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By Jean Hofve, DVM
Many
proponents tout the benefits of feeding meat raw to our our carnivorous
feline and canine companions. But most veterinarians and self-styled
"experts" claim that raw diets are highly dangerous to everyone in the
household. So who's right?
The bacteria Salmonella
is frequently implicated as a major danger from feeding raw meat. A
contaminant of some raw meats and eggs, as well as being common in the
environment, this bacterium does not appear to pose as great a problem
to dogs and cats as to people, due to the carnivore's shorter
gastrointestinal tract and faster transit time, which does not give
bacteria much time to multiply. According to experts, Salmonella
exposure does not pose any real threat to healthy animals. In fact,
it's estimated that more than 35% of normal healthy dogs and 18% of
healthy cats (most of which eat commercial pet food) are already
asymptomatic carriers. One study showed that, despite the fact that 80%
of meat samples were positive for Salmonella, 70% of the dogs eating that meat tested negative.
The vast majority of human cases are completely unrelated to
non-reptile pets. It is prudent, however, to avoid feeding pets
non-organic raw ground beef, due to severe contamination problems in
the meat packing industry.
Another bacterium, Campylobacter,
is also a risk in raw meat. This bug got a lot of media play when a
test was developed a few years ago to find it. However, it had been in
meat for many years before that—we just didn't know how to look for it.
It has not been shown to cause significant disease in pets.
Toxoplasmosis is the other major risk commonly cited. Transmission of the protozoa Toxoplasma
to humans occurs primarily from eating undercooked meat and contact
with infected garden soil. Adequate cooking of meat intended for human
consumption, daily cleaning of cat feces from the litterbox (it takes
24-72 hours for any cysts in cat feces to become infectious), and
washing hands after gardening or cleaning the litterbox, are all you
need do to avoid becoming infected. Freezing to -4ºF (-20ºC) for 72
hours will also destroy Toxoplasma cysts. Up to 40% of people have already been exposed and have natural antibodies to Toxoplasma.
Pregnant women need not "get rid of their cats" as many physicians
demand; it would be much more reasonable to get the blood test for
antibodies. If the mom-to-be already has antibodies, there is no risk
whatsoever, even from an actively infected cat. However, chronically
ill, immunocompromised, pregnant, or maybe-to-be-pregnant humans must
be very careful about hygiene when handling meats as well as soils and
animal wastes. In those households, it's probably best to thoroughly
cook all meat for both animal and human family members.
Bones
are an issue when talking about raw food. Everyone agrees that feeding
cooked bones is dangerous and should never be done. Most raw
proponents, such as Dr. Ian Billinghurst, creator of the "BARF" (Bones
and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), encourage the
feeding of "raw meaty bones." Raw bones theoretically do not splinter
like cooked bones do. However, there are many documented cases of even
raw bones causing intestinal impactions or even perforations, which are
deadly. At the least, many dogs have fractured their teeth on raw
bones; probably either from bones too big for the dog, or from bones
left out too long--they dry out and become virtual concrete after as
little as a few hours in warm weather. Grinding bones is a possible
option; raw feeders claim that even ground bones will help keep the
teeth clean. For super safety, though, human-grade bone meal from the
health food store is the best bet.
The
other main concern expressed by veterinarians is whether or not a
homemade diet is balanced and contains all necessary nutrients. This is
where education plays a big role. There are dozens of books and
websites and other resources that provide adequate recipes. However,
there is justified concern because over time, guardians tend to
"simplify" or modify the recipe, dropping supplements or not varying
the meats and vegetables used; this can indeed get you into trouble
over time. If you do it, make sure you do it right.
To provide a homemade diet correctly takes a real commitment on the
part of the guardian. It's a bit more complicated, and bit more
expensive, especially for large dogs. However, in the long run you'll
be rewarded with a happier, healthier pet, and fewer vet bills!
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