Dear readers,
Once again, raw feeding for our pets is facing unjustified criticism!
An article by the (German) newspaper “Welt” about the supposed “dangers of raw feeding” is circulating online, unsettling many pet owners who provide their dogs and cats with a healthy raw diet. Not only has this been reported in “Welt,” but other representatives of the German press are also discussing the “new” findings from the team led by Freek van Bree at Utrecht University. Originally, the article was published in the professional journal “Vet Record.”
Representation of raw feeding in the press
Quote from “Welt” (Jan.18): “Raw feeding, the practice of feeding raw meat to pets, is trending. But now, Dutch scientists are warning against it. They have found concerning elements in food samples.”
First of all, it should be noted that there was no study related to this analysis, as suggested in the “Welt” article, other publications, and online sources. It was merely an analysis of 35 of the best-selling frozen pet foods in Utrecht, which contain raw meat. The products from a total of eight manufacturers include raw eggs, vegetables, and other raw ingredients.
As the article progresses, it becomes clear that the warning is aimed at humans handling raw pet food. It is noted that raw pet food usually poses no problem for our pets because their digestive systems can generally handle the number of germs or pathogens found.
However, the article later claims that pathogens from raw meat can be transmitted through physical contact with pets. All of us who feed raw know that this feeding method provides our furry friends with a much stronger immune system compared to those fed with industrial food.
Germs are everywhere in the environment. The article claims that dry and wet food are not contaminated with germs. I believe – especially in the case of dry food – this is a myth! Not only germs but also molds are commonplace. Wet food, often with high grain content and low-quality protein sources, frequently causes gastrointestinal issues. If it is claimed that raw feeding causes gastrointestinal infections, then pets fed with wet food should never suffer from such issues. We all know this is not true! On the contrary, the immune system of these pets is significantly weaker and more susceptible to germs and parasites in the environment.
Additionally, the pH value in the digestive tract of raw-fed animals is significantly lower – allowing them to kill pathogens and parasites more effectively – than in animals fed with industrially produced food. For comparison: the pH value of a raw-fed cat is 1-2, whereas, with dry food, it is 6-7.
Josef Kamphues, Director at the Institute of Animal Nutrition at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, even goes so far as to say – quote from Welt: “However, if small children live with pets, the fun stops.”
These are statements that none of the pet owners who have kept animals in their households for decades and feed them raw would confirm. Quite the contrary! The animals are healthy and do not transmit infections. It is further demanded that children wash their hands thoroughly after every (!) contact with the pet. This is not practiced in any household where children and pets live together – because it is utterly unrealistic and impractical.
“We have an additional contamination source in the immediate vicinity of humans,” says Kamphues, as they *could* be carriers. He advises that pet food residues should not come into contact with food or kitchen utensils meant for human use.
Now it gets interesting! Let us now look at what was actually criticized. The raw meat was tested for bacteria. The researchers found:
- E. coli, some of which can cause severe food poisoning, some antibiotic-resistant
- Listeria, which can cause inflammatory diseases in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women
- Salmonella (although the number of these bacteria was low, not exceeding the permissible limit for humans)
- Parasites such as Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma gondii, with the note that these would be inactivated through freezing – BUT now ATTENTION – some people buy the meat fresh from the butcher for their pets, and then the risk would reappear
ERGO: The meat is already contaminated when it is processed as raw pet food! This leads to the conclusion that most meat consumed by humans is contaminated or can be!
Recommendations from the BVL on handling raw meat
Let us look at the statements from the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety: “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne infections and intoxications are among the most common diseases in humans. Through careful and proper handling of food, manufacturers, processors, gastronomy, and consumers alike can minimize the risk of foodborne infections or intoxications.
Most foodborne infections occur from the consumption of animal-based foods such as meat, sausages, eggs, or dairy products that are contaminated with pathogens. Contamination can occur at any stage of the food chain, from production to consumption. Often, however, pathogens are transmitted from contaminated foods (e.g., raw meat) through improper handling during food preparation to other foods (e.g., salad).”
The following pathogens are warned against (some antibiotic-resistant):
- E. coli in various variations, including EHEC
- Campylobacter bacteria
- Salmonella
- Clostridium botulinum
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Parasites such as toxoplasmosis or trichinae in wild boar were not even mentioned
And now it becomes clear that the criticism is not actually about raw feeding itself – as the “Welt” article suggests – but about the contamination of meat in general and, above all, the hygiene conditions during the production of the food and its preparation and feeding at home.
For example, if the intestines of a slaughtered animal are accidentally punctured during evisceration, our meat becomes so overwhelmed with bacteria that it is no surprise when humans get sick from it. In this case, however, raw feeding for dogs and cats is being held responsible, which is simply not true.
For the sake of completeness, here are the full hygiene recommendations from the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety for handling raw meat in the food sector. This, of course, also applies to preparing food rations for our furry friends.
General rules to prevent foodborne infections or intoxications
- Pay attention to expiration dates, use-by dates, and storage conditions. These details can be found on the packaging.
- Buy perishable foods last or use a cooler bag while shopping. Only purchase quantities you can use in a short period. As the fridge fills up, the temperature rises.
- The liquid produced when thawing frozen meat can contain harmful germs. Do not use this liquid further, and ensure it does not come into contact with other foods. Materials that have come into contact with raw meat should be thoroughly cleaned.
- Store raw and cooked foods separately.
- Avoid cross-contamination by preparing dishes with low germ risks (e.g., vegetables) before dishes with meat.
- Use separate tongs for raw and cooked meat when grilling.
- Consume prepared dishes immediately rather than keeping them warm for an extended time.
- Wash your hands after preparing foods that may contain harmful germs. Also, clean work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after each step.
- If leftovers remain, store them cool until later consumption. Often leftovers are only reheated. To avoid harmful germs, reheat leftovers thoroughly.
- Boil raw milk before consumption.
- Raw milk products, raw sausage, and raw meat should not be consumed by sensitive consumer groups such as young children, pregnant women, or the elderly.
I hope I was able to show you how unjustified the criticism of raw feeding is in this article. The benefits of this feeding method clearly outweigh the risks, and with the necessary level of hygiene, it is not a concern for either humans or pets.
Yours, Petra von Quillfeldt
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