Fad diets can come and go as fast as the wind changes direction. But it’s not just human diets. It’s just as popular for something to become the new have-to-do for your pets too. Most of the time, these trends are harmless and some, like probiotics for dogs, are actually beneficial. But there’s one rapidly rising trend that the ASPCA warns about: a raw food diet for your pet. ASPCA experts warn that feeding them raw food, such as eggs, raw meat and milk can actually lead to dangerous health effects. They normally recommend a high quality, well balanced diet that consists of cooked foods or commercially available pet foods.
Raw Food Trend On The Rise
Raw freeze-dried pet food sales have jumped nearly 65 percent in the past year alone, jumping from $25 million to $40 million. Raw frozen pet food sales increased, too, from just over $50 million to nearly $70 million.
Raw pet food, whether in the form of frozen or freeze dried, is supposed to help give pets a shiny coat, a boost in energy, healthy skin and in general improve their overall health. And the trend has its share of followers. A survey found that over 30 percent of pet owners who are mindful about their furry friend’s health would be interested in providing a raw food diet for their pet. But you have to keep in mind that this survey was done by a raw pet food company called Allprovide.
Raw Pet Food Warning From The FDA
Recalls
The raw pet food industry has seen its fair share of recalls recently, too. Some due to possible contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Four recalls were announced in July alone, including batches of frozen beef tripe and Stella & Chewy’s by Vital Essentials that might have been contaminated with listeria. Nature’s Variety also recalled some of their products due to a possible salmonella contamination.
Salmonella Lingers
The danger doesn’t disappear when the raw food disappears, either. If a pet owner feeds their pet food that’s contaminated with salmonella, it’ll be very difficult to remove the threat of contamination. Research shows that even cleaning a dog food bowl with bleach or dishwater won’t necessarily remove the salmonella.
http://www.doggysdigest.com/most-beneficial-bacterial-strains-for-your-dog/
http://www.wltx.com/story/news/2015/07/29/natures-variety-recalls-dog-food-due-to-possible-salmonella-contamination/30819037/
