Raw diets for pets

Raw diets for pets—also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or raw
feeding—are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who prefer natural,
unprocessed foods for their animals.
What Are Raw Diets?
– Raw diets comprise uncooked meat, bones and organs.
– Designed to mimic the diet of wild ancestors.
– Typically include muscle meat, organ meat (liver, kidney), raw bones, and sometimes eggs,
dairy, and produce.
Potential Benefits
– May improved coat and skin condition in some pets
– Better dental health (chewing action)
– Reduced allergies or sensitivities in some pets
– More natural feeding approach
Risks and Concerns
– Bacterial contamination: Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria pose risks to pets and humans
– Imbalanced nutrition: Risk of deficiencies in calcium, vitamins, or other nutrients if not properly
formulated
– Bone safety: Risk of choking or dental fractures from large or sharp bones
– Pathogens: Raw meat can harbor parasites and bacteria

Key Considerations
– Consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before starting a raw diet.
– Use high-quality, fresh ingredients.
– Maintain strict hygiene to prevent bacterial spread.
– Ensure proper balance of nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus.
– Avoid feeding cooked bones, as they can splinter.

Feeding Tips
– Introduce gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset
– Monitor your pet’s health and weight regularly
– Include a variety of meats and organs for balanced nutrition
– Consider commercial raw diets that are formulated to meet nutritional standards
Legal and Safety Notes
– Raw diets are legal but require careful formulation and handling.
– Proper storage and hygiene are critical to prevent foodborne illnesses.

– Some pet owners opt for commercially prepared raw diets that meet AAFCO guidelines.

CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets.
Raw pet food is not necessarily healthier.
•Both raw and cooked pet food can be made with high-quality or low-quality ingredients.
•Both raw and cooked pet food can be nutritionally balanced or inadequate.
•“Natural,” “ancestral,” or “instinctual” diets that are best for wolves and wild cats are not the
best for pet dogs and cats that live at home and live longer lives.
Consider these questions:
They can help you decide what is best for your pet and family.
Talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.
Consider buying from companies that have high food safety standards. You can ask them:
Clean often. Properly chill and store raw pet food that needs to be kept cold.
•Is anyone in your household, or anyone else your pet interacts with, more likely to get very sick
from foodborne germs? This includes children under 5 years old, adults 65 years or older,
people with weakened immune systems, and women who are pregnant.
•Do you have a pet that is more likely to get sick from foodborne germs? This includes puppies,
kittens, and pets with a weakened immune system or other health conditions
. •Is the raw diet you plan to feed your pet complete and balanced?
Will it help your pet thrive?
•Are you able to clean more frequently if you use raw pet food?
Does your company test all your final products for common foodborne germs like Salmonella, E.
coli, and Listeria?
•What does your company do to kill germs in your raw pet food products?
•How often does your company clean and disinfect the manufacturing facility?
•Does your company have veterinary nutritionists?
•Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw pet food.
•Clean items and surfaces that touched raw pet food

Properly chill and store raw pet food that needs to be kept cold.
•Freeze it until you are ready to thaw and use it.
•Thaw frozen raw pet food in the refrigerator.
•Keep it in a sealed container in the freezer and refrigerator, separate from other foods.
•Throw away leftovers that have been out at room temperature.