Zoonotic and Qualitative Aspects of Raw Meat-Based Diets for Dogs in The Netherlands: A Follow-Up Study

Background: The Dutch branch organization for pet products promised the public that it will improve the quality of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for dogs after several diagnoses of tuberculosis, brucellosis, and hyperthyroidism in dogs fed RMBDs. Objective: The objective of this study was to re-evaluate the risk factors of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs in The Netherlands. Methods: Seven commercial brands of RMBDs that were previously investigated were re-tested, as well as a newly introduced high-pressure processing (HPP) product. Raw beef sausage for humans was included for comparison. In total, 40 animal RMBDs (five batches per product) were tested for the presence of colony-forming units (CFUs), Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli directly after defrosting and 4 h later, as well as thyroid hormone. Results: Exceeded EU standards for CFUs and Salmonella bacteria were present in several samples. In the HPP product, bacteria were still present; however, the counts were lower. There were no differences in CFUs directly after defrosting and 4 h later. The human raw meat product was negative for bacteria. Thyroid hormone could be detected in 20 out of 37 samples. In seven of these samples, the levels were >0.75 µg/g, which have been associated with hyperthyroidism. Conclusions: The hygiene (including the use of HPP production) and accurate removal of thyroid tissue during the production of RMBDs still need attention to prevent the presence of zoonotic bacteria, high CFUs, and diet-induced hyperthyroidism.