Many dog owners, driven by a desire for optimal health for their beloved companions, have enthusiastically embraced the trend of feeding Raw Meat For Dogs. While the allure of a “natural” diet is strong, it’s crucial to understand the significant health risks involved, not just for your canine friend but for human family members as well. Our Cornell Feline Health Center has taken a definitive stance against feeding raw diets to cats, citing that the health risks to both felines and their owners far outweigh any perceived benefits. This raises an important question: what about dogs? It’s time to delve into the potential dangers, the types of raw foods to be wary of, and the critical risk factors associated with raw meat for dogs. For those exploring comprehensive nutritional approaches, understanding options like bone meal for dogs can also be beneficial in the broader context of canine health.
Understanding What Constitutes “Raw Meat for Dogs” (and Why It Matters)
It’s a common misconception that “raw meat for dogs” exclusively refers to fresh, ground, or frozen meat products. In reality, the category is much broader and often less obvious. Pet owners should be aware that raw meat can appear on grocery store shelves in various forms, including dried or freeze-dried treats and even kibble coated with freeze-dried raw ingredients. When considering the risks of bacteria and parasites, it’s vital to recognize that freeze-drying is not a substitute for cooking. In fact, it often achieves the opposite effect. Our research facilities, for example, preserve bacteria for study by simply drying them out, allowing them to survive for decades.
The Immediate Risks: Foodborne Pathogens and Outbreaks
The most immediate and concerning risks associated with raw meat for dogs stem from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and toxigenic E. coli. These bacteria can lead to serious illness in both pets and humans. A classic example involves dried pig ear treats, which are typically uncooked. A recent outbreak investigation report published in The Lancet Regional Health detailed how contaminated pig ear treats were linked to at least 154 cases of salmonellosis in humans across the US and Canada over a four-year period. Disturbingly, the majority of the Salmonella strains identified were multidrug-resistant, and more than half of the hospitalized individuals were outside of the age ranges typically considered high-risk. This highlights a significant public health concern.
Furthermore, studies underscore the widespread presence of pathogens in raw pet foods. Research conducted by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine over a decade ago (published in 2014) indicated that the odds of being exposed to a foodborne pathogen in frozen raw meat diets for pets purchased online were approximately 1-in-3. Even more recently, a study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that 10 percent of canine raw food products contained Gram negative bacteria that produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). These enzymes degrade penicillins and cephalosporins, making the treatment of such infections extremely difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections with ESBL-producing bacteria were attributed to over 9,000 deaths of hospitalized patients in the US in 2017. For information on managing other health conditions, you might find articles on foods good for arthritis in dogs or a diet for dogs with arthritis helpful.
Bacterial cultures from raw pet foods await testing in Dr. Goodman's lab at Cornell's Baker Institute for Animal Health.
The Silent Threat: Antimicrobial Resistance
Beyond immediate sickness, there’s a more insidious danger lurking in contaminated raw meat for dogs: the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteria, particularly Gram negatives like Salmonella and E. coli, have the remarkable ability to share genes with each other. Some genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance are highly mobile. This means that even after a dog (or human) clears a Salmonella infection, they may still be harboring additional genes encoding antimicrobial resistance as part of their gut microbiome.
Consider your microbiome as a toolbox. While it contains beneficial aspects that help fight disease, new infections can also “mine” your microbiome for resources to survive. If your dog or a family member needs critical antibiotic medicines in the future, it’s possible that these medications might not be effective due to the presence of these resistant genes. This makes the issue of raw meat diets a significant contributor to the broader crisis of antibiotic resistance, affecting both animal and human health. Understanding prevention is key, and exploring topics like a natural remedy for kidney stones in dogs can offer further insights into proactive care.
Samples of raw pet food are being tested in the Goodman lab at the Baker Institute for Animal Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Safe Handling Practices for Raw Dog Food
If, despite the risks, you choose to purchase and feed raw meat for dogs, it is imperative to treat it with the same rigorous care you would any raw meat intended for human consumption. This means extreme caution during handling to contain any splashes or drips. Crucially, raw pet food should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before being fed to your dog. Do not wash raw meat in the sink first, as this can aerosolize bacteria and spread contamination throughout your kitchen. After handling, thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and dishes that came into contact with the raw product, and always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Proper hygiene extends to your dog’s oral care as well, and for related concerns, you might want to look into the best toothpaste for dogs with bad breath.
Furthermore, protect vulnerable individuals in your household. If you opt to give your dog freeze-dried treats or any other raw food product, do not allow anyone in high-risk groups—including young children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or pregnant women—to come into contact with the product or the dog after consumption. Even if your dog appears healthy, they could be shedding harmful organisms that pose a serious risk to these family members. A large epidemiologic study published in 2017 indicated that raw meat consumption was a significant risk factor for Salmonella shedding in dogs, and nearly half of the infected dogs showed no signs of illness.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sick
Should your dog exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or a noticeable change in behavior, your first and most important step is always to contact your veterinarian immediately. Be sure to inform them about any recent changes in your dog’s diet, and critically, mention if a raw, dried, or freeze-dried product was given. This information can be vital for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
If you suspect a commercial pet food product is the source of your dog’s illness, you can make a report to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) via their website or over the phone. The FDA has a dedicated team of veterinary medical officers and an extensive network of laboratories within their Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network that can provide essential support in investigating such incidents. Making a report contributes to pet food safety and helps prevent future outbreaks.
When it comes to feeding raw meat for dogs, making an informed decision is paramount. Understand the full spectrum of risks and benefits associated with such diets. Always read product labels carefully, adhere to strict hygiene protocols if you choose to feed raw, and never hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health or diet.
