Is Raw Feeding Right for Your Pet? What You Need to Know
In recent years, raw feeding has gained attention as a natural way to feed pets, with claims that it can lead to healthier coats, better digestion, and improved overall health. However, before you consider chnaging, it’s essential to understand the risks and benefits. Here’s what you need to know about raw meat diets and how to make an informed decision for your pet’s health.
What is Raw Feeding?
Raw meat diets, sometimes referred to as biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) or bone and raw food (BARF) diets, are designed to mimic what animals would naturally eat in the wild. These diets typically consist of raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. While you might find many homemade raw food recipes online or in magazines claiming to be nutritionally complete and veterinary-approved, these claims often lack proper oversight and scientific backing.
The Pros and Cons of Raw Feeding
Potential Benefits
Supporters of raw feeding claim that it leads to several health benefits for pets, including:
- Healthier skin and shinier coats
- Improved digestion and fewer allergies
- Cleaner teeth and healthier gums
- Better energy levels and overall vitality
- Stronger immune system and better weight management
However, it’s important to note that these benefits are often anecdotal, and research supporting them is limited. While dogs and cats may enjoy raw meat, the nutritional needs of pets are more complex than simply mirroring the diet of their wild ancestors. Studies have shown that domesticated dogs and cats have evolved to handle starches better than their wild counterparts, making a raw meat diet potentially less ideal than some might think.
Health Risks
While there are claims of benefits, raw feeding also carries notable risks:
- Bacterial contamination: Raw meat is more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause severe infections in pets and humans alike. These bacteria can be particularly dangerous for households with young children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
- Nutritional imbalances: Raw meat diets can often lead to nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. For example, your pet may not get enough taurine, a vital amino acid for cats, or may experience mineral imbalances that can lead to serious health issues.
- Parasites: Raw meat can also carry zoonotic parasites, such as Toxoplasma and Echinococcus, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals in the household.
- Choking and dental damage: Feeding raw bones can be a choking hazard, as well as cause blockages in the stomach and intestines. They can also damage teeth and enamel, as well as giving your pet an upset stomach and constipation.
Commercial vs. Homemade Raw Diets
While commercial raw diets (available in frozen, freeze-dried, or fresh forms) are designed to meet your pet’s nutritional needs, not all products are created equal. Some are marketed as complete and balanced, while others are intended to be used as supplements. When choosing a commercial raw food, make sure to select a product that is appropriately labelled as complete and balanced. A reputable manufacturer will ensure that the diet is nutritionally adequate. Manufacturers may be registered with DEFRA (Department for Food and Rural Affairs) meaning they must abide by EU legislation covering raw food manufacturing and what can be included in the diet.
Homemade raw diets, on the other hand, can be riskier. Recipes you find online may not provide the complete and balanced nutrition your pet needs. Furthermore, these diets lack proper regulatory oversight and may expose your pet to health risks due to contamination or nutritional deficiencies.
The Importance of Hygiene
If you decide to try raw feeding, hygiene is essential. Raw meat can harbour harmful bacteria that can pose risks to both your pet and your family. Here are some hygiene tips for safely feeding raw food:
- Keep everything separate: Use stainless steel or glass bowls and containers for preparing and storing raw food, as plastic can harbour bacteria.
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before and after handling raw food, as well as after touching your pet.
- Store properly: Raw meat should be defrosted in the fridge in a sealed container, and any leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours. Never refreeze defrosted food.
- Clean thoroughly: Always sanitise surfaces and utensils after preparing raw food to avoid cross-contamination.
- Care with saliva and poo: Pet’s saliva and poo can carry bacteria from their food, so always bag and bin your pet’s waste, and don’t let your pet lick hands or faces.
What We Recommend
At Tribe Vets, we advise pet owners to feed their pets complete commercial diets that are specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs. If you do decide to try raw feeding, always choose commercially prepared raw food from reputable manufacturers who adhere to stringent hygiene standards. Look for companies that are members of UK Pet Food to ensure higher food safety standards.
Final Thoughts
Feeding a raw diet can be expensive and comes with some inherent risks, including contamination and nutritional imbalances. While raw feeding may work for some pets, it is essential to approach it with caution and always prioritise your pet’s and family’s health and safety. Remember to tell your vet if you raw feed your pet, so we can factor it in too!
If you’re unsure about what to feed your pet, Tribe Vets are here to help you make the best decision for your pet’s health and wellbeing. Let’s ensure they stay happy, healthy, and safe, no matter what’s in their bowl!
