Effect of dietary and lifestyle factors on the canine gut microbiota and the prevalence of allergy

Associations between gut microbiota, diet and lifestyle factors as well as the prevalence of allergy was examined in urban and rural environments using privately owned pet dogs. The skin microbiota was characterised by the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Lifestyle factors, residential environment, diet and allergic symptoms were quantified with a large questionnaire. In addition, owner filled a 7-day diet diary how they fed their dogs. This data was statistically analysed with 16S rRNA gene sequence data to determine associations between different factors.