Raw and home-made foods could be a health risk for dogs and cats

Trends in animal nutrition have mirrored those of human nutrition, with pet owners exploring options such as vegan and raw food diets for their dogs and cats. — 123rf.com

While most cats and dogs are still being fed “conventional” wet and dry food, there has been a distinct shift in feeding practices over the past decade to include raw and home-made foods, particularly in Australia, finds an international study, published in this week’s issue of Vet Record.

These “unconventional” diets may help nurture the bond between pets and their owners, but they may also be storing up health problems for these animals, warn the researchers.