Dog Food

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm really not concerned. The raw food we use is frozen and the freezing process alone will kill off a lot of things. Our vet approves our using it. Like I said it has made our dog's coat go from coarse to silky and his weight is really under control.

The bolded is not true, though. These germs can survive the freezing process.

From the FDA:

http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary...althliteracy/ucm373757.htm#The_Pet_Food_Study


The Pet Food Study

Raw pet food was not included in the first year of the study. In the second year spanning from October 2011 through July 2012, CVM expanded the study to include 196 samples of commercially available raw dog and cat food. The center bought a variety of raw pet food online from different manufacturers and had the products shipped directly to six participating laboratories.2 The raw pet food products were usually frozen in tube-like packages and made from ground meat or sausage.

The participating laboratories analyzed the raw pet food for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. In past projects, CVM had monitored dog and cat food for the presence of Salmonella. But before this study, the center “had not investigated the occurrence of Listeria in pet food,” said Dr. Renate Reimschuessel, a researcher at CVM’s Office of Research and one of the study’s principal investigators. Dr. Reimschuessel further noted that “quite a large percentage of the raw foods for pets we tested were positive for the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.” (Pathogens are disease-causing germs, like some bacteria. Not all bacteria are harmful pathogens, though. Some bacteria are helpful to people and animals, such as those that live in the intestines and contribute to a healthy gut.)

Of the 196 raw pet food samples analyzed, 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. monocytogenes (see Table 1).

Based on the study’s results, CVM is concerned about the public health risk of raw pet food diets. As Dr. Reimschuessel explained, the study “identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product.” Owners who feed their pet a raw diet may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

And from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pa...imal-Source-Protein-in-Cat-and-Dog-Diets.aspx

The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans.

Really not picking on you poohforyou, or anyone else who chooses to feed a raw diet; I just don't understand it when health authorities have issued such warnings, other than there is a very strong lobby in favor of it, and most people probably haven't experienced the horror of a food borne illness. I do think it belongs in a discussion like this, though, if for no other reason than to warn people who may not realize how dangerous it can be to pets and people.

 

[momto3gsds]

As my name reads, I'm a Mom to three German Shepherd Dogs. I feed Taste of the Wild Grain Free dry mixed with Merrick canned food.

There was a time when I fed a raw diet and never had a problem with it.

Thankfully my dogs are healthy and happy.

 

[jsmith]

Pea-n-me I think one of the things about your study is that its based on whats dangerous to humans-the canine digestive tract is quiet different. I know lots of people who feed raw diets to dogs-and I give my dog the occasional raw chicken or beef. If you know your meat source and are careful in your handling ( because of the risk to the humans in the household) its not particularly risky. Many vets are coming on board with feeding dogs a biologically appropriate diet. There are some risks to feeding fish-even wild caught-because of parasites.

 

[Colleen27]

Just curious for the people who feed their pets raw food. Are you not concerned about food borne pathogens that occur in raw foods potentially infecting your pets and your family? I mean, I see a lot of people concerned here with "grain" in their pets' foods. What about disease causing, potentially life threatening organisms? Major veterinary organizations and the FDA recommend against it.

I wonder the same thing. I couldn't feed my dogs raw food because I'd be too worried about potential pathogens, and I'm far from a germophobe. But our dogs are like family, and I'd be worried that they could spread any foodborne illness they were exposed to on to the kids.

 

[Lisa71]

My friends dog got sick on a raw diet and her vet has seen problem with infections and bones getting stuck. She had a polish lowland sheepdog. She now feeds blue buffalo.

 

[beachbunny]

My dog is an Aussie import. His sire was best in breed in Australia seven years running. He was on a raw diet before coming to me - he looked spectacular. Now he eats Acana Ranchlands and loves it. He has good muscle tone and a healthy coat.

 

[SnowBelleAlice]

The only reason I freeze, serve thawed, the occasional chicken thigh my dog eats is to make it so the bones won't cause problems, no, I don't worry about pathogens.
Cooked bones are bad for dogs.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm pretty sure that serving an occasional raw piece of chicken defeats the purpose and supposed benefits of feeding a raw diet.

I wouldn't serve my dogs a raw diet if it was free. Or anything raw for that matter.

