What You Should Know About Raw Food Diets for Pets

As a child, the word ‘safety’ wasn’t really a part of my vocabulary. However, after I became a veterinarian, safety became a huge concern and a top priority for my patients, clients, and the people I worked with.

After I was diagnosed with Celiac disease and other food intolerances, I became even more acutely aware of the importance of food safety and the avoidance of cross-contamination not only for myself, but for others, and the same vigilance needs to apply to pets and their food.

Many pet owners are not aware of the risks, to themselves or their pets, associated with feeding a raw food diet. Understanding these risks and how to potentially avoid them will keep everyone safer.

Commercially Produced Pet Food Safety Information

Before we get into what you need to know about raw diets, let's briefly discuss pet food safety regulations before the food gets to you and your pet.

The FDA regulates all pet food, and risk-based inspections are performed at the manufacturing facilities by both FDA and state regulatory partners.

The FDA requires the following for all animal foods:

• It is produced under sanitary conditions

• Contains no harmful substances

• The label must be truthful (Some states have their own labeling regulations.)
  
  

Special Requirements for Raw Pet Food

The FDA has released a document regarding the manufacturing and labeling of raw meat foods for companion animals. Some important aspects of this document include:

• All meat and poultry ingredients need to pass for human consumption

• Bones should be ground

• The final package should be irradiated (treated with radiation to kill bacteria)

• The manufacturer should participate in the USDA voluntary inspection program

• The manufacturer should implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Plan (HACCP)

• The product should remain frozen at all times prior to use unless it is a freeze-dried product

• Labels must conform to ALL pertinent FDA regulations and statutes. It is also recommended that labels conform to ALL applicable Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) Model Regulations.

  • Note: The label should contain storage and handling information.

• Ingredients must be listed in descending order and statements of nutritional adequacy need to be included.

• Claims must be accurate and truthful

It is important to note, that AAFCO recommends that nutritional standard profiles be met for all pet diets and that they undergo feeding trials designed by them. However, most raw diets have not gone through such testing or research trials.

What Are the Concerns About Feeding Pets a Raw Food Diet?

The point of mentioning these concerns is not to change your mind about whether to feed your pet a raw food diet. But rather, to make you aware of what the potential risks are so you can take the necessary precautions to protect your pet and yourself.

Though there have been recalls of cooked commercial pet foods, based on market share, the number of recalls for raw diets is much higher.

Risk of Exposure to Harmful Pathogens

In recent years, there has been a rise in foodborne illness in people. It is estimated each year, by the CDC, that foodborne diseases caused by 31 known pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) as well as some unspecified agents, resulting in about 1 in 6 Americans (approx. 48 million people) becoming sick, 128,000 being hospitalization, and 3,000 die.

The most human deaths, 19%, were caused by poultry contaminated with Listeria and Salmonella.

Per the CDC, the top risk factors for outbreaks relating to foodborne illnesses include:

• Not properly cooling or heating food items that are perishable

• Improper cooking temperatures of food

• Utensils and equipment that are dirty and/or contaminated

• Food from unsafe sources

It has been demonstrated in various studies and per product recalls, that raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein can be contaminated with one or more of the following pathogenic organisms:

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Clostridium
• Escherichia coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus
  
  

Food-borne Illness Is Not Limited to Animal Protein

Animal-based protein sources aren’t the only source of potential foodborne illness. Nearly half (46%) was attributable to produce, which includes fruits, nuts, fungi vegetables (mushrooms), leafy vegetables, root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, yams), sprout vegetables (broccoli, pea, clover, and wheat grass), and vine-stalk veggies.

Between 3 to 50% of dogs fed a raw-meat diet shed Salmonella in their poop, according to several studies. And they are often not noticeably sick.

Risk of Pathogens in Raw Meat Diets

The risk of pathogens also applies to commercially available raw meat diets. One study found that 53% of the samples taken were contaminated with non-type-specific Escherichia coli and 5.9% had Salmonella enterica.

Though there have been recalls of cooked commercial pet foods, based on market share, the number of recalls for raw diets is much higher.

If steps are not taken to decrease or eliminate pathogens, pets can develop foodborne illnesses if the animal-sourced protein or produce they are fed is contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, among others.

These organisms can cause undetectable illness in healthy pets and several studies indicate that between 3 to 50% of dogs fed a raw-meat diet shed Salmonella in their poop. This poses a risk to other pets and people, especially children, seniors, immunocompromised individuals, or those who are pregnant.

