Raw pet food is associated with an increased risk of superbugs, according to a recent government report.
In their One Health Report, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said that superbugs are more prevalent in raw pet food than in traditional pet food, which goes through in a heat treatment step designed to kill. microorganisms’.
The cited research also revealed that dogs fed raw pet foods were three times more likely to shed resistant E-coli, a superbug, in their feces, compared to other dogs.
The report says the potentially deadly bacteria can be transmitted to people by eating or handling uncooked food, as well as by contact with bowls or other feeding equipment.
Contacted about the One Health report, Pure Pet Food, a pet food company, said: “We think raw is a great way to feed but understand it may not be right for every owner. property
“We appreciate that there are also concerns raised over bacteria and the fact that dogs who eat raw are more likely to shed bacteria in their faeces that could harm us.”
Raw pet food and superbugs
A study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, in 2022, previously highlighted the underreported issue.
More than half of raw pet food fed with dog waste contained bacteria resistant to more than one antimicrobial, in contrast to under a fifth of non-raw pet food fed with dog waste.
In each category, raw diets resulted in higher numbers of E-coli strains, as well as Salmonella.
The study shows that animals fed raw pet food can be vectors for superbugs, such as E-coli strains and Salmonella, which represent a potential animal welfare, and health threat of the public.
Antimicrobials are drugs including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics,
A labor crisis?
Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR, has been identified as one of the greatest challenges of the century.
Research highlighted by the World Health Organization estimated bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance, caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and contributed to 4.95 million.
AMR occurs when drugs are no longer effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UKHSA, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is not a crisis of the future, but one that is very much upon us today.
“We hope that if we get a bacterial infection, an antibiotic will be available to treat us – but sometimes, that’s impossible.”
Giving evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry in 2018, Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance, warned that modern medicine was at risk, with routine operations, such as C-sections, becoming dangerous.
Looking ahead with raw pet food
In 2020, the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food reported that raw pet food is becoming more popular, estimating a sector worth £2.5 billion, comprising around 5% of the food industry of pets.
In a press-statement, Bella & Duke, a leading player in the sector, said they celebrated a record-breaking year in 2023, serving more than 13 million meals.
Proponents of raw pet food believe it is more natural and healthier than regular pet food, with better teeth and skin, as well as shiny coats, which are considered among the benefits.
Related AMR superbug prevention advice for pet owners says they should maintain proper hygiene, which includes hand washing, and cleaning equipment.
