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Raw meat for pets is risky

There have been lots of studies conducted on raw meat diets.

Veterinarian Craig Prior said the results show they are just not healthy.

"Raw meat carries the threat of bacteria and parasites that are dangerous to pets and people, everything from e-coli to salmonella," he said.

The spread of germs is just one concern. The bigger issue is nutrition. Dogs are not true carnivores. They need a variety of foods for a well-balanced diet.

Even cats, which are carnivores, don't rely on muscle meat alone.

"When cats eat a mouse they eat the whole mouse. They get calcium from the bones and the vitamins and minerals they need from the organ meat. Meat is a good source of protein but it has very low levels of calcium, a mineral pets require to keep bones and teeth healthy. By contrast, high quality commercial pet foods are carefully processed to protect against bacteria and parasite infection and provide a well balanced diet," he said.
Pet Zone

Don't feed pets raw meat; Prepare them a homecooked meal with meat rice and vegetables.

There are homemade diets you can make for your pets that are healthy but make sure the meat is cooked. Here's a basic diet from Hill's for dogs or cats:

Mix up a ¼ pound of cooked meat (lamb, beef, chicken or pork), add 1 cup of cooked white rice, 1½ teaspoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of dicalcium phosphate or bone meal. Talk with your vet about adding a balanced supplement for vitamins and trace minerals.

If you want to know how much to feed. It's based on weight.

For dogs:
5 lb. feed 1/3 lb.
10 lb. feed ½ lb.
20 lb. feed 1 lb.
40 lb. feed 1½ lb.
60 lb. feed 2 lb.
80 lb. feed 2 1/3 lb.
100 lb. feed 2¾ lb.

For cats:
5 lb. feed 1/5 lb.
7-8 lb. feed ¼ lb.
10 lb. feed 1/3 lb.

Some other foods healthy dogs can eat: hard-cooked eggs, white bread, creamed cottage cheese, drained canned carrots, drained canned green beans, 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate, 2 tablespoons dried brewer's yeast, 1 teaspoon potassium chloride.

Some other foods healthy cats can eat: liver, hard-cooked eggs and 1 teaspoon of calcium carbonate.