(Note: Dr. Hofve originally wrote this for another site, but gave me permission to copy it and use it here. You may link to this article, but please do not copy it for your own site without her express written permission)

Introduction

Recently, a well-known author and Ph.D. nutritionist lectured in our community, and strongly recommended home-made, raw-food diets for dogs and cats. The local newspaper then ran a feature article about her lecture, with additional information from a class in natural feeding, including a sample recipe.

A local veterinarian subsequently wrote a letter to the editor objecting to feeding of raw meat to pets. I was asked by several people to respond. I am including my response to his letter, but unfortunately, in the interests of space, there was so much more I wanted to say but could not. So, I'm saying it here!

Here is my response letter:

I'd like to address the points raised by Dr. Bret Sargent in his letter of 10/15/98, which criticized the article, "Homemade meals are good for pets, too."

Preparing a home-made diet for one's pets is, of course, a challenge. However, it is no more difficult than feeding one's children a balanced and nutritious diet. Most human beings seem to be able to do that, as witnessed by the survival of the species. It is not essential to balance all the nutrients in each individual meal, but over time the intake of nutrients should be balanced.

No parents would ever consider feeding their children only processed food out of cans, boxes and bags-- we all know that it is important to provide ourselves and our children with fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Similarly, it is better for our animal companions to eat fresh, raw foods appropriate to their species, than to be fed exclusively processed and heavily preserved foods for their entire lives. The popularity of commercial pet foods is due far more to their convenience than to any improvement in nutrition over home-made foods, and to massive advertising by pet food companies seeking even more        profit than the $25 billion a year they already make.

Owners considering home-preparing food for their pets certainly do need to educate themselves about it. There is a wealth of books, articles and Internet sites to go to for information and guidance on suitable foods and nutritional balance. As to nutritional adequacy, some authors have had their recipes analyzed. Dr. Richard Pitcairn, for example, had every one of his recipes subjected to detailed nutrient analyses, the results of which are published, together with the recipes, in Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (1995, Rodale Press, Inc.).

The dangers to owners of handling raw meat in the preparation of a pet's  meal are no greater than those associated with making yourself a hamburger for dinner. No one advocates forsaking ordinary hygiene in the handling of raw meats (and items in contact with raw meats, such as food bowls, utensils and cutting boards), and in other animal-related activities. To acquire a
zoonotic (animal-to-man) infection is not all that easy, if one takes a few simple, common-sense precautions. Freezing meat before preparing, and using food-grade hydrogen peroxide or grape seed extract, are effective techniques for controlling bacterial contamination of meat. These are outlined in many books and articles.

According to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Salmonella exposure does not pose any real threat to healthy animals. Dr. Sargent did not mention that most animal-transmitted human cases of Salmonella come from reptiles, turtles and birds, and that Salmonella is a common environmental contaminant as well. The dangers to owners of Toxoplasma from cats are easily minimized, if not eliminated, by daily removing feces and washing hands after handling the cat box; people are more commonly infected by gardening in infected soils and eating undercooked meat. Common sense dictates that in high-risk situations (pregnancy, immuno-compromise) owners probably should cook meat prior to feeding. This still allows the owner to control the source and quality of the food. Raw beef hamburger should probably also be avoided due to the risks
of severe contamination problems within the meat packing industry.

Dr. Sargent expresses great faith in the research and quality control of pet food manufacturers. Having spent the past four years researching the pet food industry and its claims of adequacy of the nutritional needs of pets, I strongly disagree. My research has uncovered many serious, health-threatening problems within the pet food industry. Commercial pet foods are riddled with contaminants from bacteria, fungi and their toxic metabolic by-products, to euthanasia drugs and antibiotics. Studies have shown that bacteria could be cultured from every dry food tested, and bacterial endotoxins were present in every tested food, indicating significant bacterial contamination prior to processing. Commercial foods rely primarily on grain products for nutrients and bulk, and since these may be of sub-human-grade quality, molds and fungal toxins are concern, and caused a major recall of premium dry dog food in 1995. In another instance, the level of penicillin found in ordinary dry cat food was at least six hundred times the limit allowed in human food. The standards for nutrient levels by which most pet foods are manufactured are, in reality, poorly substantiated by research in dogs and cats. In many cases they are extrapolated from data on other species, usually ruminants, who have completely different digestive systems and nutritional needs.

The weight of practical experience by owners, breeders, and the holistic veterinary community, is on the side of natural diets. Very few problems have arisen, compared to the legion of allergies, skin disease, dental disease, and other health problems encountered by animals on commercial diets. A ten-year study on some 900 cats, conducted by Dr. Francis J. Pottenger, Jr.,
M.D., clearly and abundantly documented the benefits of raw foods and the devastating effects of cooked and processed foods.

I invite Dr. Sargent (and any other interested persons) to attend my upcoming class on pet nutrition and commercial pet foods on November 2, 1998, sponsored by The Whole Cat, 303-871-0443. Or, visit my article in the Critterchat on-line newsletter at http://members.xoom.com/ critterchat for a more detailed discussion of the controversy between home-made and
commercial diets. These will provide further insights into the truth about the pet foods he undoubtedly recommends to his clients.

Dr. Jean C. Hofve
South Penn Cat Clinic
Denver

The Rest of the Story

Preparing a home-made diet for one's pets is a challenge that many owners are uninterested or unwilling to face. However, it is no more difficult than feeding one's children a balanced and nutritious diet.

It is very important that owners do a little research and follow paths already laid down by the pioneers in this area, who have learned what works and what doesn't. Many of these books are available through the Critterchat Bookstore and there are also links to relevant Internet sites from the newsletter.

Conventional veterinarians, whose nutritional education is usually provided by pet food companies, are generally very resistant to the idea of feeding homemade meals and/or raw meat, claiming that it poses a danger not only to the animals, but also to the owners who prepare the meals.

Salmonella is frequently implicated as a major danger from feeding raw meat. A contaminant of some raw meats and eggs, it does not appear to pose as great a problem to dogs and cats as to people, due to the carnivore's shorter gastrointestinal tract and faster transit time, which does not give bacteria much time to multiply. According to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Salmonella exposure does not pose any real threat to healthy animals. The organism occurs
worldwide, inhabiting the digestive tracts of a wide variety of animals, including mice, rats, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, and humans. Up to 10% of dogs and 27% of cats worldwide may be asymptomatic carriers (that is, they are seropositive for Salmonella). Recently, many animal-transmitted human cases of Salmonella were traced to handling of reptiles, turtles and birds. It may certainly be prudent, however, to avoid raw ground beef due to contamination problems in the meat industry.

Let's take a more detailed look at Toxoplasmosis. Transmission to humans occurs through two primary routes: ingesting undercooked meat containing Toxoplamsa cysts, or ingesting infective sporocysts from cat feces. Adequate cooking of meat intended for human consumption, daily cleaning of feces from the litterbox (it takes 2-3 days for any cysts in cat feces to become infectious), and washing hands after cleaning the litterbox are all a cat owner need do to avoid becoming infected. Freezing to -4ºF (-20ºC) will also destroy Toxoplasma cysts. The risk to humans appears to be much higher from eating undercooked meat and gardening, where they may handle contaminated soil. It has been estimated that up to 40% of the human population has already been exposed and has natural antibodies to Toxoplasma. Pregnant women need not "get rid of their cats" as many physicians demand; it would be much more reasonble to get the blood test for antibodies. If already
present, there is no risk whatsoever, even from an actively infected cat. I would, however, certainly recommend that chronically ill, immunocompromised, pregnant, or maybe-to-be-pregnant humans be very careful about hygiene when handling meats as well as soils and animal wastes. In those households, meat should be thoroughly cooked before eating--by either animal or human family members.

Another concern I have about commercial pet food, aside from contamination, is the quality of ingredients. Meat and animal by-products are, by definition, not meat, yet the pet food industry uses them--almost exclusively--as their animal protein source. Poultry heads, feet, entrails, animal parts (such as cancer-ridden tissues) condemned for human consumption, dead fetuses from slaughtered cows, spoiled supermarket meats, and the carcasses of animals that died before reaching the renderer, are all considered fit for pet foods. In most states, even dead dogs and cats from shelters and veterinary clinics are acceptable ingredients.

A ten-year study on 900 cats done in the 1930s provides very strong evidence of the benefits of raw foods, and the dangers of processed foods. The "Pottenger's Cats" study compared groups of cats fed either raw meat, raw milk and cod liver oil, to groups fed various combinations of cooked meat and pasteurized milk. Francis Pottenger, Jr., M.D., discovered that the raw-food cats remained healthy, vigorous, and reproduced normally, generation after generation. But cats feed cooked foods developed behavioral problems (notably aggressiveness) and a host of physical problems (defects in teeth and jaw bone formation, dental disease, parasitism, common allergies manifested respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin symptoms, reproductive difficulties, osteoporosis, and many others). Dr. Pottenger wrote: "Cats can be so reduced in vitality by just one year of a diet considered adequate for human consumption that it may take them two to three years to recover from the injury, if they can recover at all."

But the most impressive evidence of all, to me, is the testimony of dozens of pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. While I was getting ready to respond to Dr. Sargent's letter, I put out a request over the Internet for people's experiences--good or bad--with a natural diet. Many people from around the world wrote with dozens of positive experiences, from generally increased health to amazing relief from chronic disease. I'd like to quote some of these:

• He's healthy and full of energy and glossy-coated, and skinny as he always has been--a 38 pound lean mean running machine…Feces are smaller, harder, less bad-smelling…What I love about (the natural diet) approach is its common sense. When my son was growing up, I didn't wake up every morning worrying about his phosphorus levels. I knew what food was good for kids, and I made sure he has it. Feeding Micah has sort of the same feel to it. (Sharon H., Maryland)

 
• I'm feeding two bull terriers, ages 4 and 3…these dogs have been fed this way since I got them (both at 12 weeks)…I have experienced no problems with the diet…Bull terriers as a breed are distressingly prone to "allergies"….pyoderma segueing into staph, ear problems, foot-chewing, etc. I've had not a single instance of any of these problems…My prior pair of bull terriers both had skin problems, putting them on a completely homemade diet (raw and cooked food) eliminated the skin problems in both. (Shari M.)

 
• The raw feeding bit…I have noticed a huge difference in Velma's concentration, her ability to work her way around obstacles…I changed her feeding routine once I got her home from Guide Dogs (Velma is a working Guide Dog for the Blind)…I must admit here, on the odd occasion when I am really lazy or away from home, and feed her tinned food, her work really goes downhill, and she doesn't have half as much energy as she does when she is on raw food. (Ann R., U.K.)

 
• I have fed Dr. Pitcairn's diet for over 15 years…I do know that my own personal dogs have outlived their littermates that have been placed in homes that would not feed a natural diet…I am rescue chairperson (for Bedlington Terrier Club of America) and almost all the rescue dogs end up in my home. I have found that replacing their diet with Dr. Pitcairn's diet has helped in many ways. The very nervous ones become much calmer, the ones with skin problems seem to go away in about 2 weeks…I know the diet has allowed many a rescue to become a loving pet. (Ruth S. Virginia)

 
• On the natural/raw diet, their coats are beautiful, soft and silky. Their teeth are shiny and tartar free. Their breath, believe it or not, is sweeter smelling. They really enjoy their meals! The most positive thing I have noticed…is the improvement in their attitude. They are both much brighter and alert…sharp and quick…I will never change back, the change has been so dramatic.  (Shannon B., Finland)

 
• With the administration of (phenobarbital) we increased the time between seizures from 8 to 12 days to 4 to 6 weeks…I then began researching and decided to put her on a homemade diet due to the controversies over commercial dog foods…she hasn't had a seizure for 9 months. (Daryl B. Massachusetts)

 
• Although it's only been 10 months on rawfab (raw food and bones) Winnie is like a new dog…There is a shine and luster to her coat that I haven't seen in years, the areas of her skin that had been raw have grown back fur. Her enthusiasm for life knows no bounds…My vet bills have gone down to next to nothing. (Joyce C.)

 
• Their coats are so shiny, their energy is high, stool production is less. I am very satisfied over all. (Bonne W.)

 
• I have Bichons. They are highly susceptible to skin problems. My Key, when on grains gets little scabby things on his skin and scratches a lot. The scabby things disappear when he's eating raw food and bones. So does the scratching. (Patti H., Arizona)

 
• Last summer my Zena came to me at 7 months of age with persistent, widespread allergies. Itching, licking, redness, all the usual problems. We saw three different vets, had cultures done, and were told three different things…In desperation, I finally decided to give the all-raw diet a shot, and it worked. Her ears, skin, vulva--everything cleared up, the pink belly rash is gone, and she hardly ever scratches. Plus, her breath is sweet, teeth sparkle, and coat is beautiful. (Reina P., North Carolina)

 
• A puppy came back to us after being with her new owner for 3 months. The pup was put on a commercial dog food when she left here, and upon her return--her coat was dry, brittle, awful. Her breath was rancid, no spark in her eyes and very little energy…To be fair, some of the pup's health problems had nothing to do with her diet, but the food was not helping. Within 3 weeks back on the natural diet, she had gained weight, had an abundance of energy, and a noticeable shine to her coat…We have a friend that raises Newfoundland dogs. She has been feeding this diet for 18 years or so. She also has Newfy's in excess of 15 years old, healthy, active and going strong." (Della K.)

 
• My 2 dogs have been on a raw diet for 3 years now…Their breath is sweet, their teeth are clean, they haven't needed vet help in all that time. (Frances G., U.K.)

• I have recommended 100% raw and natural diets to my clients in a busy practice since 1980 and have incredibly great responses. Virtually no bad experiences! (Dr. W., Minnesota)

 
• I work for the Racing Commission…the dogs at the greyhound track eat a combination of raw meat (usually 4-D beef)…and dry dog food, plus other supplements (mackerel, spaghetti, cranberry juice, bananas, Chinese food, etc.)..it has always amazed me that there is virtually no serious illness among either dogs or people who handle this meat…there is much less skin disease in the racers than I see in the general pet practice where I also work…that is rampant in the house pets. (Dr. P., Texas)

 
• Never seen a problem with raw meats, but had an associate…who said they had a salmonellosis outbreak in a breeding beagle kennel, supposedly from raw meat. (Dr. T., Maryland)

 
• I am a veterinarian…who also raises and shows Manx cats, and have myself been using a raw meat diet for about the past year and a half, as a supplement to good quality dry food. I have seen fewer problems with diarrhea and coats, and my cats generally seem to carry better weight and condition than before…(I worried about) feeding the beef raw due to concerns about bacteria, but have had no problems so far and the cats love it. I also have many dog and cat breeder/clients who are using raw diets, and their animals are among the healthier animals I see. Much less incidence of coat and weight and dental problems than among the general pet problem. (Dr. J., California)

 
• In regards to raw meat, I am in a kennel/cattery situation whereby I have found the best remedy for ringworm is to feed raw meat--the coats on the kitties are incredible! (Dr. G, New Mexico)

• I often recommend balanced home-cooked meals if owners are willing to cook for their animals. It is quite reasonable to create balanced recipes that can be prepared in bulk. However, I strongly encourage cooked meat...I don't trust the quality of the human food supply. (Dr. C., California)

 
• I have been feeding natural foods for almost 11 years (cooked meats)…It is not rocket science. In fact it's primarily good common sense. I am always amazed that "the authorities" trust the care-givers in this country to feed the children who grow up to be presidents, scientists, doctors, but don't trust the care-givers to feed their dogs properly. (Carol B.)

 
• Yes, I do cook her meat…one thing we noticed as soon as we brought Meg home from the shelter is that her skin problems started to clear up…Over a few weeks this past summer, the natural diet did its job. The raw patches on her chest cleared up, and her disposition was better. Her stools are easier to clean up--firm and compact. (Lorinda H., Pennsylvania)

I did not always feed my own animals this way. I used to feed those cleverly advertised national brands because my pets loved them. Well, I love Fritos, but that doesn't make them good for me! Then, as I learned a little bit more, and especially after one of my cats developed chronic cystitis, I changed to one of those premium brands carried by the local veterinarian. Years later, after I figured out that even those veterinarian-recommended foods had some very serious problems, I decided that it would be a very good compromise to feed a variety of the "health-food" brands, those that contained no animal or meat by-products and no chemical preservatives. My animals' health visibly improved on this plan. I was thrilled. Then I added digestive enzymes, and saw another increase in coat quality and energy. My oldest cat recently died at well over 20 years of age, and up until the end, she was running up and down the stairs--but believe me, it must have been good genes, because my ignorance about food never did a thing for her! Only since researching the problems of commercial pet food have I converted to raw foods as the primary nutrition for my pets. I did this reluctantly--it takes time and resources, and not only am I lazy, I don't have a big freezer! I was also a little concerned about my two-year old cat, Marcus, who a client of mine found abandoned in an alley, seriously ill, as a 3-week old kitten. I was not certain his immune system was up to the challenge. In our clinic, however, we have supplemented raw meat to our clinic residents as well as many sick cats for over 5 years, and we have never seen a problem attributable to this practice. Many clients have reported improvements in their cats' overall health, as well as remission of chronic health problems, by feeding home-prepared foods. So I took the plunge. My animals eat as well as I do (or better, since they are not addicted to Wendy's!), and they look and feel great. Organic raw beef, in fact, has literally saved Marcus's life on more than one occasion when he took a turn for the worse.

The Take-Home Message

What I found out about commercial pet food, my friends, absolutely terrified me. What's worse, some of the problems are also spilling over into the human food chain. I won't go into the horrors of factory farming, feedlots, and confinement operations, the unbelievable garbage fed to those unfortunate animals (including their own urine-soaked bedding and recycled feces), nor into the toxins poured on our farmlands as pesticides, fungicides, and "fertilizer." People everywhere are turning to organic foods and non-toxic medical treatments for themselves--do our animal companions--who trust us utterly to provide for them--deserve any less? The pet food industry takes the dregs of the human food industry, and turns it into a multi-billion dollar, worldwide profit center. It's no accident that most major pet food companies are subsidiaries of much larger business conglomerates. Waste products from a cereal factory can be turned into pet food, keeping all the profit "in the family." While it is true that most commercial foods are "adequate" and will keep our pets alive, it does not necessarily follow that they provide "optimal" nutrition that will guarantee our animal companions vibrant good health and long life. And even those few courageous pet food companies who are truly trying to produce a decent food at a reasonable price, suffer from the same problem as all pet foods--it's all processed, "dead" food. If our pets stand any chance of a truly healthy life in a selfish, greedy and polluted world, we have to take responsibility for it. We have to get educated. Nobody else cares about our cats and dogs like we do. And it's our consumer dollars that will force the long-overdue changes that have to occur in order to sustain this world. It's up to us.

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