We all want the best for our dogs and cats, and so a minimally processed diet made of raw, whole ingredients (specifically raw meat) might sound like a great choice, and the clever marketing can be very convincing. But pet owners should be aware that unpleasant pathogens may lurk in their pet's raw food, whether it's homemade or a pre-packaged raw mix.
According to the American Kennel Club, Portuguese researchers recently tested 55 different dog foods for Enterococci, a bacteria that lives in the guts of humans and animals, but can cause infection if it spreads elsewhere. They found that more than half the samples were contaminated with Enterococci, and a significant proportion of the Enterococci-positive samples — about 40 percent — were resistant to multiple drugs, including a last-resort antibiotic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other dangerous germs like salmonella and listeria bacteria have also been found in raw pet foods, including those packaged and sold in stores. Humans and animals can both become ill from exposure to these bacteria, so the CDC cautions against raw food diets for pets.
The bottom line for pet owners is that while a raw food diet may be an attractive option and your pets might find it delicious, you — and your pets — are very likely safer with commercially prepared dry kibble or canned food.