A recent dog food recall has the pet industry talking. Some people may think that raw food is likely to be the face of a recall, but that is not the case. According to The Raw Dog Food Truth podcast, 66% of all pet meals in the last 10 years were kibble-related. Even more surprising, 98% of pathogenic bacteria (salmonella, listeria, or E. coli) recalled in 2021 are for kibble.
Feeding kibble is easy and economical. It also seems safe, because the kibble is already cooked. However, kibble can contain traces of bad bacteria.
You don’t touch cooked hamburgers with your bare hands and then go about your day without washing them. However, people handle dog kibble without thinking twice about washing their hands afterward. In addition to containing meat, kibble is sprinkled with fats and oils that transfer to the touch.
Regardless of the pet food you feed, it’s important to wash your hands, scoopers, bowls, and mats regularly to ensure that bad bacteria aren’t given a proper breeding ground to multiply. Additionally, make sure children do not have access to pet food bowls. Even if the bowl is empty, the fats and oils left behind can harbor bad bacteria that your baby is now putting in their mouth.
Many kibble feeders dispose of pet food bags in a plastic container. Unfortunately, this can cause more harm than good. Remember fats and oils? They build up inside the container and become rancid, developing invisible molds. It’s best to keep dry dog food in its original packaging because pet food bags are designed to keep kibble fresh.
Stop by seven days a week with any questions. At Bark n Scratch Outpost, we think outside the bag.
Content sponsored by Bark n’ Scratch Outpost. Locally owned since 2006, Carrie, Michael and staff are dedicated to educating pet owners about healthy options for their pets. Bark n’ Scratch is located at 5835 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213. www.milwaukepetfood.com
