
No. A 2026 study of 433 dog owners found that the strength of the human-animal bond did not predict raw feeding choices. Dog owners’ feeding decisions appear based on other factors like income, shopping preferences, and nutrition beliefs rather than emotional attachment.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your dog’s diet type (raw vs. cooked), supplements given (especially fish oil), and where you purchase food. Record weekly notes on your dog’s energy level, coat condition, and digestive health to monitor any changes.
- If considering raw feeding, use the app to research pet specialty stores in your area and compare their raw food options. Create a checklist of questions to ask your veterinarian about raw feeding safety and nutrition requirements for your dog’s specific age, size, and health status.
- Set monthly reminders to assess your dog’s overall health, weight, and coat quality. Track supplement purchases and usage to ensure consistency. Document any health changes or concerns to discuss with your veterinarian during regular check-ups.
This research describes associations between dog owner characteristics and raw feeding practices but does not prove that raw diets are safe, effective, or appropriate for all dogs. Raw meat-based diets carry potential food safety risks including bacterial contamination. Before switching your dog to a raw diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your individual dog’s nutritional needs and to discuss food safety precautions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.