Raw pet food has become an increasingly popular choice for pet owners seeking a more natural and species-appropriate diet for their dogs and cats. But What Is Raw Pet Food exactly, and is it a safe and healthy option for your beloved companion? This guide delves into the world of raw pet food, exploring its composition, potential benefits, documented risks, and crucial safety measures to consider.
Understanding Raw Pet Food: The Basics
Raw pet food, often referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or prey model diets, fundamentally mimics the ancestral diet of wild canines and felines. Unlike conventional kibble or canned pet food that undergoes extensive processing and cooking, raw pet food is composed of uncooked ingredients. These diets typically include:
- Muscle Meat: The primary component, providing essential protein and amino acids. This can be beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, or other animal meats.
- Bones: Raw meaty bones are a crucial element, offering calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals vital for bone health. They also contribute to dental hygiene through natural chewing action.
- Organs: Liver, kidney, heart, and other organs are nutrient powerhouses, rich in vitamins and minerals often lacking in processed foods.
- Fruits and Vegetables: While less significant than meat and bones, some raw diets incorporate small amounts of fruits and vegetables to provide fiber and additional vitamins.
- Eggs and Dairy: Some recipes may include raw eggs or dairy products like yogurt or kefir for added protein and probiotics.
Raw food proponents argue that this diet aligns more closely with the biological needs of dogs and cats, potentially leading to improved digestion, shinier coats, increased energy, and better dental health. However, it’s crucial to consider both the potential advantages and the scientifically documented risks associated with raw feeding.
The FDA Study: Unveiling Potential Risks
While anecdotal evidence and some proponents tout the benefits of raw pet food, scientific studies have highlighted potential concerns, particularly regarding bacterial contamination. A significant study conducted by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) between 2010 and 2012 investigated the presence of harmful bacteria in various types of pet food, including raw diets.
This comprehensive two-year study screened over 1,000 pet food samples for bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. During the second year, the study expanded to include 196 commercially available raw dog and cat food samples purchased online from different manufacturers and tested in six participating laboratories. The findings revealed a concerning trend:
Raw pet food was significantly more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria compared to other types of pet food tested.
Specifically, out of the 196 raw pet food samples analyzed:
- 15 samples (7.6%) tested positive for Salmonella.
- 32 samples (16.3%) tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
In stark contrast, other pet food types included in the study, such as dry kibble, semi-moist food, and jerky treats, showed minimal to no contamination with these pathogens. For example, out of 120 dry dog food samples, only one tested positive for Salmonella, and none for Listeria monocytogenes.
This data strongly suggests a higher prevalence of harmful bacteria in raw pet food, raising concerns about potential health risks for both pets and their owners.
Table 1: Number and type of pet food samples that tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (Years 1 & 2)
| Type of Pet Food Sample | No. samples tested | No. positive for Salmonella | No. positive for L. monocytogenes |
|—|—|—|—|
| Raw pet food | 196 | 15 | 32 |
| Dry exotic pet food* | 190 | 0 | 0 |
| Jerky-type treats† | 190 | 0 | 0 |
| Semi-moist dog food‡ | 120 | 0 | 0 |
| Semi-moist cat food‡ | 120 | 0 | 0 |
| Dry dog food§ | 120 | 0 | 0 |
| Dry cat food§ | 120 | 1 | 0 |
| * Non-cat and non-dog food, such as dry pellets for hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, amphibians, and birds. † Included chicken jerky product, pig ears, and bully stick-type products. ‡ Typically packaged in pouches for retail sale, such as (1) pouched dog and cat food; and (2) food treats shaped like bacon, fish, pork chops, and burgers. § Included pellet- or kibble-type food typically packaged in bags for retail sale. Note: Canned pet food samples were not tested in this study. |
Public Health Implications and Safety Tips
The FDA study highlights a potential public health risk associated with raw pet food diets. As Dr. Renate Reimschuessel from FDA CVM emphasized, the study identified a “potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product.”
Handling raw pet food and feeding it to your pet can increase the risk of exposure to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can be transferred from contaminated food to your hands, utensils, and surfaces, potentially leading to illness in both humans and pets. Symptoms of Salmonella and Listeria infection can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe conditions, especially in vulnerable individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
If you choose to feed your pet a raw diet, it is imperative to implement strict food safety practices to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The FDA recommends the following tips to prevent foodborne illness from raw pet food:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw pet food and after touching any surfaces or objects that have come into contact with it.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects that touch raw pet food, including countertops, refrigerators, utensils, and feeding bowls. Use hot soapy water followed by a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water).
- Proper Thawing and Storage: Freeze raw meat and poultry until ready to use and thaw in the refrigerator or microwave, not at room temperature.
- Avoid Rinsing Raw Meat: Do not rinse raw meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, as this can spread bacteria to other foods and surfaces.
- Keep Raw Food Separate: Store and prepare raw pet food separately from other human and pet food items.
- Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: Immediately refrigerate any uneaten raw pet food or discard it safely.
- Cook Homemade Raw Food Properly: If you use raw ingredients to make cooked pet food, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
- Avoid Pet Contact with Face: Do not allow your pet to lick your face, especially after eating raw food. Wash your face and hands after pet contact.
By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination associated with raw pet food.
Making an Informed Decision
What is raw pet food? It’s a diet that aims to mimic the natural eating habits of wild animals, consisting primarily of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. While proponents claim various health benefits, scientific studies, like the FDA research, have highlighted the increased risk of bacterial contamination.
Ultimately, the decision to feed your pet a raw food diet is a personal one. It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the documented risks and to be fully committed to implementing rigorous food safety practices. Consulting with your veterinarian is highly recommended to discuss your pet’s individual needs, health status, and the suitability of a raw food diet. They can provide personalized advice and help you make an informed choice that prioritizes your pet’s health and well-being.
Resources for You:
References:
1 Nemser S, Reimschuessel R. Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Microbiology Cooperative Agreement Program (MCAP), FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Special Project: Pet food testing for selected microbial organisms. Final Report 2010-2012. The study was conducted by FDA CVM’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), in collaboration with FERN MCAP laboratories. The journal citation is Nemser S, Doran T, et al. Investigation of Listeria, Salmonella, and Toxigenic Escherichia coli in Various Pet Foods. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2014;11:706-709.
2 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Michigan Department of Agriculture; Minnesota Department of Agriculture; North Carolina Department of Agriculture; Ohio Department of Agriculture; and Washington Department of Agriculture.
