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include: • Gastroenteritis • Fractured teeth • Sepsis CONTAMINATION RISKS More research is needed to fully understand the potential health effects of raw meat diets. However, a large body of research has been completed on the high risk for pathogenic bacterial contamination of raw meat diets and the potential risks posed by this problem. Like any raw meat products we encounter at home or in restaurants, raw meat diets have the potential to carry pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these diets pose a health risk, not only to the individual pet eating them, but also to the animals and people around them. Recent scientific studies have shown that nearly all raw meat diets (whether commercial or homemade) are contaminated with bacteria. Some of these bacteria are unlikely to have negative effects on health, but others can have serious consequences. For example, studies have found that between 20-44 percent of commercial raw meat diets are contaminated with Salmonella (Weese et al, 2005; Strohmeyer et al, 2006; Finley et al, 2007). Animals eating raw meat diets can shed these bacteria in their feces (Joffe et al, 2002; Finley et al, 2007). In one study, approximately half the dogs fed a single meal of contaminated raw food shed Salmonella in their feces for up to 7 days (Finley et al, 2007). Other bacteria that have been found in raw meat diets include E. coli 0157:H7 and Clostridium (Freeman and Michel, 2001; Weese et al, 2005). These bacteria are a risk, not only for the animals eating the diets, but also for other pets and people in the household. This is particularly true for any people or animals who are young, old, pregnant or immunosuppressed. Of even greater concern is the issue of antibiotic resistance. A study from Canada found that 21 percent of all raw meat diets tested were contaminated with Salmonella and that these bacteria showed resistance to 75 percent of the antibiotics tested (Finley et al, 2008). Potential nutritional concerns associated with feeding raw meat diets include: • Nutrient excesses • Nutrient deficiencies • Nutrient imbalances such as calcium: phosphorus imbalance NUTRITIONAL IMBALANCES A small study from the United States in 2001 demonstrated that all homemade and commercial raw food diets tested (3 homemade and 2 commercial) had multiple nutritional imbalances, some of which could have important health effects for the animal (Freeman and Michel, 2001). A recent European study calculated levels of 12 nutrients (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A) for 95 homemade raw meat diets being fed to dogs as reported by the owners (Dillitzer et al, 2011). In this study, 60 percent of the diets had major nutritional imbalances. Therefore, there is concern that both commercial and homemade raw meat diets may have important nutrient deficiencies and excesses. In addition, even if these diets meet the minimum nutrient levels and don’t exceed the maximums, they may not provide an optimal nutrient profile. For example, many raw meat diets may be very high in fat compared to typical canned and dry diets, which may make the coat look shiny, but could cause health problems for some animals. Most homemade and many commercial raw meat diets are not nutritionally balanced. HEALTH RISKS In addition to the many health problems that can develop as the result of deficient or excessive intake of nutrients (e.g., calcium: phosphorus imbalances; Taylor et al, 2009), other risks of raw meat diets include gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually resulting in vomiting and diarrhea) which could be due to bacteria in the diet or high dietary fat levels and, for raw meat diets that contain bones, fractured teeth and gastrointestinal injury can occur. However, research is needed to better understand how frequently these complications arise. Because of the high potential for contamination with pathogenic bacteria (see below), bacterial infection can occur (e.g., Salmonella or Clostridium). This can result in gastrointestinal disease, septicemia and even death (Stiver et al, 2003; Morley et al, 2006). Other negative health effects are being identified as well. A recent study identified 12 dogs with hyperthyroidism caused by eating raw meat diets (Kohler et al, 2012). Finally, an unpublished study found that dogs eating raw meat diets had significantly higher blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and hematocrit values compared to controls (Wynn et al, 2003). Similarly, albumin and cholesterol were higher than the reference range in cats fed a raw meat diet (Kerr et al, 2012). While it is unclear whether these findings have any long-term health implications for the animal, it emphasizes the importance of knowing the complete dietary history for all animals to be able to accurately interpret the results of laboratory tests. MYTH 1: “Their benefits are proven.” No scientific studies have shown benefits of raw diets. Their appeal is based on word of mouth, testimonials and perceived benefits. For example, raw food diets may result in a shiny coat and small stools because they are generally high in fat and digestibility. However, these same properties can be achieved with commercial cooked diets without the risks of raw meat diets. MYTH 2: “This is what animals eat in the wild.” Wolves in the wild do eat raw meat (in addition to berries, plants, etc). However, the average lifespan for a wolf in the wild is only a few years. Therefore, what is nutritionally “optimal” for a wolf is not optimal for our pets that we hope will live long and healthy lives. MYTH 3: “Dogs and cats can’t get infections from Salmonella or other bacteria in raw meat diets.” Dogs and cats can become infected with Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter and other bacteria found in raw meat diets, just as people can (especially young, old or immunosuppressed individuals). MYTH 4: “Raw food diet ingredients are human grade.” Even meats purchased at the best of stores for people can contain harmful bacteria, so purchasing “human grade” meat does not protect against the health risks of uncooked meats (would you eat raw ground beef?). It is also important to keep in mind that the term “human grade” has no legal definition for pet food. MYTH 5: