If you have any other further questions or concerns, please swing by the clinic to chat or give us a call at 403-843-2234. AVMA statement. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Nutrition Committee recommends that RMBD not be fed to dogs and cats. Guelph, Ontario. Please advise your Veterinary Clinic when you book appointments or procedures, so they are aware that your pet is fed a raw food diet. The Pet Food Certification Committee submitted to the CVMA Council a position statement on Raw Food Diets for Pets. The CVMA strongly recommends, in the case of home-prepared cooked diets which have been recommended by the veterinarian, that the veterinarian and owner consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to determine if the owner is using a safe and nutritionally balanced recipe. Non-AAFCO-designated diets should not be fed as primary balanced diets. ... the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is about to vote... Susan Thixton July … Public health concerns associated with feeding raw meat diets to dogs. The risk of Salmonellae shedding by dogs fed Salmonella-contaminated commercial raw food diets. The second concern is regarding ensuring your pet is getting a well balanced, nutritional diet with all the necessary nutrients they require for a healthy lifestyle. Can Vet J 2002;43:441-442. Review article . Choking and bloody diarrhea can be a problem when such raw food as chicken and turkey bones are fed and splinter. The CVMA holds that the documented scientific evidence of potential animal and public health risks in feeding RMBDs outweighs any perceived benefits of this feeding practice. The veterinary position. The CVMA encourages pet owners who elect to not feed their animals commercially prepared diets (raw or cooked) to seek advice from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist regarding the preparation of nutrition-balanced, home-cooked diets. If you are coming into the building, an assistant will come to get you and your pet and escort you to the exam room. Clinics have protection protocols in place to ensure the safety of all staff, patients and clients to reduce the risk of exposure from raw food diets. We recommend that you send it to a laboratory that is trained to handle and analyze the diet so that you have confidence that your pet is receiving the best nutrition possible with the lowest risk to you and your pet. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) released a position statement in July 2018 regarding raw meat-based diets: “The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the evidence for potential health risks to pets fed raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), and to humans who are in contact with RMBDs, or with pets fed RMBDs. Your pet’s health and safety is our first priority! RMBDs consist of uncooked ingredients that are derived from domesticated or wild-caught food animal species, and fed to dogs or cats living in home environments. Diffuse osteopenia and myelopathy in a puppy fed a diet composed of an organic premix and raw ground beef. Am J Vet Res 2015;76:959-968. Joffe DJ, Schlesinger DP. Freeman, Lisa M., Kathryn E. Michel. If, as an owner, you have assessed all the risks and still choose to feed a raw or home cooked diet, you should ensure that it has a nutrition base that is balanced for your pet. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs and cats. Survival of Salmonella Copenhagen in food bowls following contamination with experimentally inoculated raw meet: Effects of time, cleaning, and disinfection. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the evidence for potential health risks to pets fed raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), and to humans who are in contact with RMBDs, or with pets fed RMBDs. Available from: Morgan SK, Willis S, Shepherd ML. This may not always be possible as there will be a limited number of clients in the building at one time as proper disinfection of exam rooms will have to be completed between appointments. It is important to note that none of these organizations has a vested interest in pet food sales. - Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Saturday (food sales only): 9:00 am - 1:00pm - Sunday: CLOSED. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misconceptions surrounding raw feeding and alleged health benefits. These bacteria can be transmitted to the humans in the house via direct contact from your pet licking you or other inanimate objects that you are exposed to, such as toys, blankets, and countertops. The following review of the pending AVMA policy against raw pet foods was provided by James K. Russell, PhD... Susan Thixton August 3, 2012. Available from: Schlesinger DP, Joffe D. Raw food diets in companion animals: A critical review. Studies have shown that pets who eat raw food have high levels of potentially disease-causing bacteria in their saliva and feces such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter. Several studies have highlighted the risks associated with feeding RFD to pets, and major professional veterinary associations and public health In the latter case, microbial contamination would be reduced or eliminated (28). These diets can be “home-prepared,” “commercially prepared” or “commercially available using HPP (high pressure pasteurization)” (1). Feeding of raw meat-based diets to pets has become an increasingly popular trend amongst pet owners. This association suggest the raw food diet may not be nutritionally balanced and could put animals at risk (Raw food diets for pets, 2012). J Anim Sci 2012;90:515-522  Available from. Owners, who desire to provide the best for their pets, seek veterinary opinions about food options. Executive Committee; Council; Animal Health Technology/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHT/VTPAC) Animal Welfare