According to researchers, consuming raw dog food puts the general public at risk for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An expert explains.
In order to give their pets the best care possible, pet owners must also feed them the healthiest diet possible. Recently, many pet parents have started feeding their animals a fresh diet made up of home-cooked foods, or occasionally, entirely raw food. Some assert that feeding dogs raw food results in their having shinier coats, healthier teeth, and overall better health.
Uncooked food, primarily meat, can be made at home by pet owners or purchased frozen from a store. However, a recent Portuguese study discovered that while all types of commercial dog food can harbor some nasty bacteria, raw dog food poses a high risk of spreading bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant, which can harm immunocompromised animals and people while also contributing to a larger public health issue of antibiotic resistance. In the study, 14 commercial varieties of frozen raw dog food were tested, and all 14 tested positive for enterococcus strains that displayed drug resistance.
Although we wish we could ask dogs whether they enjoy eating raw meat, many experts advise against it due to the bacteria that can be found in raw food. The American Veterinary Medical Association “discourages” pet owners from giving their animals meat that hasn’t been “subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens” like cooking or pasteurization, citing a risk of food-borne illness that can spread and affect livestock and humans, especially children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
“This is a true public health concern,” Dr. According to Colorado State University’s small animal nutrition service director and veterinarian Camille Torres It occasionally appears as if it’s a new topic, but we’ve known about this for years. “.
We spoke with Torres about feeding your pets raw food to learn more about the potential risks and advantages.
The concept of a raw diet for dogs gained popularity after Australian vet Dr. An evolutionary diet that sustained dogs before they were domesticated, consisting primarily of raw meat, organs, bones, and vegetables, was described in a book by Ian Billinghurst as being ideal for canines.
Torres is sympathetic to pet owners who are thinking about switching to a raw food diet because she understands their desire to provide for their animal.
It’s a touchy subject, says Torres, because pet owners seem to be very passionate about nutrition in general and have a strong desire to give their animals the best food possible.
Clubs Offering:
Food glorious food. Food plays a significant role in both humans and dogs’ daily lives. However, dogs don’t get to choose what they eat. We make decisions based on what we believe is best for our canine friends’ health, vitality, and enjoyment.
Choosing the best has gotten more difficult as the popularity of freshly prepared dog food (made by people like Ollie, who uses human-grade ingredients) has grown. The first step is to consult your veterinarian. When selecting dog food, keep the following things in mind:
Dogs’ overall health can be greatly improved by feeding them a diet made of natural, real ingredients like beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries. These foods also increase energy, improve eyesight, make coats shine, and make dogs’ breath smell better.
However, feeding your pet is a time-consuming, space-consuming, and expensive process. “Most homemade diets do not undergo the scrutiny and rigorous testing applied to commercial complete and balanced diets,” the Merck Veterinary Manual cautions. Pet owners should follow veterinary nutritionist-created recipes when preparing and cooking homemade diets for their animals. ”.
Fresh dog food delivery services like Ollie collaborate with canine nutritionists to create cooking techniques and custom formulas that include the vitamins and minerals required to meet the standards for dog food set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Based on weight, breed, age, activity level, body composition, and any allergies your dog may have, they determine the precise number of calories required.
Ollie’s food is prepared using human-grade components that are sourced from reliable farms and have received veterinarian approval. They never use fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Every recipe is manually prepared in a U-shaped pan at low temperatures in small batches. S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA)-regulated kitchen. You don’t have to do any preparation work, and the food is already portioned and frozen. They even offer all-natural, single-ingredient treats that dogs love.
Is a raw food diet safe?
Despite the possibility of some benefits, there are far more risks associated with the raw food diet.
A small 2017 study found that dogs who ate a raw food diet had a more balanced gut microbiome and showed signs of healthier gut functions. But “there have been no studies that demonstrate any long-term health benefits of raw diets compared to other types of pet food,” says Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, the chief of nutrition service at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital.
Putting your dog on a raw food diet comes with risks to both the dog and the people living in your household, says Alison Meindl, DVM, a veterinarian and professor at Colorado State University.
Some of the risks of a raw diet include:
Bacterial infection. Compared to cooked diets, raw diets are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make your dog seriously ill. But even if your dog doesnt get sick, your pup could shed bacteria into your household, which could then get picked up by another pet or human.
Meindl warns that these infectious agents pose a serious threat to immunocompromised residents who live in a home with a dog. Elderly people, children, and those taking immunosuppressive medications like chemotherapy can all fall under this category.
Nutritional deficiency. “Many raw diets are also not nutritionally balanced and complete. These diets can result in malnutrition and health issues unless they are created by a veterinary nutritionist, McKenzie warns.
What the research says: A 2011 study that analyzed the nutritional content of raw food diets found that 60% of the diets had significant nutritional imbalances.
Injury from bones. Although bones are frequently included in raw diets, they might not be safe for dogs. According to Larsen, dogs who chew on bones run the risk of breaking their teeth and having their intestines punctured or obstructed by bone fragments. In some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening.
What kind of illness does Salmonella cause?
The CDC estimates that 1. In the US, there are at least 2 million cases of salmonellosis caused by food each year. Approximately 400 people die each year from the disease. The total number of cases is not known with certainty because milder cases might not be identified.
Salmonellosis symptoms in people typically appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure and include:
Children, the elderly, expectant women, and people with compromised immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or HIV patients) ) are at greater risk for more severe symptoms.
In fact, dogs can have Salmonella in their intestines without displaying any symptoms of illness. They are now potentially a source of ongoing exposure for the family’s humans. In dogs, the symptoms of salmonellosis include:
What about illness from Listeria food contamination?
Listeriosis is a less well-known food-borne illness than salmonellosis. Actually, Listeria monocytogenes is the most common cause of food-related hospitalization and fatalities. Even though listeriosis is less common than salmonellosis, over 90% of those who contract it end up in the hospital. The CDC estimates that there are roughly 1,600 cases and 260 fatalities in the US each year. In the European Union, the numbers are similar. Listeria is a problematic bacterium because it can survive in environments that are cold, acidic, and salty.
Target populations for listeriosis include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The L. The monocytogenes bacteria can enter a variety of tissues, including the bloodstream, the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, and the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms depend on which tissues are affected. It is challenging to identify the precise exposure event because of the approximate three-week interval between exposure and illness. Pregnant women may only have vague flu-like symptoms, but their unborn children run the risk of being born prematurely or even stillborn. The mortality rate from listeriosis is highest in newborns, up to one-third, despite aggressive treatment.
Dogs can carry L. without exhibiting any symptoms, making them a potentially hazardous reservoir for monocytogenes.
FAQ
Is a raw food diet better for dogs?
Raw diets are more likely than cooked diets to contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make your dog seriously ill. However, even if your dog doesn’t become ill, it may still shed bacteria into your home, which could then be ingested by another animal or person.
Do vets recommend raw diet?
The American Kennel Club (AKC), American Veterinary Medical Association, and other organizations advise against giving dogs uncooked or raw meat, eggs, or milk. Raw meat and dairy can carry pathogens, like E. Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria are bacteria that can kill people and pets.
What are the dangers of feeding a raw diet to dogs?
As Dr. The study “identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, as well as for the owners handling the product,” Reimschuessel said. Owners who feed their pets a raw diet may be more likely to contract Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Can dogs live on a raw meat diet?
Because it doesn’t provide the balanced nutrition your dog needs in their diet, the American Veterinary Medical Association advises against feeding your dog raw meat. Eating raw meat regularly can increase risk of nutritional deficiencies.