Millions of people in the United States are putting both their pets and family members at risk of deadly infections. Blame their pure intentions. How? By feeding raw food products to their pet dogs and cats. They unknowingly expose themselves to deadly pathogens, all in hopes of feeding their pets nutritious food. But guess what? All these risks aren’t even worth it. Because your pet isn’t really getting additional benefits from this diet, as you assume, according to the experts. Let’s dig deeper.
What is raw pet food ?
When you say raw pet food, what does it include? All the uncooked animal products, such as meat (like chicken, beef, or other meat), organs (liver, kidney, heart), bones, fish, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products. It also includes the ones you prepare at home, or those purchased commercially, from pet stores or farmers’ markets. The smoked, frozen, or freeze-dried foods are also considered raw pet food.
Raw pet food diets are trending
Feeding raw meat-based diets to pets has become an increasingly popular trend amongst pet owners. The internet is flooded with recipes of raw pet food diets, specifically curated for dogs and cats. From the 80/10/10 raw dog food (prey model) to pork-fish mash, and turkey thigh-liver meals, there are infinite recipes on the internet. Wanting to feed raw meat diets to the pets stems from a place where they (pet owners) want to provide nutritious meals to their furry friends. While there is absolutely no wrong in wanting to feed your pets the best food, feeding them raw animal products can do more harm than good. Many owners justify raw feeding by comparing the pets to their wild ancestors. However, domesticated dogs and cats have very different nutritional needs, and no, they are not the same as their ancestors. Your dog or cat doesn’t hunt to eat. Nor do they have similar energy expenditure or gut fauna as their forefathers. Most dogs cannot process starch like wolves, and cats require higher protein and specific minerals compared to wildcats.
Raw pet food = A breeding ground for pathogens
Raw diets can carry disease-causing bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These pathogens can make your pets ill. It doesn’t end there. Through handling their food, or exposure to contaminated surfaces, can also increase the spread to humans. A 2002 study found that 80% of samples of the raw food in dogs’ bowls and 30% of their stool samples contained Salmonella. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy in pets. In humans, this bacterium can trigger severe gastrointestinal illness and kidney failure. It may also lead to complications in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Pros and cons of raw meat diets
If nutrition is your concern, raw pet food may have limited benefits. One of the popular raw food diets for pets is the BARF (“Bones And Raw Food” or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”) diet, which was invented by an Australian veterinarian in the early 1990s. This diet is often marketed for its improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, enhanced dental health, increased energy, weight management, and a strengthened immune system. However, experts say these claims are largely opinions, and there is hardly any scientific evidence. “These claims are largely opinion. It’s ironic that BARF also means vomit, because raw food diets have been clearly linked to gastrointestinal diseases like salmonellosis in pets and their owners. Contamination of raw pet food with Salmonella is common (up to 80 percent). People can get infected when they handle or prepare the food and don’t wash their hands and utensils thoroughly. There’s also clear evidence to show that when pets eat raw meat diets, they shed bacteria in their poop that can cause human disease. That shedding can last for days after exposure — even if the pet doesn’t have diarrhea — and these bacteria can persist for days to weeks in the home. Why would you encourage bacteria like Salmonella to replicate in your pet’s gut, pour out of their butt, and be smeared around your home?” Dr. Jane Sykes, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of California-Davis and a board-certified specialist in small animal (dog and cat) internal medicine, told the Washington Post.
So, what should you feed your pets?
Given the significant risks associated with raw food, it’s safer to stick with cooked foods. You can feed your furry friends properly cooked meat. If they like dairy products, pick the pasteurized ones. Commercially available pet foods are often processed using high temperatures. These include dry and wet pet foods. If you feed home-cooked meals to your pets, ensure to consult a veterinarian to curate a balanced diet. Vegetarian diets are generally safe for dogs, but risky for cats due to potential nutrient deficiencies. Along with these always ensure pet food is handled safely and practice proper hygiene (wash hands, utensils) to reduce contamination risk.
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