Pet Dry Food and Treats
June 12, 2023

Infection was traced to dry dog food made at a Pennsylvania factory. This study identified contaminated dry dog food as a cause of human Salmonella infections for the first time. Pig ears and dehydrated meat and fish have also been linked to Salmonella infections in the US.

It might be due to numerous factors. Due to melamine, the 2007 mass pet food recall raised public and media awareness of pet food safety problems. Another factor might be enhanced manufacturer and federal government monitoring and reporting Salmonella and other public health risks. Unsafe food and animal feed may be reported immediately, rather than depending on inspection to find concerns, a third possible cause. It has been quite effective in detecting at-risk foods, according to an FDA news release from July 2010.

As soon as a commercial pet food producer detects Salmonella or other germs in their product, they must recall it. As a result, the pet food is unfit for distribution. And no, this doesn’t mean pet foods are dangerous. These recalls may avoid sickness by discovering issues early since they are primarily preventative and unrelated to illness in dogs or humans. Salmonella may infect any pet food. However, giving raw items like raw meat and eggs has been linked to an increased risk of Salmonella infection. Protecting your family’s health should be a priority while feeding your pet any meal type.

Because pet meals and treats involve animal ingredients, they may contain Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria. These goods are heated to kill the organisms most of the time, but they may become infected if cooked with a contaminated addition or come into touch with harmful objects. Delicate handling of these goods is always advised due to the danger of infection.

Salmonella infections cause fatigue, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting in pets. Appetite loss, fever, and stomach discomfort are common symptoms. It’s important to note that not all Salmonella-infected The excrement of apparently healthy but diseased animals may spread the disease to other animals or people. Fortunately, basic sense precautions may reduce your risk of illness. Take extra precautions if you give your pet raw meat, rawhides, or raw pig ears.

You are storing and preparing dog food. Sponge your hands with soap and water after handling pet food and treats. Don’t let your kids touch the food; if you do, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly. Immune compromised, young or elderly persons should not brush pet food or treats or wash their hands properly after handling them.

Do not mix pet meals and treats with human foods. Make sure you don’t cook pet food in the same place or with the same tools as human food. Don’t let pets near the stove, sink, or other locations where food is cooked. Refrigerate or dispose of unwanted wet pet food and containers. Most dangerous germs are killed by promptly refrigerating foods.

The Pediatrics manuscript1 found pet feeding in the kitchen a significant cause of illness. If you can feed your pet somewhere other than your kitchen, you should. If you must provide your pet in the kitchen, feed it as far away from the human food preparation areas as feasible, and observe the other precautions mentioned above.