Commercial Raw Foods Are Problematic

Over at The Science Dog web site, Linda Case (science writer, canine nutritionist with a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and an M.S. in Canine/Feline Nutrition from the University of Illinois, many books, 20 year college professor) looks at commercial Raw food.  

Read her full post here >>

https://thesciencedog.com/2019/05/15/the-raw-deal/

The four studies she cites:

▪️van Bree FPJ, Bokken G, Mineur R, et al. Zoonotic bacteria and parasites found in raw meat-based diets for cats and dogs. Veterinary Record 2017; November: doi: 10.1136/vr.104535.

▪️Baede VO, Broens EM, Spaninks by MR, et al. Raw pet food as a risk factor for shedding of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceiae in household cats. PLoS One 2017; November: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187239.

▪️Hellgren J, Hasto LS, Wikstrom C, Fernstrom LL, Hansson I. Occurrence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae in raw meat-based diets for dogs. Veterinary Record 2019; March: doi:10.1136/vr.105199.

▪️Davies Rh, Lawes JR, Wales AD. Raw diets for dogs and cats: A review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Journal of Small Animal Practice 2019; March:doi.10.1111/jsap.12300.

Her conclusion: 

“[T]he research says what it says. And currently, there are numerous studies, from different, unrelated laboratories, showing us that commercial raw diets are more apt to be contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria.

“This is the science.

“Deal with it: If you are a raw feeder, then deal with this information in the smart way. Ask producers about their methods for controlling bacterial contamination, about their quality control measures, and about their company’s recall history. Select foods that have been shown to be free of pathogenic bacteria and have not been recalled. When feeding, avoid handling raw products, wash your hands and food preparation surfaces thoroughly, and monitor your dog carefully for signs of illness or gastrointestinal infection.”

Finally, if you are interested in dog food and health, let me note that Ms. Case teaches canine nutrition courses you can sign up for, and her book, “Dog Food Logic: Making Smart Decisions for Your Dog in an Age of Too Many Choices“ might fit well on your bedside table.