Review article
Feeding of a raw meat based diet to dogs and cats: benefits and risks
Diana Brozić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5419-8129
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Mikulec
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Hrvoje Valpotić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Besides the standard form of feeding dogs and cats with heat processed feed (extruded or canned),
over the last decade we have witnessed a rise in a feeding trend using a raw meat based diet (RMBD). The lack of good quality cohort studies has resulted in a general discussion on the subject of the potential risks and benefits that arise from this feeding practice. The available information derives from studies conducted on a small sample over a short period of time, owners’ or manufacturers’ testimonials and case reports, or it is available in the form of popular publications: articles or books that have not undergone peer review. On the other hand, research based on evaluation for infectious disease risks when feeding a RMBD is of better quantity, but few have compared the risk of feeding RMBDs with that of feeding heat processed formulations. The consequence is a lack of a general stance towards the benefits and risks of feeding RMBD formulations, and a deficit of uniform and clear information available for pet owners and household members. The aim of this review is to provide information based on scientific publications regarding a RMBD feeding regimen, and to provide guidelines, in order to minimize the possible risks.
Keywords
raw meat based diet; RMBD; companion animals; benefits; risks
Hrčak ID:
231246
URI
Publication date:
13.3.2017.
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