Handling Raw Pet Food Diets Can Be Dangerous for Humans

Individuals who are handling and preparing raw food diets for their pets are at risk of developing illnesses from these pathogens.

Here are just some examples of raw pet products making people sick and other studies investigating contamination in raw diets:

• Cats fed a commercial raw diet in the UK in 2019 infected several pet owners and a veterinarian with tuberculosis.

• In 2019, pig ears were linked to human Salmonella infection. It resulted in 150 people becoming sick.

• In 2017, four individuals, who were exposed to dogs fed a raw meat-based diet, were infected with E. coli O157:h7. One of them died after developing hemolytic uremic syndrome.

• Review of raw diets for dogs and cats, particularly in regards to microbiological hazards

• The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine pet food study evaluating the risks of food-borne illnesses associated with pet foods
  
  
  

Nutritional Imbalances in Raw Pet Food Diets

A large percent of U.S. adults struggle to live a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet. In fact, a study conducted by Oregon State researchers found only 38% of U.S. adults ate a healthy balanced diet. If we struggle creating a healthy balanced diet for ourselves, it is likely we may not provide one for our pets.

In 2001, a study was conducted in the U.S. and it revealed multiple nutritional imbalances in both home-prepared and commercial raw pet food diets.

Nutritional imbalances can lead to deficiencies in key nutrients, which can have a negative impact on a pet’s overall health. For example, our pet’s coats can suffer if there is too little fat in the diet but if there is too much fat, they can develop pancreatitis, or if there is more fat than protein in the diet, anemia can develop.

Raw homemade diets often lack enough calcium and phosphorus, which can impact a pet’s bone health and cause dental issues. Even if calcium and phosphorus are present, if it isn’t from a quality source, it may be difficult for pets to digest.

Risk of Parasitic Infection

Cooking meat to the proper internal temperature kills parasitic eggs and cysts that may potentially be present in meat. Therefore, there is an increased risk of parasitic infections for pets fed a raw diet since the parasitic eggs or cysts are not killed through heat treatment.

While freezing can kill parasites in raw food, its effectiveness is dependent on the type of parasite and the method used. For example, tapeworms can often be effectively killed by freezing. However, this method is often less effective for killing roundworms and flukes. It is also not reliable for killing certain species of Trichinella found in meat. Home refrigerators may not get cold enough to destroy parasites since ideally they should be frozen at a temperature of 0 to -4 F (-18 to -20C).

Gastrointestinal Issues

While some pets with GI issues do better on a raw-meat diet, some pets experience digestive issues. A 2024 survey revealed that 37% of pet owners stopped feeding a raw meat-based diet to their dogs due to gastrointestinal problems.

Some pets cannot tolerate the high-fat content commonly present in commercial raw diets, and this often leads to GI issues.

Choking and Obstruction Risks

Raw food diets consisting of bones can pose a choke hazard to pets as well as cause gastrointestinal injury or obstruction. In fact, 30 to 80% of dogs fed raw-meat diets had bone foreign bodies. Small bone fragments can collect over time in the intestinal tract and cause the obstruction. 

If chunks of meat are cut too large, especially for smaller pets, or the meat has pieces of bone, there is the risk that pets can choke.

Read more about the dangers of bones in our article and in this FDA consumer information piece.

Dental Risks

The bones in raw diets can result in fractured teeth or a piece of bone can get wedged into the gum or between teeth. These issues can go unnoticed for quite some time and then cause infection and periodontal disease.

What You Can Do to Lessen the Risks Associated With Raw Pet Food Diets

Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the above-mentioned risks, and here are some options for each risk:

Limiting Exposure to Harmful Pathogens

Wash hands well: Thoroughly wash your hands (palms, the backs of the hand, between your fingers, and under your nails) with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after preparing your pet’s food, after petting or playing with them, and before eating. Be sure to completely rinse your hands and dry them with a clean towel.

• Tip: Need an easy way to time yourself? Sing or hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice from start to finish.
  
  

Wash your pet's face and paws following their meal: Instruct children, seniors, or anyone who is immune compromised not to pet or play with pets until they are washed off.

Use separate supplies: Have separate pet-only utensils, bowls, and other prep supplies.

Use a separate prep area: Consider preparing your pet’s raw food diet in a different place than where you prep the rest of your family's food.

Clean well: Use hot and soapy water to wash your pet’s food and water bowls as well as their feeding mat and any other items (cutting boards, knives, measuring cups, scales, etc.) used in the preparation and feeding process. As an added protection, disinfect the items.

• Disinfecting solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 quart of water.

