Researchers at the University of Bristol found that feeding dogs raw meat increases the risk that they will pass a strain of E. coli that cannot be killed by the common antibiotic ciprofloxacin in their feces.

E. coli can cause food poisoning and is the most common cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections which can be life-threatening.

According to researcher Matthew Avison, raw meat that is sold for human consumption and the meat used to feed dogs is likely to be contaminated with the antibiotic-resistant E. coli. While cooking the meat kills the E. coli, handling it exposes the person who is feeding their dog raw meat. It is also likely that the dog is passing E. coli in his feces.

Sue’s Note: Many advertisers try portray the dog as being a tame wolf and promote the idea that dogs need to eat like wild canines because it is their “natural diet.” The truth of the matter is that any wild animal can only eat the food that is available to them and it is not a balanced diet. Wolves, if they are lucky, can live to eight years of age. Some do live longer but not as long as domestic dogs. Foxes are lucky if they live three to four years. Many wild animals suffer from starvation, especially in the areas that have a cold winter.

Journal Reference:

1. Jordan E. Sealey, Ashley Hammond, Kristen K. Reyher, Matthew B. Avison. One health transmission of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and risk factors for their excretion by dogs living in urban and nearby rural settings. One Health, 2023; 17: 100640 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100640

Cite This Page:

University of Bristol. “Feeding dogs raw meat increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant E. coli.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 November 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231120124109.htm>.