Because many dog lovers believe raw dog food is teeming with pathogenic germs that can hurt their dogs, there is a widespread misconception that kibblekibblekibble is healthier in terms of bacteriabacteriabacteria. However, a brief Google search would reveal that every food, whether raw or cooked, carries a risk of dangerous microorganisms.
Salmonella and E. coli toxicity cause frequent recalls of canned and dry dog meals.
In traditional society, we have been taught that food is nutritious if prepared and packaged in a box, container, or even a bag. Simply put, that is inaccurate.
Dogs Were Designed to Consume Raw
It's important to remember that not all bacteria are harmful. Some have a functional purpose and help balance out the gut microbiome. They help us and our dogs remain healthy and strong.
A dog's body was designed to consume raw food, not ultra-processed kibble. Kibble is not an option for wild canids! They catch, kill, and consume their prey—organs and all. They are also natural scavengers, so if they see something of opportunity that smells and tastes good, they are likely to eat it. So, how can wild dogs stay healthy while consuming all of this?
Dogs have several defense mechanisms to maintain the good bacteria while getting rid of the bad. For example, their saliva doesn't contain amylaseamylaseamylase (what our body uses to break down carbohydratescarbohydratescarbohydrates). Instead, it contains lysozyme that kills harmful bacteria.
Another example of a dog's body physiological design that is conducive to a raw diet is its gut's high acidity. The pH of the stomach acid in a raw-fed dog's stomach ranges from 1 to 2. The pH level in kibble-fed dogs' stomachs can be as high as 4. Salmonella can only survive within a pH range of 3.8-9.5. The acidity of a dog's stomach serves as a natural defense against ingested bacteriThe Concerns Over Food Prep
Many people are concerned about handling raw meat. Whether cooking for ourselves or preparing a meal for our dog, we must wash our hands after touching any meat. It's important to note here all raw food, whether it's meat, fruit, or vegetables, can harbor 'bad' bacteria. A simple Google search will reveal food recalls, many food items from the grocery store, even frozen and other processed foods.
With all of the known cases of Salmonella in human-grade found, it is interesting that the FDA issues public announcements if pet foods are found to harbor the bacteria. Statements about the risks associated with Salmonella are splashed across the internet, while one in every 25 packages of chicken is contaminated in local grocery stores.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that feeding dogs a raw meat diet increased beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, and decreased pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens, which can cause food poisoning. The study also found that feeding dogs a raw diet reduces the risk of contracting enteric infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
High-Pressure Processing
High-pressure processing, also known as HPP, is a controversial process. This is a relatively new method of food preservation that uses pressure to kill bacteria and other pathogens while preserving the nutritional value and taste of the food. It uses high-pressure levels to produce low-temperature pasteurization, which allows for the inactivation of spoilage organisms and pathogens at temperatures below those generally required for conventional thermal processing methods.
In the case of raw pet food, bacteria such as Salmonella can be eliminated without compromising the quality or safety of the product. Most scientists consider this process safe for human consumption since it does not require heat or chemicals.
The controversy involves this process altering the food to the point that it's no longer considered raw. The process can also cause changes in texture, color, and flavor and a loss of vitamins A and C. The raw feedingraw feedingraw feeding community is also concerned about whether it destroys vital nutrients and enzymes in raw meat. Meat that has been through the HPP process can be more gelatinous, tender, and lighter in color, and some of the protein is likely to have been denatured.
There is also a concern over spores still living through the process. Clostridium botulinum, for example, can survive through HPP processing.
Whether or not to feed HPP foods depends on your comfort level with the process. Insufficient research is available to conclude how it affects your dog's body. Still, there is documented research outlining how HPP results in nutrient loss while killing off some bacteria.
Picking Up Poop and Getting Doggy Kisses
A dog's mouth is so clean and possesses such antibacterial saliva that it was once used to treat the wounds of army men. Being licked by your dog, regardless of whether they eat kibble or raw, is not a concern. If you're concerned about Salmonella, for example, their mouth isn't going to contain that bacteria.
The mouth contains many types of bacteria that help digest food and fight off disease-causing germs. These bacteria live in the mouth and skin without causing problems because they have developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the body. They help the body digest food by fermenting plant material, while the body provides them with shelter and food (saliva).
Some strains of these beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH level of saliva, preventing harmful microorganisms from growing in the mouth. The friendly bacteria also release antiseptic chemicals that help prevent tooth decay by limiting the growth of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) which cause cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Fecal matter can contain Salmonella, whether your dog is raw-fed or consumes kibble. Salmonella typically survives for several hours on a dry surface, but due to the moisture in your dog's feces with fecal pH, it can live in the fecal matter for long periods.
You should carefully pick up their poop and wash your hands regardless of what your dog eats. It's just proper hygiene. You're still not in more danger than you would be just by visiting the store. Think about how many people have touched the door you're pushing open or where the money in your pocket has been. That's more of a concern than your dog's raw food bowl.
Understanding Good and Bad Bacteria
Bacteria can be found in almost any environment. Kibble is not antibacterial and will contain microorganisms. Understanding the distinction between healthy, beneficial, and harmful bacteria is essential to the raw feeding learning process. Or kibble feeding if that's the direction you choose.
To support safe food prepping practices, always follow basic food handling safety requirements regardless of food type. This pertains to all food, not just the food intended for dogs. Dogs with a robust immune system can fight off harmful bacteria and maintain the correct balance of good and bad in their digestive tract, but reducing the risks of bacteria in the food is still wise.
Takeaway Bites
- Your dog's body was designed to handle bacteria properly.
- Kibble can contain harmful bacteria. There have been many recalls on commercial kibble due to harmful levels of bad bacteria.
- Bacterial contamination risks exist regardless of the type of food you choose to feed your dog.
References
- Non-immunoglobulin defense factors in canine saliva and effects of a tooth gel containing antibacterial enzymes
- Salivary pH, calcium, phosphorus and selected enzymes in healthy dogs: a pilot studycalcium, phosphorus and selected enzymes in healthy dogs: a pilot study
- Wound licking and nitric oxidenitric oxidenitric oxide - The Lancet
- (PDF) Antimicrobial Activity of Lysozyme Against Oral Pathogens
- Dog Food Recalls
- High Pressure Processing for Raw Dog Food - Is It Still Raw?
- Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review
- Cornell Chronicle