We get this statement a lot! WE ARE SCARED TO FEED RAW BECAUSE OF BACTERIA AND SALMONELLA

So lets cut to the chace!

Bacteria can be found everywhere. Food which is fresh is not sterile and hence contains bacteria just like bacteria forms part of the human digestive tract. We cannot live in a world without bacteria - whats important is to understand the difference between harmless, good and bad bacteria. We always recommend following basic food handling safety guidelines, However it is important to know and remember that a dog having a healthy immune system has extremely low chances of becoming sick of Salmonella and hence this should not be a major concern for healthy dogs and cats.

Pets carry bacteria regardless of diet fed due to their tendency to self groom and their consumption of unappealing matters. 

 

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a term used for multiple strains of bacteria with only a few being pathogenic. This is more of a concern for humans than canivorous pets and hence it's why proper safe food handling practices are important. 

 

Is bacteria bad?

Our world is populated with bacteria, including bacteria in our bodies. The National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A. has concluded that there are as many as 1 trillion different bacteria types most of which are harmless and even beneficial! It is important to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria causes disease by attacking cells to produce various symptoms. Pathogenic bacteria can be reduced through sterilization, disinfectants and cooking food above 73 °C

 

Can humans become sick from bacteria of raw food?

Anyone asking the above needs to answer this question: “Do you prepare raw meat to cook for yourself and your family?”. Unless vegetarian or vegan, the answer will be yes! The same food handling practices should be followed when feeding raw meals to your pet. After all, even humans consume some raw meats such as carpaccio, tartare and sushi! It is also very important to note that food recalls for Salmonella have occurred several times in dry food and also canned food. Hence sanitary practices for safety of pet parents should be applied to all pet food, whether raw or not. 

 

Carnivore natural bacteria fighting mechanisms

Dogs and cats are carnivores. They are made to eat and digest raw meats and have done so for millions of years. Hence their bodies are biologically designed to safely ingest raw meats (even meats in a rotting state!). The digestive track of a dog and cat are different than that of humans. They have a unique way of fighting and preventing pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella. This is done through two ways:

1. The stomach pH levels: The hydrochloric acid in a dog’s and cat’s stomach has a pH level of 1 to 2. Salmonella can survive in a pH range o 3.8 to 9.5. Hence the pH level of a dog and cats stomach is a natural protective measure against ingested pathogens and does not allow for the growth of Salmonella. 
2. The digestive track: A dog takes 6-8 hours to fully digest and eliminate food. For cats this time is even shorter. Salmonella incubation period is between 8 to 72 hours. Within this time frame, the dog or cat would have already completed and digested the food and any remaining Salmonella would have survived digestion and been passed in the feces. 

That said, it is not impossible for a dog or cat to become sick from pathogenics. However, healthy dogs and cats naturally have the necessary tools to prevent salmonellosis. The chances are minimal and salmonellosis is rare when a healthy gut flora is maintained. If you dog or cat has a compromised immune system, it is more possible for them to contract Salmonella and hence in such cases using our The K9 Geek Cook-able meals would be more ideal. 

 

Supporting a healthy digestive system

Healthy gut flora and digestive systems contribute towards promoting a healthy immune function. 70%-80% of immune cells are located in the digestive track and a raw, fresh food dies is a major component to building a healthy intestinal microbiome. 

Pre and probiotics support the the growth and colonization of a strong, healthy gut microbiome and healthy bacteria which help fight against Salmonella. We recommend Vince The Vet - Digestion as a good natural prebiotic and kefir as a natural probiotic (you can also use commercial probiotics for a bigger boost).

Fiber is also important for promoting a healthy digestive system. Fiber resists enzymatic digestion in the small intestine and is fermented in the colon by beneficial bacteria.  Fiber is easily available in green leafy vegetables (found in most of our meals), berries, and fur/feathers from whole prey.