Although feeding pets raw food has become a trend among some owners, scientific evidence still lacks in proving its exclusive health benefits beyond its digestibility. In fact, choosing raw food could pose significant risks to both your pet and your home environment.

1. Hidden Dangers: Pathogens in Raw Food

Raw meats, including those suitable for human consumption, can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

• Impact on Pets: These pathogens can lead to serious health issues in pets.
• Human Health Concerns: Pets on raw diets may spread these bacteria more extensively in the household, heightening the risk of human infections.

2. Risks Associated with Raw Bones

Incorporating bones in raw diets can introduce several safety concerns:

• Dental Injuries: Bones can cause fractures and cuts in a pet’s mouth.
• Digestive Dangers: They pose choking hazards and can lead to dangerous blockages or tears in the gastrointestinal tract.

3. The Challenge of Nutritional Balance

Ensuring a diet is “complete and balanced” is crucial. While some commercial raw diets achieve this, many homemade ones do not.

• Potential Deficiencies: Missing vital nutrients might not show immediate symptoms but can cause severe long-term health issues.
• Lifelong Health Impacts: Imbalances can result in developmental issues in young animals and complicated reproductive health problems in adults.

Expert Advice: Always consult with a veterinarian before transitioning your pet to an unconventional diet to ensure all nutritional requirements are safely met.