Raw feeding of pets: safe and nutritious - or reckless and irresponsible?

‘Feeding raw meats to pets is reckless, irresponsible and ethically questionable.’ That is the opinion of Mike Davies, an RCVS-recognised specialist in veterinary nutrition. He stated that view during a discussion forum on raw feeding at the British Veterinary Nursing Association congress last week. The well-attended session heard arguments both for and against the practice, which has been growing in popularity among pet owners in recent years. Building a case against raw feeding, Davies emphasised the public health risks: ‘When we give an animal a raw food that contains an infectious agent, that animal sheds it into the environment. If you give Salmonella in meat, a dog will shed that Salmonella within 24 hours whether or not the dog is showing any clinical signs. Animals can be asymptomatic but they still represent a risk to people who handle them.’ Any dog could shed Salmonella, but the risk is increased...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News and reports Source Type: research