Many pet owners assume that giving their cat or dog raw meat to eat – because this is how it would have been in the wild – is a more natural and healthy snack option. But, according to new research, this doesn’t seem to be the case at all and could actually do them more harm than good. What’s more, the dangers could also extend to off-the-shelf pet food that claims to contain raw meat.
A recent study carried out by Utrecht University in the Netherlands found that a raw food diet for pets can result in gut problems, dental damage, growth issues and infection. There is also a lack of evidence for any health benefits gained from raw meat diets.
The problem lies in the fact that raw meat can be infected with bacteria and parasites that can then be transferred to your beloved dog or cat.
As part of the study, the researchers analysed 35 raw meat products from eight separate brands on sale in the Netherlands. Out of these products, 23% contained E coli, and 80% contained antiobiotic-resistant E coli, Metro reports. They also found that 11% contained the parasite Sarcocystis cruzi, 11% contained Sarcocystis tenella, and 6% were found containing Toxoplasma gondii – all of which can be harmful.
Doesn’t sound good does it?
Even freezing the products doesn’t kill off the bacteria, even if it does eliminate the parasites. As soon as the food thaws, bacteria can thrive again. After all, the way we kill off bacteria on meat for our own consumption is by cooking it.
“Cats and dogs that eat raw meat diets are also more likely to become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than animals on conventional diets,” explain researchers, Metro writes.
“Which could pose a serious risk to both animal health and public health.”
To find out more about the best diet for your pet, speak to your vet.