Committee Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend With Probiotics Adult Dry Dog Food. The Canadian Veterinary Journal 48: 69–75. Raw Meat-Based Diets for Pets - Position Statement, Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the CVMA, One Voice (A History of The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association eBook), Animal Health Technology/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHT/VTPAC), CVMA-SBCV Chapter (British Columbia) Board, Veterinary Pharmaceutical Stewardship Advisory Group, Small Animal Practitioner Award sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, Renew or Become a Member - 2021 Membership, Membership Dues Reduction Policy and Application, Subscription to Journal and Communications, Recapping the 2021 Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) Symposium, One Voice Presentation and Hot Topic Discussion, SCVMA New Graduate Survey Report: Class of 2020, Meet the 2020 CVMA Student Leadership Award recipients, Meet the 2020 CVMA Teacher of the Year Award recipients, CVMA Member Consultation Process on Position Statements, Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Canada, Antimicrobial Stewardship - Top Priority for CVMA, Video Presentations: 2016 CVMA Summit - Antimicrobials in Animal Health - The New Reality, Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobial Use – A Pan-Canadian Framework for Professional Standards for Veterinarians, Establishing a Valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship, Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Veterinarians and their Patients, CVMA Guidelines for Veterinary Antimicrobial Use, Opioids: Risk Evaluation/Mitigation Strategies in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinarian Health and Wellness Resources, Articles published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal (CVJ), I Matter: an online resource created by the OVMA, Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist, Suggested Fee Guides | Economic Surveys | Compensation Reports, http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.243.11.1549, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005436, http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/animal-products-and-by-products/pet-food/eng/1321129023397/1321129556426, http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0132660, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23048161, https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/10.2460/javma.247.5.525, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/fpd.2014.1748, https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/10.2460/ajvr.76.11.959, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20163574, http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.234.8.1041, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e75a/98b422b682dd6602f2fb2a5c96c66f72cfe0.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18811907, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16677120, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16478425, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16447116, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697364, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/24/6/17-1887_article, http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/182/2/50, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22003235. Pet food is only regulated by the CFIA if it is imported into Canada (4). The CVMA advises that veterinarians who choose to recommend or sell RMBDs for pets under their care are aware of potential liability should a pet or human become ill due to pathogens originating from RMBDs. Evaluation of the Risks of Shedding Salmonellae and Other Potential Pathogens by Therapy Dogs Fed Raw Diets in Ontario and Alberta. Available from: Dillitzer N, Becker N, Kienzle E. Intake of minerals, trace elements, and vitamins in bone and raw food rations fed in adult dogs. Commercial RMBDs are often manufactured in facilities or industrial kitchens, and then packaged into smaller volumes for purchase. Available from: Kerr KR, Beloshapka AN, Morris CL, et al. The CVMA is the voice of over 10 000 Canadian veterinarians, expressed through the 33 ongoing representations with governments, and national and international associations, such as the National Companion Animal Coalition, the Veterinary Drugs Directorate Stakeholder Committee, the Canadian Animal Health Coalition, and the World Veterinary Association. Strict disinfection protocols must be put in place to ensure the safety of all those, people and pets, who are exposed to animals that are fed raw food diets. Be sure that your home and all feeding dishes that your pet uses are disinfected daily! Animal Hospital Association,1 AVMA,2 and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association3 have adopted statements discouraging the inclusion of raw or undercooked animal-source protein in dog and cat diets. Available from: Kerr KR, Vester Boler BM, Morris CL, Liu KJ, Swanson KS. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. Clin Infect Dis 2006;42:686-691. Compared to the body condition score, which assesses fat stores, the ... factor in choosing a pet food. A 2011 study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal suggested that any evidence for the benefits of raw food diets for pets is anecdotal. Available from: Nemser SM, Doran T, Grabenstein M, McConnell T, McGrath T, Pamboukian R, Smith AC, Achen M, Danzeisen G, Kim S, Liu Y, Robeson S, Rosario G, McWilliams Wilson K, Reimschuessel R. Investigation of Listeria, Salmonella, and toxigenic Escherichia coli in various pet foods. Available from: Pet Food Association of Canada. Raw diets ARE considered a community health issue, and NOT supported by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or the Public Health Agency of Canada. With recent changes to restrictions on businesses, we are pleased to advise that some restrictions on veterinary practices have been lifted. These diets consist mainly of raw muscle and organ meats, bones, vegetables, and fruits. WE CAN NOW SEE ALL CASES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please consult your veterinarian for more information on testing and finding a certified veterinary nutritionist. That means making products with real benefits and demonstrating those benefits using real evidence. