Raw pet foods are meat or meat-based products that are typically not subjected to heat processing before distribution to consumers.  Feeding raw food to dogs and cats has gained popularity in recent years.  Among the proposed benefits are better nutrition, longer life, less parasites, and less allergies.  However, little to no scientific proof exists for these claims.  There is evidence for health risks to pets and their owners from raw pet foods and treats.

Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by a form of the bacteria, E. coli.  Recent cases in humans have been linked to eating undercooked hamburger or spinach.  Approximately 73,000 people in the U.S. become sick each year from Hemolytic-Uremic syndrome, and some die.  

For years an ulcerative skin disease and kidney failure syndrome in racing greyhounds fed raw food and called “Alabama Rot” perplexed veterinarians.  The cause is now believed to be an E. coli toxin acquired from raw meat.  Handling of raw pet foods and treats can be a hemolytic-uremic syndrome risk to humans.

Salmonellosis

Salmonella bacteria, the cause of typhoid fever, can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, arthritis, and other problems in animals and humans.  Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are infected with Salmonella each year.  People with impaired immune systems or children are at higher risk of dying from Salmonellosis.  Raw food, especially poultry, is a major source.   Government studies have reported 16.3% of all chickens carry Salmonella bacteria.

            A study was reported in 2002 that showed 30% of dogs fed raw food diets had Salmonella bacteria in their stool samples.  None of the dogs fed commercial (heat-processed) food had Salmonella.

           In 2003, two cats died of Salmonellosis in Georgia that were fed raw beef diets, and two Papillon dogs in Texas fed raw chicken-based food died of the disease.

           In June, 2006, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued a warning to people who handle raw beef or seafood treats to their pets.  The warning described 9 cases of pet owners who  became sick with Salmonellosis, which they acquired from handling pet treats.   Some of their pets also became ill. 

           Last month, February 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for consumers not to buy Wild Kitty Cat Food, a raw pet food because Salmonella had been cultured from samples of the food.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a one-cell parasite that can cause brain, heart, liver, and eye inflammation and damage in animals and humans.  Pregnant women who acquire the parasite may pass it to the unborn baby and cause brain and eye damage in the baby or abortion. 

Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to humans from raw meat products such as raw pet food or treats by contaminating hands, food preparation areas such as cutting boards, or food preparation utensils such as knives.

Prevention Measures

Avoid feeding your pet raw pet foods or treats, or make sure the label says the manufacturer has used heat-treatment or irradiation to destroy bacteria in the processing.

            At the minimum if you feed raw food that has not been sterilized follow manufacturer’s directions: wash your hands after feeding, sterilize (not just clean) all food preparation areas and utensils, wash the pet food bowl after every meal, do not store pet food in a way that human food may become contaminated, and discard any refrigerated raw pet food within 3 days after thawing.

For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit http://www.vmth.missouri.edu/