In fact, I'd be happier seeing someone buy a big bag of Ol Roy than giving their dogs raw food. But that's just me.

 

[jsmith]

I'm pretty sure that serving an occasional raw piece of chicken defeats the purpose and supposed benefits of feeding a raw diet.

I wouldn't serve my dogs a raw diet if it was free. Or anything raw for that matter.

In fact, I'd be happier seeing someone buy a big bag of Ol Roy than giving their dogs raw food. But that's just me.

Just out of curiosity-Why? Raw meat,bone,organ and intestinal contents are the dogs evolved biologically appropriate diet. The corn and wheat in old Roy is not. Doesn't mean the dog can not digest or use those foods-afterall humans ingest all manner of things that are not a part of their evolutionary food pattern. But why would you prefer to see the dog fed something other than the optimum choice? ( i am not a raw feeder at this time but i am very active in dog sports so i am around alot of people who are and there are some very good arguments for it.)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I wonder the same thing. I couldn't feed my dogs raw food because I'd be too worried about potential pathogens, and I'm far from a germophobe. But our dogs are like family, and I'd be worried that they could spread any foodborne illness they were exposed to on to the kids.

Yes. Not to mention the pain the poor animal would be in if he were unfortunate enough to ingest adulterated food, of which there is a high likelihood with raw food. They can't tell us when they're ill, or feeling unwell. It's funny, if commercial food is contaminated, there is a massive recall, it makes the news, etc, and then it's blacklisted. Yet we give our pets raw food that contains some of the same contaminents. I just don't get it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just out of curiosity-Why? Raw meat,bone,organ and intestinal contents are the dogs evolved biologically appropriate diet. The corn and wheat in old Roy is not. Doesn't mean the dog can not digest or use those foods-afterall humans ingest all manner of things that are not a part of their evolutionary food pattern. But why would you prefer to see the dog fed something other than the optimum choice? ( i am not a raw feeder at this time but i am very active in dog sports so i am around alot of people who are and there are some very good arguments for it.)

Biologically evolved in the wild is very different than what we have today in domesticated pets. The fact is that our food supply is contaminated with agents that are very harmful to pets and humans and requires cooking to kill the pathogens. (Health agents confirm this.)

Additionally, many people aren't feeding the best quality raw meat or using good food handling techniques, watching temperatures, etc. (This is also confirmed in laboratory studies.) There are some who think that tossing a dog spoiled meat is sufficient.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

And to address the Ol Roy concerns, dogs are not only predators, but scavengers by nature, and eat a whole host of things to survive. I don't think their digestive tracks are as sensitive as recent trends in feeding would have us believe. People are making a whole lot of money off of these "newer" types of foods (with Americans spending $41 Billion annually on their pets) and I'm not sure they're really all that better.

Additionally, I have great concerns myself (as a pp in this thread mentioned) that we may be seeing a whole generation of pets with potential kidney and other problems related to diets that are too high in protein for them. Most commercial dog foods are formulated according to federal guidelines for feed just as other feeds are, and things like baby formula are, etc. So time will tell, and I'm honestly not sure I want to subject my pets to that, especially the younger one who is just starting his life.

Bottom line for me is that I'm not opposed to non grain-free foods if it works for a particular dog (he or she is healthy and thriving, and stools are firm). I think each family has to do what's best for them (including raw if that's what they so choose). And I certainly would rather see a dog eat affordable Ol Roy than have a family have to give him up because they can't afford the costs of food.

 

[craz4dogs]

I agree with everyone. YOu will find what works for your dog. I have fed very high quality and found it made my dog fat..........or another had the runs. I have fed Costco now and again and no issues. I mainly feed Purina Pro Plan which is their high end dog food but no where near the cost of tast of the wild, high end fromm, acana, etc. One dog lived to be almost 17 on this.......
Pets are expensive today. Just do what is best for your dog. I do agree with most to stay away from Ol Roy.

 

[2Poodles]

My last Standard Poodle was born with kidney disease diagnosed at age 2.
I brought him to a holistic vet and told to feed him a raw diet along with supplements to support his kidneys. His kidney values only rose the last 6 months of his life. He lived to be 14 and was fed an organic raw meat diet for 12 years. My previous poodles were fed a raw diet too. They all had a great coat, white clean teeth and great body conditon. I'm a raw dog feeder believer and have no problem feeding it. I know feeding raw is not for everyone.