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to speak with your Veterinarian about raw food diets or any other concerns you may have concerning the health and well being of your pet. Information authored by such nutritional experts is widely available on-line. They put out a joint statement with a list of warnings about raw diets … Clients are required to use disinfection stations upon entering the building. Although recent data show raw homemade diets may have some increased digestibility, this feature is not specific to the raw nature of the diet. Evaluation of the association between feeding raw meat and Salmonella enterica infections at a Greyhound breeding facility. Available from: Finley R, Ribble C, Aramini J, et al. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;247:525-530. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243:1549-1558. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2018;6:1127-1129. Morley PS, Strohmeyer RA, Tankson JD, Hyatt DR, Dargatz DA, Fedorka-Cray PJ. Can Vet J 2005;46:513-516. CDC: Raw Pet Food. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/raw-meat-based-diets-for-pets, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152787/. Available from: Strohmeyer RA, Morley SP, Hyatt DR, Dargatz DA, Scorza AV, Lappin MR. Raw meat and dairy can carry pathogens, like E. coli, listeria and salmonella, which can make pets and people sick or even cause death. PLoS One 2015;10:e0132660. Given that the meat used for RMBDs is not designated for human consumption, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not require or uphold any specific meat inspection requirements or microbial testing during food manufacturing and storage. University of Guelph, 2004. Some of these diets meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles; however, others do not have the AAFCO designation (2,3). We hope that you have found this information helpful. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Leonard EK, Pearl DL, Finley RL, et al. The American Animal Hospital Association, 1 AVMA, 2 and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 3 have adopted statements discouraging the inclusion of raw or undercooked animal-source protein in … he controversy about the feeding of raw food diets (RFD) to pets rages on. We are now allowing a limited number of clients in our clinic, however, we still encourage clients to stay in their cars where possible for annual exams, vaccines, wellness exams etc. Can Vet J 2006;47:887-889. The Canadian Veterinary Oath; CVMA General Bylaws; Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the CVMA; One Voice (A History of The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association eBook) Committees List. © Copyright 2021 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association  |  Disclaimer/Privacy  |  Accessibility. Survey of owner motivations and veterinary input of owners feeding diets containing raw animal products. Here are some links that you may find helpful when researching the risks of feeding raw foods to pets and making your decision on whether or not to feed a raw diet. Veterinary associations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, British Veterinary Association and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association have warned of the animal and public health risk that could arise from feeding raw meat to pets and have stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the claimed benefits of raw feeding. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006;228:537-542 Available from: Finley R, Reid-Smith R, Weese JS. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-08-01/unusual-pet-diets-may-be-linked-heart-disease. This risk outweighs any benefits. This exposure can cause serious illness. Taurine deficiency has been linked to raw food diets. There are multiple peer-reviewed studies documenting potential risks to both pets and humans who are in contact with pets from pathogens, inhibitory substances and/or physical hazards present in raw meat diets (6,7). Zoonoses Public Health 2008;55:462-469. Additionally, the researchers point out that vets should be informing pet owners of the disease risks associated with raw food. Freeman L, Michel KE. This concern becomes even more serious if a member of your household or visitors have conditions whereby their immune system is compromised, such as chemotherapy patients. 1. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (French: Association canadienne des médecins vétérinaires, ACMV), founded in 1876, provides leadership on national veterinary issues, advocates for animal welfare, and works to encourage life balance in veterinary professionals.. Feeding a raw food diet comes with a certain level of risk. Based on these changes, below are some important updates to our operating policies. The CVMA holds that the … and Escherichia coli in pet dogs from volunteer households in Ontario, Canada, in 2005 and 2006. Dog sports are a great way to bond with your dog. The Delta Society’s Pet Partners Program expressed concern that pets in a therapy animal program could be shedding pathogens in the pres- Available from: Leonard EK, Pearl DL, Janecko N, Finley RL, Reid-Smith RJ, Weese JS, Peregrine AS. Please discuss with the doctor when called during your appointment time if you wish to come into the building. Canadian VMA statement. Raw pet food (food that contains raw meat) has been linked to cases of human illness. