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Apr 10th, 2006 - 12:14:17 |
Why are a growing number of people making raw meat a part of the daily diet for some family members when health experts say that even handling raw meat can have some health risks?
Janine Adams is part of a new breed of pet owners who swear that uncooked meats and veggies keep their four-legged pets fit.
"They eat it right up. They enjoy the crunching of the bones and the tearing apart of the food, and they feel healthy. They feel good," Adams said.
Kate Solisti-Mattelon is the author of "The Holistic Animal Handbook." She says a growing number of pets are seeing the benefits of her particular animal diet.
"Everything from cleaner breath, teeth. The biggest thing is really the digestion. They're digesting, absorbing and utilizing their food so much better," Solisti-Mattelon said.
But American Animal Hospital Association spokeswoman Dr. Merri Crimi says the raw rage is dangerous.
"We have a lot of concerns for not only the pet in the family that might be eating raw foods, but the other family members or people that the animal might come in contact with," Crimi said.
The concerns are because raw meat is often laden with bacteria that can be passed from pet to people.
"Salmonella is not to be taken for granted. This is very serious in that it can put you in the hospital or your children in the hospital and certainly can hospitalize your pets," Crimi said.
During research, Dr. Shane Stiver studied cats that died after eating raw meat. The cause of death was salmonella. He warns that the same germs can easily spread through everyday activities.
"People petting or grooming these cats, stroking the animal, may be exposed. People who clean litter boxes or wash their cat's water or food bowls, or their dog's water and food bowls, are at risk of being exposed," Stiver said.
"I've got clients here who've decided to go ahead and feed raw food diets anyway, and two of the family members actually ended up in the hospital with very serious salmonella infections," Crimi said.
While holistic veterinarian Robert Silver says he sees the concern, he also says he has been putting pets on raw food diets for years, including his own dog.
"In 15 years of recommending raw-meat homemade diets for their animals, I have not seen a single case of salmonellosis or E. coli in any of my patients," Silver said.
Silver says that, instead of health concerns he's only seen health benefits.
"The first comment that we'll get from people is, 'Oh, their hair coat looks better.'" Some animals will manifest with greater vitality, more energy," Silver said.
Silver says those who decide to start feeding their pets raw food should speak to their vet first. Supplements may have to be added to the pet's diet, as well as a gradual introduction to the food.
The American Animal Hospital Association says pet owners can also feed their pets a homemade diet without it being raw. The association suggests finding a balanced recipe and cooking the meat thoroughly.
More Information
Dr. Merri Crimi
American Animal Hospital Association
Gladstone Veterinary Clinic
18420 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukee, OR 97267
(503) 653-6621
Dr. Shane Stiver University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory
43 Brighton Road Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-3340
Dr. Robert Silver
Holistic Veterinarian Boulder's Natural Animal
685-A South Broadway
Boulder, CO
(303) 494-7877
Kate Solisti-Mattelon
4247 Prado Dr.
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 499-9317
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