Zoonotic Concerns and Raw Diets

Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) can be homemade (eg, biologically appropriate raw food diet) or available commercially. Commercial RMBDs are typically frozen or freeze-dried, but some are available as fresh, refrigerated products, and others can look like regular dry food (eg, diets with a raw meat coating); there is also a variety of raw-dried or freeze-dried treats. When a client mentions feeding a RMBD, consider the following:

In General

• There are no scientific studies supporting the health benefits claimed by RMBD proponents.

• Numerous studies have shown potential health risks: nutritional imbalances, potential ingestion of bones, diet-induced hyperthyroidism, and bacterial infection.^1,2 

• RMBD and raw animal-based treats have an inherent risk for bacterial contamination, with Salmonella spp contamination rates between 20% to 48% for RMBDs.^3-8 

• Other bacteria identified in RMBDs include Escherichia coli O157:H7, Campylobacter spp, and Listeria spp.^6,9 

• Raw food-associated infections in pets have been diagnosed, and pet-treat–associated salmonellosis in humans has been reported.^10-16 

• It may be prudent to consider the potential for public health risk.

• Consider reports of disease in humans and animals—along with potentially high rates of pathogens (eg, Salmonella spp) in the feces of pets fed RMBDs. 

• Methods to eliminate or reduce pathogens (eg, irradiation, high-pressure pasteurization) are available and have been used by some manufacturers. 

• Irradiation should eliminate some pathogen risk, whereas high-pressure pasteurization may eliminate or reduce bacterial burdens. 

• Clinicians should collect a detailed diet history for all patients at every visit—including pet food, treats, table food, rawhides, dietary supplements, and foods used to administer medications.

• This is also important for the client’s health.

Human Health

• For the physician, if a patient has signs compatible with infectious disease, the types of pets or animals in contact with the patient, as well as their diets, should be discussed. 

• This can help to identify potential sources of infection. 

• Although infection can occur from any pet food, it is more likely to occur when owners feed RMBDs or treats.

Note: Dr. Weese is editor in chief of Clinician’s Brief.