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) released a position statement in July 2018 regarding raw meat-based diets: “ The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the evidence for potential health risks to pets fed raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), and to humans who are in contact with RMBDs, or with pets fed RMBDs. Available from: Taylor MB, Geiger DA, Saker KE, Larson MM. Opponents of the raw dog food diet say the same is true of domesticated animals. Lefebvre SL, Reid-Smith R, Boerlin P, Weese JS. The Science At KetoNatural, part of our mission is to be the most substantive pet food company in the world. Can Vet J 2007;48:69-75. AAHA statement. Evaluation of four raw meat diets using domestic cats, captive exotic felids, and cecectomized roosters. One of these is the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Available from: Weese JS, Rousseau J, Arroyo L. Bacterial evaluation of commercial canine and feline raw diets. They are not in favor of it for dogs or cats. Their number one interest is in human and animal health. Available from: van Dijk MAM, Engelsma MY, et al. The first is food safety. Malnutrition is a risk factor for both commercially prepared diets as well as homemade diets (Case, Hayek, Daristotle, Raasch, 2011). Opponents include the American, British and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Zoonotic bacteria and parasites found in raw meat-based diets for cats and dogs. Can Vet J 2009;50:637-643. Under current Canadian legislation, the only legal way to access medical cannabis is through the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation (ACMPR) which applies only to 'persons' and can be authorized only by physicians and nurse practitioners. The British Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association have all warned of the health risk – to both humans and animals – that could potentially arise as a result of the raw feeding of dogs. There is evidence that owners feeding RMBDs are more likely to rely on informal advice such as that gleaned from the Internet and less on that obtained from a veterinarian (5). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009;234:1041-1048. For most of dog's evolutionary history, dogs ate what we ate, that is cooked table scraps; commercial dog food is only about 100 years old. Courtesy of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Muscle condition score chart. Available from: Fauth E, Freeman LM, Cornjeo L, Markovich JE, Janecko N, Weese JS. The following situations have been reported to occur as a result of RMBD fed to pets (8-26). bodies, Canadian veterinary colleges, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, the National Companion Animal Coalition, and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada. Commercially prepared RMBDs may be fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried and sold commercially for domestic cats and dogs. Salmonella in commercially available pig ear treats and raw food diets: Prevalence survey and canine feeding trial. Zoonoses Public Health 2011;58:140-149. The occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonellae isolated from commercially available raw food diets in three Canadian cities. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. The Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) is an industry association comprised of pet food manufacturers and companies that supply materials or services to the pet food manufacturing industry. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Small Breed Dry Dog Food. - Your dedicated team at Sunrise Animal Hospital, There are two main concerns when feeding raw food, The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the evidence for potential health risks to pets fed raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), and to humans who are in contact with RMBDs, or with pets fed RMBDs. Risk factors for carriage of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spp. Taylor MB et al Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2009; Schlesinger DP et al Canadian Veterinary Journal 2011 Additional Resources: CVMA: Raw Food Diets for Pets - Position Statement. Pet Food News. The CVMA highly recommends that veterinarians counsel owners wishing to feed RMBDs on the risks to themselves and their pets as a result of feeding RMBDs. Raw … Feeding a raw food diet comes with the added risk of being exposed to pathogenic contaminants. ... ©2018 by Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine. Finley RL. 1. If you have been ill with fever, headache, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, flu like symptoms or have travelled in the last two weeks, we kindly ask that you not enter our facility. At the very minimum, you should always cook the food and work with a board certified veterinary nutritionist if doing home cooked diets. The CVMA encourages federal authorities to implement an inspection system designed to mitigate risks from diseases transmissible to humans through raw meat-based diets for pets in the interest of public health. We’d love to meet them! Foodborne Pathog Dis 2014;11:706-709. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends against using raw pet food because there is evidence that pet food containing raw meat can make pets and their owners sick. The CVMA advises veterinarians who recommend RMBDs to inform pet owners of associated risks and to educate owners on how to mitigate the potential risk of pathogen exposure from handling such products and/or in managing pets consuming the diets. Evaluation of pet-related management factors and the risk of Salmonella spp. They are great physical and mental stimulation for both your dog and yourself. “Guidance for Industry: Manufacture and Labeling of Raw Meat Foods for Companion and Captive Noncompanion Carnivores and Omnivores.” Revised November 9, 2004. Visit our Must Know New Pet Owner Information page for useful resources and helpful recommendations for new pet owners. Available from: CFIA Import Policies on Pet Food. LeJeune TJ, Hancock DD. Thank you for your patience and understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry family members again! Available from: Lenz J, Joffe D, Kauffman M, Zhang Y, LeJeune J. Perceptions, practices, and consequences associated with foodborne pathogens and the feeding of raw meat to dogs. Evaluation of bacterial and protozoal contamination of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs. 2006;228:1524-1532. It appears to vary greatly depending on the raw diet and how it is processed (ground being more digestible than whole prey, for example) (27). There have been recent studies that have found raw food diets do not provide the essential nutritional content to ensure pets remain healthy and are at risk of being deficient. Vet Record 2018;182:50. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties. CVMA — Your National Veterinary Association. AVMA: Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein in Cat and Dog Diets. Thesis]. Available from: Olkkola S, Kovanen S, Roine J, Hänninen ML, Hielm-Björkman A, Kivistö R. Population Genetics and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Canine Campylobacter Isolates Collected before and after a Raw Feeding Experiment. Raw meat and dairy can carry pathogens, like E. coli, listeria and salmonella, which can make pets and people sick or even cause death. Stogdale and Diehl in educating their clients on how to feed home cooked diets. A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reviews the potential risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets. This conversation should be documented in the medical record. Zoonoses Public Health 2008;55:470-480. J Anim Sci 2013;91:225-237. Raw foods also grind down teeth prematurely. Human health implications of Salmonella-contaminated natural pet treats and raw pet food. I also applaud the efforts put forward by Drs. carriage in pet dogs from volunteer households in Ontario (2005-2006). Veterinary Partner: Home Cooked or Raw Diets Think about your dog licking your face or chewing that favourite toy that you toss for them to retrieve. There are two main concerns when feeding raw food diets. RAW DIETS. Brit J of Nutr 2011;106:S53-S56. Salmonella bacteriuria in a cat fed a Salmonella-contaminated diet. This includes vaccines, wellness exams, blood work, spays and neuters, dental services, and more! The Canadian Veterinary Oath; CVMA General Bylaws; Principles of … J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:705–709. One type of diet that is becoming increasingly popular, the raw meat-based diet, is also one of the most polarizing topics in veterinary nutrition. It is our responsibility as veterinary professionals to be sure our clients are educated and fully understand the risks of raw food diets. Our members are committed to producing wholesome and nutritious foods for pets in Canada and around the world. Available from: Finley R, Reid-Smith R, Ribble C, Popa M, Vandermeer M, Aramini J. The CVMA holds that the documented scientific evidence of potential animal and public health risks in feeding RMBDs outweighs any perceived benefits of this feeding practice.”. Brucella suis Infection in Dog Fed Raw Meat, the Netherlands. Evaluation of raw food diets for dogs. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts the evidence for potential health risks to pets fed raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), and to humans who are in contact with RMBDs, or with pets fed RMBDs. Available from: Van Bree FPJ, Bokken GCM, Mineur R, Franssen F, et al. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;219:1222-1225. As part of this commitment, we've compiled the largest free library of evidence-based pet nutrition resources o Freeman LM, Chandler ML, Hamper BA, Weeth LP. [MSc. The CVMA publishes two scientific journals: the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research (Revue … Peer J 2017;2:e3031. Have you welcomed a new furry family member to your home? Weese JS, Rousseau J. The article below from the American Veterinary Medical Association is a great educational source. The Top Ten of Vet Recommended Dog Foods. Unfortunately, all of the possible training and education does not alter the fact that pet foods made up of raw foods carry many pathogens with veterinary and zoonotic potential. Food and Drug Administration. The digestibility of RMBDs is similar to cooked diets. The CVMA holds that the documented scientific evidence of potential animal and public health risks in feeding RMBDs outweighs any perceived benefits of this feeding practice. The feeding of RMBDs to dogs and cats has received increasing attention in recent years. 2001. “Evaluation of raw food diets for dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 218: 705–709. That position is backed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Can Vet J 2011;52:50-54. There are multiple peer-reviewed studies documenting risks to animals and in-contact humans resulting from pathogens, toxins and physical hazards in RMDS fed to pets; Although recent data show that raw homemade diets may have some increased digestibility, this feature is not attributable specifically to the raw nature of the diet; The CVMA highly recommends that veterinarians counsel owners wishing to feed RMBDs on the potential risks to people and pets; The CVMA strongly recommends that veterinarians consult with a Board certified veterinary nutritionist before recommending a home prepared cooked diet that will be fed on a long-term ongoing basis.