Dr. Morrow from our other location, over in Houston Heights, recently appeared in an article from the Houston Chronicle. The article shed a bit of light on one of many social media trends about pets and pet care: raw food diets. The trend of raw food pet diets has become more popular lately. We have also seen an increase in people asking about these diets. But is raw food good for your pets?

Turns out, not so much. In fact, it can actually be dangerous. 

As your local Bellaire, TX veterinary hospital, we delve a bit deeper into the subject below.

What Is The Raw Food Diet?

As the name suggests, a raw food diet entails giving your pet uncooked foods. The trend has been accompanied by many photos of people basically making their pets charcuterie boards of raw meat. 

To be fair, giving Fido a raw carrot, string bean, or apple slice isn’t usually going to be a cause for concern. The danger mostly comes with raw meat.

Why Is Raw Meat Dangerous For Pets? 

Raw meat holds many of the same potential risks for pets as it does for people. The biggest is the potential for foodborne illnesses, parasites, and infections. 

Some of these include: 

• Salmonella 
• E. coli
• Listeria

As for parasites, some of the most common include the following: 

• Tapeworms 
• Protozoan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis species.

Raw meat could also contain bones or bone shards, which can cause potentially fatal internal injuries if consumed. 

Keep in mind that many people are also susceptible to these risks. The parasite E. granulosus, for instance, has an incubation period that can last up to ten years in humans. That means a decade could go by before the problem rears its head.

Raw fruits and vegetables aren’t as dangerous, but can contain seeds and pips. Raw dough can also be extremely dangerous to pets: the issue here is that it can expand inside their gastrointestinal systems, which can cause blockages and ruptures, which can be life-threatening. Ask your Bellaire, TX veterinarian for more information. If your pet is experiencing itchiness or other health issues, it may not just be diet-related; read more about common symptoms and treatments in our article ‘Weighs In About Itchiness In Pets‘.

Why Are Raw Food Diets Becoming Popular?

There could be a few factors coming into play here. One is growing suspicion about scientists. Many people are also paying more attention to what goes into their food, and becoming skeptical of foods loaded with fillers and preservatives. That’s all well and good. However, the benefits of whole, healthy foods are another topic. This doesn’t lessen or address the potential dangers of germs.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first alarming—if not outright dangerous—social media trend we’ve seen in recent years. There was the Tide pod challenge, the jump-out-of-a-moving-car-and-dance challenge, the Blackout Challenge, and the choking challenge. Then there’s the raw chicken challenge, in which people deliberately eat raw chicken. All of these are extremely dangerous, and some have resulted in injuries and death.

There are plenty of fun and  harmless challenges you can do with your pet. There’s shaming, which entails writing your furry pal’s ‘sins’ on a poster and taking a photo of them beside it. You can also have fun filming your pet reacting to a new toy or even a new furry ‘sibling.’ When it comes to your furry friend’s diet, though, it’s just too important to take chances with. 

How Do I Choose A Good Pet Food?

Your pet’s ideal diet will depend on their age, health, and lifestyle. An active Labrador Retriever puppy will have different needs than a senior German Shepherd with hip dysplasia. Your ultimate resource here should be your veterinarian.

It can of course get a bit tricky trying to pick the best food.

Here are a few tips:

Go Certified: Go with a food that has the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal of approval. This means the food has been thoroughly tested and found to be acceptable, meaning that it includes both appropriate ingredients and appropriate proportions of protein, fat, and fiber.

Be Cautious Of Boutique Brands. Many newer brands use terms like ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ to make their foods more appealing. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best for your pet. For instance, back in 2019, 16 boutique brand foods were linked to pet deaths. While the issue here was a connection between grain-free foods and a heart problem, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the takeaway is that it’s best to stick with the tried and true.

Get Into The Habit Of Reading Labels: Pet food manufacturers must list the ingredients in their products in much the same way as human food is. The most important thing to know is that the ingredients are listed in order of percentage. That means, the first thing you see has the highest percentage, followed by the second highest, and so on.

Slick marketing tactics and language ordinances can make this tricky. If a food says ‘complete’ on the label, that means it contains all of the various nutrients a pet requires. If it says ‘balanced,’ it means they are in the ideal proportions. However, something that says ‘flavor’ need only have trace amounts of that ingredient. You can learn more about labeling practices here.

Ideally, pet food companies should be really invested in not just profit, but in creating products that help pets live longer. The Houston Chronicle article also has another good bit of advice from Dr. Morrow on this. “Looking at how a pet food company contributes to animal nutrition research can also be a sign the brand is committed to long-term health.” 

Why Is Raw Pet Food Popular Then? (Article Excerpt) 

Morrow says that she has seen an increase in questions about raw or fresh diets for pets. While she does not recommend it, she said she understands why those diets might be tempting given the increased prevalence of social media videos regarding the raw food movement.

