Researchers warn: antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw dog food

A new study from Portugal shows that raw dog food can contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The bacteria, in turn, can spread to humans and cause problems. The close contact between humans and dogs, as well as the fact that raw dog food is becoming increasingly popular, is what worries researchers.

Bacteria was found in the hospital

Closer studies showed that some of the bacteria in dog food were of the same type that were found in hospital patients in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

“European authorities should raise awareness of the health risks of providing raw food to pets, and dog food production should be reviewed, including how ingredients are selected and hygiene procedures,” says researcher Anna Freitas from the University of Porto.

The researchers found antibiotic-resistant enterococci in all of the samples, including bacteria that were resistant to linezolid, which is commonly used against multi-resistant bacteria.

This feed should not be sold.

This is news that troubles many of the dog owners SVT spoke to.

– It seems very inappropriate. Multi-resistant bacteria should not be found anywhere – such feed should not be sold. Bengt Wekander says it must be destroyed.

In Sweden, there is a requirement that all fresh feed must be tested, as it must not contain a lot of harmful bacteria, but despite A report from the Stanton Institute of Veterinary Medicine (SVA) Dogs are at risk of ingesting antibiotic-resistant bacteria through fresh food.

– I don’t have to say that you should worry, but you should realize that the problem is there. Just as we humans carry resistant bacteria — so can bacteria carried by animals can be resistant, says Oscar Nelson, an antibiotic expert at SVA.

– Then you should not be afraid of them, but you should observe the usual hygiene of hands and the cleanliness of the kitchen.