Raw Dog Food & Salmonella

Feeding dogs raw meat and salmonella.

Salmonella is a disease contracted by humans and dogs. Many pet owners fear that if they feed their dogs a raw food diet, they will become infected with salmonella. This is not the case. Understanding salmonella and how humans contract the disease are critical in preventing the bacteria from infecting pet owners or their dogs. Feeding raw food to dogs presents less danger from salmonella than from eating food with the bacteria.

Salmonella

Fever is one symptom of salmonella infection.

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes intestinal infection. The largest concern from infection by salmonella is dehydration. Symptoms related to salmonella include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Many times, muscle pain and joint pain are present with salmonella infections.

According the United States Center for Disease Control, "Most human salmonella infections are acquired by handling or consuming contaminated food products, particularly foods of animal origin. Infections also are acquired by direct and indirect contact with farm animals, reptiles, chicks and, occasionally, pets"

Dogs and Salmonella

Dry dog food is more likely to cause Salmonella infection in dogs than raw food.

Dogs on a raw meat diet are less apt to become infected with salmonella than dogs eating dry kibble. The digestive systems of healthy dogs produce bacteria-destroying enzymes, in the same way wolves digest raw meat. Dogs are able to digest raw food more rapidly than dry kibble, making the chances of becoming infected with salmonella less likely.

Dry kibble has been known to infect dogs with salmonella because it stays in the intestines for a longer period of time, making it a breeding ground for the bacteria.

Salmonella Infection

The only way to contract salmonella from a dog on a raw food diet is to handle the dog's feces or raw meat and then put your hands in your mouth. Salmonella passes through the digestive system of the dog and is passed through the intestines. Salmonella is not contracted through the dog's drool or skin, no matter if he is eating salmonella infected meat.

Raw Food Preparation

Wash cutting board and all utensils after preparting raw dog food.

Preventing salmonella infections to family members is quite simple. Thoroughly wash the counter-top, cutting board and cutting utensils with warm soapy water after use when feeding raw food to a dog. Salmonella can only be contracted through ingestion so, wash hands in warm soapy water, as well, after preparing the raw food for the dog.

Feeding Raw Food

Clean the floor after raw feeing the dog, especially if children play on the floor.

Feed the dog the raw food in a confined area that can easily be mopped when the dog is finished. A plastic covering in the dog's crate for feeding time is effective, keeping the raw food off of the dog's bedding. Wash the plastic covering or the floor where the dog ate the raw meat after feeding time is over. This prevents picking up any salmonella bacterium from the floor, especially in the case of children who might play on the floor.

Picking up Feces

Wash hands after picking up dog feces.

Common practice for dog owners today is to pick up the feces after their dog defecates. Use a plastic bag to protect the hands from salmonella infection and dispose of the feces where no one can touch it. Wash hands thoroughly after handling feces. Putting salmonella contaminated hands in the mouth is the only way to get infected by a dog eating a raw food diet.

According to the CDC, "Humans can become infected when they place contaminated food, hands, or other objects in their mouths; therefore, hand washing after contact with animals is an effective way to prevent salmonella infection."

References

• Rawfed: Myths About Raw Feeding
• K9 Joy: The Salmonella Myth
• About Salmonella: Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
• CDC: Human Salmonellosis Associated with Animal Derived Pet Treats

Resources

• About Salmonella: Consumer Resources
• Raw Learning: Raw Feeding FAQ