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 then risk causing major problems with infections, which cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Bacteria was found in the hospital

Some of the bacteria in the dog food examined were of the same type found in hospital patients in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Researcher Anna Freitas, from the University of Porto, warns that close contact between humans and dogs, combined with the fact that raw dog food is becoming increasingly popular, poses an international health risk.

“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,” she said.

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 shouldn’t say you should be worried, but be aware that the problem is there,” says Oscar Nelson, antibiotic expert, SVA.

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