Dogs on raw food diet ‘more likely’ to excrete E. Coli

Vets have warned that dogs that are fed raw meat are more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant bacteria E. coli in their faeces.

Raw diets usually contain a combination of raw meat, fruits, and vegetables. The diet is seen as being a more ‘natural’ option to traditional dog food.

Researchers at the University of Bristol suggest that those caring for raw-fed dogs should take extra precautions when cleaning up their mess.

Matthew Avison, Professor of Molecular Bacteriology from the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, told MailOnline: “Our studies show that dogs, whether puppies or adults, are more likely to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their intestines if they are fed raw meat than if they are fed kibble and other processed dog food.

“This adds to the increasing body of peer-reviewed evidence that raw meat feeding is associated with various bacterial infectious diseases risks in dogs.”

The study, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, collected data from 600 adult dogs and their owners.