• Place all items in a dishwasher and wash at the highest heat setting.

Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces that the raw food may have come into contact with. After this, for added insurance consider spraying the area with the iClean mini and let the ozonated water sit for at least 5 minutes. You can use this disinfectant on your hands as well. Frankly, the iClean mini can be used as your primary disinfectant for bowls, utensils, etc., as it kills E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and other pathogens 50% better than bleach, and it's chemical-free.

Thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables under running water. The iClean mini can be used on fruits and vegetables as well.

Wash and disinfect your pet's toys daily, as anything that touches their mouth can become contaminated.

Storage: Raw food and treats must be labeled, sealed, and stored in a refrigerator that is 40° F or below. Use thawed food within 3 days.

Refrigerated leftover wet or moist food and treats must be used as soon as possible, within 2 to 3 days. 

Keep all raw diets and treats away from children.

Disposal: Properly dispose of old food in a tied trash bag in a secure trash receptacle to prevent pets or other animals from scavenging.

Preventing Nutritional Imbalances

• To prevent nutritional imbalances, consider consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about how to create a balanced homemade raw diet that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage and health status.

• Only use high-quality ingredients with good nutritional profiles.

• Consider what supplements may be necessary to add to prevent deficiencies.

• Use a commercial diet that has a gold standard food safety system, such as a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in place, and their diets are formulated by a qualified nutritionist.

• Have your pet get routine lab tests to be sure they are staying in good health and that any deficiencies can be detected early and adjustments can be made.

Preventing Parasitic Infections

• Source your meat from a reputable supplier. Find one that sells meat that is human-grade, USDA-Certified, AAFCO-compliant, and who regularly tests for parasites. 

• Routinely have your pet screened by their veterinarian for parasites. (ideally every 6 months).

• Routinely deworm your pet for parasites – ideally every 4 to 6 months, and keep them on preventatives that prevent parasites.

• Freeze the meat below 18°C for at least 10 days to decrease parasitic risks.

• Since plastic bowls can harbor bacteria, it is best to store food in non-porous containers, such as stainless steel.

Preventing Gastrointestinal Issues

• Consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s medical history to determine if a raw meat-based diet is ideal for your pet. Since there is a risk that a raw diet may contain harmful pathogens, pets with severe diseases, such as those with moderately advanced heart, liver, or kidney disease, should not be fed this type of diet.

• Be sure to slowly transition your dog from their current diet to a raw meat diet.

• If you have a dog with a history of pancreatitis or a breed predisposed to it, be sure the diet contains less than 18% fat. However, some dogs need a diet that contains no more than 10% fat if they have had pancreatitis, are predisposed to it or they have issues with hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in their blood). Note: Dietary fat is not a factor in feline pancreatitis.

• Consider giving your pet pre- and probiotics.

• Monitor your pet’s pooping habits and their poop. Be sure they are pooping daily and that their poop is a normal color (no shades of red, black, or white).

Preventing Choking and Obstruction Risks

• Always monitor pets closely when eating so that if choking does occur, you can intervene with the pet Heimlich maneuver.

  Note the signs of choking:

  • Coughing or hacking

  • Acting distressed, pawing at the mouth or face

  • Drooling

  • Gagging or retching

  • Change in gum color, white or bluish
    
    

• Remove bones from the meat.

• Consider grinding the bones and using them as bone meal sprinkled on their meal (or use some in your garden).

• Make bone broth, which can be added to their meal, rather than using a whole bone in their diet. 

• If you decide to give your pet bones, be sure that they are large enough that your pet can’t fit them whole in their mouth at once or swallow them in one piece.

• Use extra caution with cats, smaller dogs, dogs with misshapen jaws, pets with dental issues, senior dogs or cats, or dogs that tend to just swallow and not chew. 

• Meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces appropriate for the size of the pet. Another option is to grind the meat.

• Remove the skin from the meat as it can pose a choking hazard.

Preventing Dental Issues

• Thoroughly thaw frozen bones before giving them to pets. 

• Avoid using bones if your pet has dental issues.

• Inspect your pet’s mouth following each meal. Look for gum irritation, bleeding, or any remnants of food/bones stuck in the gums, between teeth or under the tongue.

• Brush your pet's teeth regularly to remove any stuck food or bone debris.

• Be sure your pet gets routine (every 6 months) veterinary oral examinations and dental cleanings.

The goal of this article isn’t to change your mind about feeding a raw food diet. Rather, it is meant to provide you with information so you can do everything to protect your pet, yourself, and your family.