 

[Dakota731]

Some of it's just luck or genetics like people. Our first dog we fed generic grocery store food and he lived till age 14 (long for a large dog) and then our next dog we fed expensive stuff and he died at 8 of cancer. Just like humans - grandpa lived till 95 on whiskey, fried food and cookies yet a friend who is a health nut died at 45 of a heart attack.
I am curious though that people buy only the best dog food for their pet then put insecticides right onto the dog's back. Or give them all types of questionable pills for parasites, fleas ticks etc. Research on some of these meds is very scary. Or have their pet neutured way too young thus increasing their chance of many types of cancer. Way too often we do whatever our vet says (even though he has a financial objective) instead of doing our homework.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I feed my dog expensive dog food because 1) I like that it has only 7-8 ingredients but mostly because 2) it's literally the only dog food she can eat. That pupper is allergic to everything lol

As for the flea and tick control, the dangers of using it are more desirable IMO than not. I live in florida so we have tick and flea season year round. Ticks carry a ton of diseases and both ticks and flea can infest the home endangering pets and humans alike. I wish the wholistic natural stuff worked, but it doesn't. Also most pet boarding and doggie daycare places won't allow for pets who are not treated.

I guess it falls it to the same camp as vaccinations and medications. Some people believe that the benefits outweigh the risks, some don't. I've never seen a human drug without a laundry list of potential issues and people take supplements that aren't researched or regulated much all the time. I'm sure many of those people maintain a clean "healthy" diet. People pick and choose their battles as unless you live in your own bubble there are usually trade-offs to everything. Different folks have different priorities.

 

[ellie05]

I feed my dog expensive dog food because 1) I like that it has only 7-8 ingredients but mostly because 2) it's literally the only dog food she can eat. That pupper is allergic to everything lol

As for the flea and tick control, the dangers of using it are more desirable IMO than not. I live in florida so we have tick and flea season year round. Ticks carry a ton of diseases and both ticks and flea can infest the home endangering pets and humans alike. I wish the wholistic natural stuff worked, but it doesn't. Also most pet boarding and doggie daycare places won't allow for pets who are not treated.

I guess it falls it to the same camp as vaccinations and medications. Some people believe that the benefits outweigh the risks, some don't. I've never seen a human drug without a laundry list of potential issues and people take supplements that aren't researched or regulated much all the time. I'm sure many of those people maintain a clean "healthy" diet. People pick and choose their battles as unless you live in your own bubble there are usually trade-offs to everything. Different folks have different priorities.

I agree. I seen the change from going from grocery store dog food vs. good brand. In me experience with many dogs (we do rescue and fostering) it makes a huge difference. As far as their digestive tracks and what is biologically appropriate grains are out. I seen dogs have recurring ear infections, track infections, other issues that went away just by changing their food.

About the topical and pills. We do have a dog with a tick spread disease that could have been prevented, unfortunately when we got him he had over 50 ticks on him so it was too late. I think preventing heart worm disease is well worth the risk.

 

[Soupermom]

Soooo, I've been feeding my two mixed-breeds Taste of the Wild (venison and buffalo) for a year now because the vet had recommended grain-free for the older dog. They used to tell me when it was dinner time and be very excited. Now, in the past two weeks, they've both lost all interest in eating. They look at their bowls and say "meh", and walk away. Eventually they come back and eat it, but sometimes it is an hour or so later. Any thoughts??

 

[Ranger111]

Soooo, I've been feeding my two mixed-breeds Taste of the Wild (venison and buffalo) for a year now because the vet had recommended grain-free for the older dog. They used to tell me when it was dinner time and be very excited. Now, in the past two weeks, they've both lost all interest in eating. They look at their bowls and say "meh", and walk away. Eventually they come back and eat it, but sometimes it is an hour or so later. Any thoughts??

I alternate "flavors" of TOTW 'cause by the end of a bag, my dog is tired of that flavor. Try a bag of the Wetlands formula.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have two corgis 8 and 6. Since we brought them home they have been Blue adult formula. Never seen to tire of it. And never had any Tummy upsets. Available at Petsmart. Blue also has treats which are excellent. Not cheap but all natural ingredients. I also use the Blue senior cat food for our 13 year old cat.