“I think a lot of it comes down to this kind of shift that we’re seeing our pets as our ‘best friends’ or our ‘fur-babies,’ and we want to make sure that they’re getting high-quality, nutritious foods,” she said.

How Did The Raw Food Trend Start? 

We can likely trace this one to the BARF, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Despite having one of the least appetizing acronyms ever, this dietary system does appeal to many. The premise is that Fido and Fluffy ate raw foods for tens of thousands of years. There is some truth to this. For instance, cats always eat their prey raw and fresh in the wild. 

However, at the end of the day, we would surmise that the nutritional value of food is what matters. A chicken breast will still be a chicken breast if it’s cooked. In other words, the risk is much greater with raw food. There’s also concern that it could be misconstrued. For instance, the BARF method includes soft raw bones. We always advise against giving pets bones, because of the choking risks. Organ meat must also be offered carefully. Too much liver, for instance, can cause Vitamin A poisoning. 

What If I Decide To Feed My Pet A Raw Diet? 

While we don’t recommend giving pets raw food diets, we understand that many people are drawn to this trend. If you do decide to proceed, you’ll need to be very, very diligent about cleanliness. Keep in mind that some raw foods are more dangerous than others. Fido and Fluffy may be more than happy to get a raw meatball or a raw egg every now and then. A raw piece of pork or chicken poses significantly more risk. 

If you want to ensure that your pet is getting great ingredients,  you can also consider making your own pet food and cooking it. Freeze-drying may be an option. These reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, you’ll still need to ensure that your pet is getting the right balance of protein, fat, and fiber. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good. 

Our biggest piece of advice? Ask your Bellaire, TX vet for specific recommendations. Keep in mind that every pet is different, and those needs will change over time. This is a topic worth revisiting regularly. We’re also happy to offer tips on treats and supplements. 

Our Advice on Raw Pet Food in 2024

Are there any specific raw food diet formulations that are considered safer or more nutritionally balanced than others?

While raw food diets for pets are generally not recommended due to the risks of foodborne illnesses and nutritional imbalances, some commercially prepared raw diets are designed to be safer and more balanced. These products are often frozen or freeze-dried to reduce bacterial contamination. It’s crucial to choose brands that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, ensuring they provide complete and balanced nutrition. Consulting with a veterinarian before starting any raw food diet is essential to ensure it meets the specific nutritional needs of your pet and minimizes health risks.

How can pet owners ensure that their pets receive the necessary vitamins and minerals when feeding a raw food diet?

To ensure pets receive necessary vitamins and minerals on a raw food diet, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian to formulate a balanced plan. Using commercially prepared raw diets that meet AAFCO standards can help, as they are designed to provide complete nutrition. Supplements may be necessary to address any deficiencies, particularly in calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids. Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests are crucial to monitor the pet’s health and adjust the diet as needed. Avoid solely relying on raw meat; include a variety of meats, organs, and safe fruits and vegetables.

Can raw food diets be beneficial for pets with specific health conditions or are they universally discouraged?

Raw food diets are generally discouraged due to the risk of foodborne illnesses and nutritional imbalances. However, some pets with specific health conditions might benefit from a carefully managed raw diet. For instance, pets with food allergies or sensitivities may respond well to a raw diet formulated with novel proteins. It’s crucial to work closely with a veterinarian to ensure the diet is safe and nutritionally balanced. Regular monitoring and adjustments are essential to address any health issues promptly. Overall, the potential risks often outweigh the benefits, making veterinary guidance indispensable.

How do the risks associated with raw pet food compare to the risks of contamination and recalls in commercial pet foods?

Raw pet food carries higher risks of foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella and E. coli, compared to commercial pet foods, due to lack of cooking and potential for contamination. Raw diets can also lead to nutritional imbalances if not properly formulated. While commercial pet foods do occasionally face contamination and recalls, they are generally subject to stringent safety standards and testing by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Pet owners should weigh these risks carefully and consult with a veterinarian to determine the safest and most nutritious diet for their pets.

What are the specific nutritional requirements for different life stages and how can these be met with a raw food diet?

Different life stages have specific nutritional requirements that must be met, even with a raw food diet. Puppies and kittens need higher protein and fat for growth, along with essential nutrients like calcium and DHA. Adult pets require balanced nutrients to maintain health, while seniors may need adjusted calories and joint support. To meet these needs with a raw diet, pet owners should use commercially prepared raw foods that meet AAFCO standards or work with a veterinarian to ensure the diet is properly balanced. Regular monitoring and adjustments are crucial to ensure nutritional adequacy at each life stage.

Do you have questions about your pet’s diet? For expert advice on managing pet allergies and skin conditions through proper diet and care, consider visiting ‘Pet Allergies & Veterinary Dermatology‘. Contact us, your Bellaire, TX local animal clinic, today!