I think the DLC did include a patch for a number of things. I remember I gave up playing because the enemies took forever to kill, and then when I tried it out again after getting the DLC they died WAY faster. And it wasn't like I forgot to level up and then I did, the difference was immediately apparent upon first loading my save.
I could be crazy but I think before the DLC (or some post-release patch), all those stat ups that the food gave you weren't actually being applied.
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SuperNiceDog didn't have to reconcile his name...
But Dauntless Hunter is now MrGreenonion