Risks of Feeding Raw Diets to Dogs Highlighted by Veterinary Research

Raw diets can take various forms; while some pet owners may directly purchase ground frozen meat, others may buy freeze-dried or dehydrated products marketed as treats or kibble. Unlike cooking, freeze-drying does not eliminate bacteria and parasites. At Cornell’s research facilities, scientists preserve bacteria for studies by drying them, illustrating how resilient these organisms can be.

An example includes dried pig ear treats, which are often uncooked. According to a recent outbreak investigation from The Lancet Regional Health, contaminated pig ear treats led to 154 salmonellosis cases in the U.S. and Canada over four years, though no fatalities were reported. Alarmingly, most strains involved were multidrug-resistant, and over half of those hospitalized were not in high-risk categories.

The implications of resistant bacteria are significant; certain Gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella can share antimicrobial resistance genes. This means that even if an initial infection is resolved, the microorganisms could potentially complicate future medical treatments for those affected.

A decade-old FDA study revealed that approximately one in three frozen raw meat diets for pets purchased online posed exposure risks to foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, or toxigenic E. coli. As freeze-dried meat products have proliferated in grocery stores, many are found alongside cooked alternatives without clear warnings about their raw status.

A more recent study from the University of Pennsylvania found that 10% of canine raw food products contained bacteria producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), which complicate effective treatment of infections. According to the CDC, infections from these bacteria contributed to over 9,000 deaths of hospitalized patients in the U.S. in 2017.

If you decide to give your dog raw or freeze-dried products, handle them with care as you would any raw meat. This includes managing splashes and cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees before feeding. Avoid washing these products in sinks and disinfect your surfaces thoroughly after handling. It is also advisable to ensure that vulnerable family members do not come into contact with the raw products or the dog, as asymptomatic pets can still shed harmful bacteria.

If your dog exhibits signs of illness such as diarrhea or vomiting, consult your veterinarian immediately. Inform them of any dietary changes, particularly if a raw or freeze-dried product was involved. Any concerns related to commercial pet food can be reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for further investigation.

Ultimately, it is crucial for pet owners to understand the complete risks and benefits of their dog's diet. Careful label reading and communication with veterinarians are essential.