FDA: Know the risks of feeding raw food to pets

Silver Spring, MD – The Food and Drug Administration is recommending that pet owners cook raw meat to kill bacteria before feeding it to their cats or dogs.

Uncooked food sometimes contains disease-causing bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which are dangerous to both pets and humans, FDA states.

Salmonella is commonly found in undercooked meat, eggs, raw or unpasteurized milk, and raw fruit and vegetables. Symptoms of salmonellosis in animals include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, appetite loss and decreased activity.

Listeria typically is found in uncooked meat, vegetables, unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses. It can spread in a refrigerator. Symptoms of listeriosis include nausea, diarrhea, fever and neurological disease.