big push in dog food for the past decade has been to feed your dog raw. Many industry professionals believe it is the best way to feed your dog the nutrients he needs and avoid all the recalls and toxins being found in commercial dog food.
However, there are studies out there saying that raw diets have risks too. In fact, a study published in September 2014 showed that 45% of Raw Pet Foods are contaminated with dangerous bacteria: Listeria, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing strains of E.coli (STEC). (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24824368)
Dr. Oscar Chavez Just Food For Dogs Chief Medical Officer, BVetMed, MRCVS, MBA, and professor in Clinical Nutrition at Cal Poly Pomona and Dr. John Tegzes, VMD, DABVT, professor of toxicology at WesternU, shed some more light on the real risks of a raw diet.
Are there other studies out there?
Yes, there are several studies that have questioned the safety and suitability of raw pet foods as a mainstream form of feeding pets, particularly with concerns as to proper nutrient balance, bacterial contamination, toxin contamination, GI damage or obstruction, and finally the use of 4-D meat [see below for explanation].
The most recent published review of raw diets is here:
Freeman LM, Chandler ML, Hamper BA, et al. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243:1549–1558.
Have we always known raw to have risks?
Yes, the research has been compiled since raw diets started trending, in 2001. As a veterinarian in practice, I can also tell you there is anecdotal evidence of additional risks. Most raw diets are high in fat and protein and can medically induce pancreatitis and urinary crystals or stones in dogs and cats that are predisposed to such conditions. These diets also change the intestinal flora of the pets, causing them to have GI imbalances that may lead to other problems, clinically.
It is important to note that some dogs do great on these diets, but this feeding modality – as a mainstream form of feeding – is not without its risks.
Probably the most disturbing characteristic of raw diets is the use of 4-D meat. 4-D is meat derived from dying, diseased, disabled and dead livestock that has been deemed unfit for human consumption. Many believe it is used in commercial raw diets and commercial pet food. As seen below, the transport of 4-D meat is technically not allowed, but the use of it is rampant in pet food and the FDA does not enforce this rule.
Did professionals always know the risk were this great?
I think we did know how great the risks are, however in general the risks of commercial pet food are usually understated until problems occur. For example, earlier this year FDA published a video warning about exactly these risks in processed diets and raw diets, but in general no one really pays attention to the warnings (until something goes wrong):
Yes, they have always known about these risks, but they are often ignored because again, dogs and cats can handle higher bacterial loads without getting ill.
It’s perhaps the human health risks which are so important, particularly in households with young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic disease or who is immunosuppressed.
Why do some vets recommend it as a diet if the risks are this high?
This issue is that some vets are looking for alternatives to commercial kibble, due to similar, growing concerns about contamination and toxins in kibble and cans. Raw fills that need, but it may not be the safest way to do so.
Note: For those pets who must have raw, look for raw foods that have undergone cold pasteurization as this process can reduce bacteria burdens.
Is there no alternative to raw for dogs with high allergies or sensitive stomachs?
No – a lightly cooked whole food diet will achieve the same result.
An emerging modality in feeding is fresh prepared (cooked) diets, either commercially made or homemade. JustFoodForDogs offers both, we can fresh prepare a lightly cooked diet for you, or give you the recipe to make it yourself in our DIY kits. Similarly, other companies are offering the same.
Research does support that whole food diets are better digested than processed diets, thus as a veterinarian, I agree on getting them off the kibble, if possible. However the same research has also shown that there was no loss in digestibility between ingredients when they were raw versus when they were cooked.
We have hundreds of cases sent to us every month by specialists in our area to our custom formulation service and we make limited ingredient diets for these dogs. We are able to achieve excellent results and everything is lightly cooked. I formulate these diets myself and I can tell you 100% they work, and raw diets are not required.
One of the arguments for raw is that anything cooked loses its nutrients. But humans survive off cooked food, can’t our dogs?
Correct, this statement is simply untrue. The USDA Standard Release database gives nutrient info on virtually every food item found in America on both raw and cooked states. While some nutrients may be reduced, rarely any are lost completely. If the cooked data is used to formulate the diet by someone with expertise and knowledge (ie: a veterinarian trained in diet formulation), then the reductions from cooking the diet are taken into account and the resulting recipe is still balanced.
In fact, JustFoodForDogs diets are lightly cooked to minimal safe temperatures. According to our board certified toxicologist, Dr. John Tegzes VMD Dipl ABVT, a fresh whole food diet that is lightly cooked is the absolute best nutrition you can have for your pets.
Do the pros of the raw diet outweigh these risks? What are those pros?
As stated above, the main pro is that you are giving real food that is better digested, and avoiding the processed ingredients commonly found in kibble and cans. The con is everything else. Considering that lightly cooking the food to minimum safe temperatures is all you need to do to get rid of all the cons – the answer is a no brainer. We, as veterinarians, should be supporting pet owners on how to make lightly cooked diets at home, or we should consider recommending a fresh prepared lightly cooked diet, over raw.
Before Changing Any Diet…
If their answers to these questions have you wondering about your dog’s diet, talk to you vet before making any food changes. Do your own research too, and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel your vet may be too one-sided on this topic. Remember you objective is to give your dog the best nutrition possible to ensure a happy and long life – and not just to follow trends or feed something because “everyone else does.”
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
Toledo, United States.
