Professional wrestler Daniel Bryan got a RAW (Real Action Wrestling) deal when he was kicked out of the WWE for fake-strangling a ring announcer. But he re-emerged the next year, and in 2012 won the WWE United States Championship and an award from PETA for being the "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete." Seems when it comes to professional wrestling, a raw deal is good for your career - and your status as an animal lover. But the latest raw trend in pet food is definitely not. So it's time for a Raw Pet Diet Smackdown.
Raw pet food often contains meat, bones and organs that are easily contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes - bacteria that are dangerous for pets and pet owners. You both can end up with nausea, diarrhea and fever. For the elderly, young children, pregnant women and the immuno-compromised, these infections can be life-threatening.
If you're concerned about additives or lack of nutrition in packaged pet foods, try cooking up a hearty mix of grains, protein and veggies for your pet. Ask your vet what supplements to add, and how best to prepare. Dogs need a good supply of calcium balanced with phosphorus, and a ratio of between 5-10 (for omega-6s) to 1 (for omega-3s) in their diet.
Cats can't make enough of the amino acid taurine to keep their eyes and heart healthy. So no raw deals here! Every type of pet has unique nutritional needs; work with your vet to find the right recipe for a well-cooked plate of love.
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