[Bag of Opals]

At risk of looking ridiculous, I would like to inquire if there are contaminants found in ground beef that aren’t found in other such meats. I’m asking because I’ve been reading the comments on reviews, and come across several under the raw foods saying one shouldn’t feed their dog ground beef.

Why beef, and why ground? Is there something wrong with this specifically, or is it just the go-to example when advising people to feed a balanced diet instead of throwing any old thing at their pooch? I’m confused.

Another quick question: What do the more knowledgeable folks think of the grain free and puppy/adult premixes listed here?
http://www.vetsallnatural.com.au/category/products/complete-mix/

[anonymous]

http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

I tried raw a few years ago and ended up at the emergency vet X 2. The above link gives a brief explanation as to why ground meats are not recommended. The diet is a few years old and I don’t agree with a lot of it, but then, I am not a veterinarian.

I now believe mostly in science based veterinary medicine. This site has been very helpful to me http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

[anonymous]

Also: “Raw diets are another popular option on the market today. Studies have shown that 20-35% of raw poultry and 80% of raw food dog diets tested contained Salmonella. This poses a health risk for your pet, but also for humans. This is especially true for children or immunocompromised adults, whether exposed to the raw food directly, or the feces of the pet eating the raw food. Additionally, there is increased risk of other bacterial infections and parasitic diseases when feeding raw diets. And the bottom line is there is no reason to believe raw food is healthier than cooked food”.

Excerpt from:https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

[crazy4cats]

Hi Bag of Opals-
I make a homemade meal for my two dogs now and then using a recipe I formulated on balanceit.com. I use ground beef that I buy human grade at the grocery store. (Costco, of course) The ingredients also include rice, veggies, and applesauce. Then, I add the BalanceIt supplement to make sure it has all the necessary minerals and vitamins. I forgot to mention that it is all cooked, not raw. They love it!
I’ve tried a few premixes that they also liked, but did not usually digest the ingredients very well. The site has free formulas and is run by a veterinary community. They, however, do not recommend feeding raw. Give it a try if you are interested in making a cooked homemade meal!

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by crazy4cats.

[Bag of Opals]

Anon101: Your first link is interesting, but I don’t understand maths and need it all explained like I’m five. I also don’t feel that it answers my main question: *why* is ground supposedly worse? It’s not like the grinding process magically creates bacteria.

I understand the risk vs benefit of feeding raw. Handling the stuff is gross, but I want what’s best for my little girl. You mentioned raw landed you in the emergency vet-what exactly were you feeding? Raw can be best, but also worst if not done right.

Crazy4cats: Your suggestions are great, but being Aussie, pounds and ounces mean little to me. Does the website do conversions? I don’t need to do homemade right now since I get extra from my parents, but I might look at it when the time comes that I do. I have a local butcher, so I’m possibly ahead of the game already.

[anonymous]

The longer stuff is dead and the more things that are done to it, the more likely it is to be contaminated. Simple enough?
Unless it is cooked first. Consult a veterinarian/specialist for a more detailed explanation.

My dog ended up at the emergency vet times 2 due to finely ground up bone causing obstructions in the intestinal tract.
Another dog broke a tooth (not a clean break) and needed dental surgery (extraction) after gnawing on a raw meaty bone.
Another one had vomiting and diarrhea which appeared to be related to the consumption of raw food (chicken, steak) not ground.

Believe what you want, you already have your mind made up. I am not here in a professional capacity. People are just offering their opinions. Take it or leave it.

[Bag of Opals]

That actually makes some sense. We might not agree on all points, but I appreciate that you took the time to provide and explain your opinion. It’s certainly given me something to think about.

[Cannoli]

Hi Bag of Opals,

It depends on how the animal was raised and afterwards how it’s meat was handled.. I eat my meat raw in the inside and been doing that for years and years with no issues. Hence my dog gets raw beef and bison. I also eat a raw egg in my smoothie for years…Again no issue found. For fish I only eat sushi raw grade fish and only feed that type to my dog otherwise he gets grilled fish

On the other hand I don’t eat raw chicken or pork so I don’t bother to feed those meats to my dog raw.

Here in MA we will be voting a law on election day called cage free produce. Basically mandating that cows, chickens, etc to be raise cage free. Apparently there is overwhelming scientific evidence to demonstrate that cage free animals have a much lower instance of being infected by Salmonella

[Bag of Opals]

I know there’s something with raw chicken and salmonella, but I don’t recall anything about pork. Is there a reason you stay away from it? Don’t like the stuff myself, unless it’s bacon, but the dogs go bonkers for pork sausage.

Anyway, my first reaction to your post was to be grossed out and wonder what on earth you’re thinking, but really, this is quite fascinating. I fully agree that handling matters. Like anon101 said, more time and more things done means more chance of something going wrong. What’s your opinion on ready-ground meat? It would be easier for me to work with, but I don’t want it if it’s going to harm my furbaby. I’m not sure I’d trust a grocery store, but what if I was able to get a butcher to do it?

I cant remember which state MA is (Maryland?), but I hope that law gets passed! Cage free is so much better for both human and animal. I don’t need a study to tell me that. Good luck!

[Cannoli]

Hi Bag of Opals,

Sorry for the late response.

In regards to your question “what’s your opinion on ready-ground meat?”

It all depends on how it is handled. At my local butcher he grounds the meat in front of me. At my big grocery store a bunch of kids who just got back from their smoke break is grinding tons of meat daily in the back room.

There is always a risk you take but I rather get my ground meat from my local butcher who I have used for years.

[Author]

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