Raw meat based diets (RMBDs) for dogs consist of meat, organs and bones and do not contain preservatives, by-products and additives found in most dry pet foods. These additives can cause allergies and allergic reactions such as itchy skin and gastrointestinal problems. When feeding dogs RMBDs, we can see positive effects on their teeth. Feeding them does not cause plaque and tartar to form on the dog's teeth. However, there is a major problem with the microbiological safety of the RMBDs themselves. Since the meat and butchery products that make up such meals are not heat treated to reduce or eliminate the presence of possible pathogenic microorganisms, there is a high risk of finding them. Bacteria present in RMBDs may pose a risk of infection to humans, especially during meal preparation and meal storage or handling with the food tray. It should be mentioned that contamination of kitchen equipment is also possible. Transmission of microorganisms to humans can also occur through the dog's tongue or saliva and through feces. Studies have shown that bacterial species such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Clostridium are commonly found in RMBDs. We have found that most owners are unaware of the risks of RMBDs and the decision to use RMBDs is often made on the assumption that it is more natural.
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