Dog Owners Exhibit Better Diet Quality but Similar Physical Activity Compared to Non-Owners: A Case-Control Study.

Dog owners and non-owners demonstrated similar physical activity levels despite common assumptions about dog walking benefits.

• Physical activity was recorded for 3 consecutive days using activity monitors
• The two groups demonstrated a similar PAL (physical activity level)
• Sample consisted of 55 dog owners and 55 non-dog owners aged 18-60 years old
• This finding challenges the assumption that dog ownership directly increases physical activity

Dog owners had significantly lower body fat percentage and smaller measurements at specific body sites compared to non-owners.

• Lower body fat percentage was recorded among dog owners (p = 0.009)
• Hip circumference was lower in dog owners (p < 0.001)
• Triceps skinfold was smaller in dog owners (p = 0.012)
• Subscapular skinfold was smaller in dog owners (p = 0.003)

Dog owners scored higher on the Eating Assessment Table (EAT), indicating improved dietary intake and knowledge compared to non-owners.

• The EAT score was greater among dog owners (p = 0.0023)
• The difference remained significant after adjustment for education attained and BMI (p = 0.026)
• Diet quality was assessed using both the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore) and the Eating Assessment Table (EAT)

Non-dog owners demonstrated greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to dog owners.

• Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was exhibited among those not having dogs (p = 0.018)
• This finding contrasts with the higher EAT scores seen in dog owners
• Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore)

Dog neck circumference was negatively correlated with owners' skinfold measurements at specific body sites.

• Dog neck circumference was negatively correlated to owners' biceps skinfolds (r = -0.327, p = 0.016)
• Dog neck circumference was negatively correlated to owners' triceps skinfolds (r = -0.320, p = 0.018)
• These correlations suggest that owners of larger dogs may have lower body fat at specific sites

Dog breed size was negatively correlated with multiple body composition and anthropometric measures in owners.

• Dog breed size was negatively correlated to owners' triceps skinfold (r = -0.325, p = 0.015)
• Dog breed size was negatively correlated to sum of skinfolds (r = -0.311, p = 0.021) and hip circumference (r = -0.341, p = 0.011)
• Dog breed size was negatively correlated to body fat (r = -0.357, p = 0.007) and fat mass index (r = -0.307, p = 0.023)
• These findings suggest owners of larger breed dogs have more favorable body composition outcomes