Humans typically avoid raw foods because of the risk of developing a salmonella infection, a common bacterial disease that harms the intestinal tract. While humans can be infected with salmonella more easily than animals, there is still a risk of pets developing the infection as well.
Dr. Katie Tolbert, a clinical associate professor in small animal and comparative gastroenterology at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that while some species of salmonella cause symptoms that are self-limiting — meaning, those symptoms will resolve on their own — salmonella is not something that should be taken lightly, as certain species can cause illness and disease if ingested.
“Salmonella is a bacteria frequently found in the gastrointestinal tract of many mammals and birds, but some species of salmonella produce toxins that cause infections when the bacteria adheres to the lining of the gut, causing gut inflammation and damage,” Tolbert explained. “The infection can travel to other sites of the body, such as the joints or heart, and if the infection is not recognized, it could lead to severe consequences, including death.”
