A Chilean study sought to determine pet food safety based on the presence of zoonotic pathogens in extruded and raw meat-based diets. The researchers also sought to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp., C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in canine fecal samples. Moreover, the genetic relationship between bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal bacterial isolates was studied.
Pets get ill due to pathogen infection, and raw diets have been recognized as a risk factor for fecal pathogen shedding in pets. Moreover, contact with ingredients contaminated with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria might also be a public health concern for owners and pets.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, July 18, 2022. Link.
<Researchers> concluded that raw meat-based diets are more likely to be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria than extruded pet diets. Enteropathogen excretion was higher in RMBD-fed dogs than in extruded-fed dogs.
Also see: Raw meat diet may have downside for dogs, Health Day*, July 21, 2022. Link.
*Studies were published in Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and One Health.
We should do everything we can to reduce the circulation of critically important antibiotic-resistant E. coli and other bacteria. Our research adds to the increasing evidence that not feeding raw meat to dogs may help in that objective.” – Matthew B. Avison, B.Sc.(HONS), Ph.D.
INSIGHTS: Education, guidance and proper communication between health professionals and pet owners are required, especially for owners who prefer raw diets for their pets, since the correct use of raw meat-based diets might minimize the risk of foodborne contamination to both owners and pets.