A growing trend among pet owners is feeding cats and dogs raw food, often showcased on social media platforms like TikTok, where vibrant bowls filled with raw meats, organs, bones, and other animal parts are proudly displayed. However, experts are raising alarms about the health risks associated with raw diets for pets, especially following recent bird flu cases linked to such foods.
A Deadly Link to Bird Flu
In December, a pet food company recalled a batch of its raw turkey after it tested positive for H5N1, the highly contagious and deadly bird flu virus. A cat that had consumed the affected food tragically died, with genetic testing confirming the virus came from the raw food. This incident is not isolated. Another house cat in California tested positive for H5N1 after eating a different raw food brand, and in March, two domestic cats in New York died after consuming another type of raw food linked to the virus.
Aimee Simpson, medical director at VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia, warns that many raw pet foods are frozen, freeze-dried, or dehydrated, giving owners a false sense of security about their safety. “These methods are not reliable or effective in killing dangerous bacteria or viruses like avian influenza,” Simpson states. Cats are particularly vulnerable to H5N1, with a high fatality rate, while dogs are less likely to become severely ill from the virus.
The Raw Food Trend: Why Do Pet Owners Choose It?
The raw pet food movement began in the 1990s, driven by the belief that it offers a healthier alternative to commercial pet food. Proponents argue that raw diets are more natural and beneficial for cats and dogs, improving everything from coat health to digestion. Additionally, owners can control the ingredients, avoiding additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial options.
However, there is little scientific evidence supporting the claimed health benefits of raw diets. Antonio Varcasia, a scientist at the University of Sassari, points out that improperly balanced raw diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as excess protein or insufficient fiber. Jennifer Larsen, a veterinary nutritionist at the University of California Davis, further emphasizes that anecdotal reports from pet owners do not constitute scientific proof of raw food’s effectiveness.
As a result, leading veterinary organizations—including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—have all issued statements advising against feeding pets raw food.
Health Risks of Raw Pet Food
Experts caution that raw pet food presents several health risks for both pets and their owners. Parasitic infections like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause severe illness and death in humans, and Echinococcus granulosus, a tapeworm that can lead to gastrointestinal problems, are common in raw meat. Additionally, bacterial contamination is a significant concern, as pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are often present in raw meat, posing serious health threats. In 2023, a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw dog food affected multiple humans, and a 2017 E. coli outbreak was tied to dogs fed raw diets.
The bird flu now adds to the list of dangerous contaminants in raw pet food. The virus is likely transmitted through infected poultry, and with more than 20 million chickens killed by bird flu in 2024, pets consuming raw poultry-based food are at risk. Cats and dogs can become infected by consuming sick or dead birds, unpasteurized milk, or undercooked meat from infected animals.
Protecting Your Pets and Yourself
To mitigate risks, the AVMA recommends several precautions for pet owners. Keeping cats indoors prevents exposure to potentially infected wild birds. Owners should avoid feeding raw meat-based treats and ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked before feeding. Additionally, dairy products should only be given to pets if pasteurized or cooked. If signs of bird flu are suspected in a pet, owners should seek veterinary care immediately. Symptoms include fever, tremors, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.
Veterinary pathologist Silvia Carnaccini emphasizes that no approved vaccines or treatments are available for protecting pets from H5N1, making these precautions crucial.
The Risk to Humans
While the risk of human infection from H5N1 through pets is extremely low, experts caution that pet owners should still be vigilant. Virologist Martha Nelson from the National Institutes of Health reassures that while it is theoretically possible for the virus to transmit from pets to humans, such cases are rare. The CDC concurs, stating that pet owners should minimize the risk by keeping their pets indoors and refraining from feeding them raw food that may be contaminated.
For those who insist on feeding raw diets, Varcasia advises consulting with a veterinarian to ensure the food meets safety standards. However, Nelson suggests that the safest option is to avoid raw food altogether, noting that not feeding pets raw food is an easy and effective guideline to follow.
Conclusion
As the raw pet food trend continues to grow, pet owners must carefully consider the health risks involved. Experts urge caution, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of bird flu and the potential for other diseases. By adhering to recommended safety measures, pet owners can protect both their pets and themselves from potentially deadly infections.
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