*TLB* or other raw feeders

RedheadBaker

Our bag of ToTW was recalled. We took it back to the store, and had to choose another brand since NONE of the twelve brands included in the recall was on the shelves. 

S/O wondered out loud if any of the "good brands" were left. I mentioned we could consider raw feeding. I've brought this up before and he was very resistant. This time he asked me, "Why can dogs handle salmonella in raw meat, but in kibble, it makes them sick?"

And I had no idea how to answer that.

Any insight?  

Kaiene

I have absolutely no idea.  That's a really good question.

Maybe because the tainted food sits on the shelf?

Kaiene

I found this via google...I think I've seen people mention this site for raw feeding.

http://rawfed.com/myths/bacteria.html

RedheadBaker

Thanks!

Kaiene

You're welcome!

What are you thinking about switching to? My mom feeds TOTW and is thinking about switching because her cat has been puking lately.  She's not losing weight or acting strange, so I suggested maybe she's having trouble handling the food.  The store where she buys TOTW suggested Professional, which is also made by Diamond, and also part of the recall.

I think she also said her cat has an annual coming up soon and she is going to mention the puking.

RedheadBaker

We got a bag of California Natural Lamb and Rice, since we already knew that both dogs tolerate it well. 

Kaiene

I'll have to ask her if her store carries CN.  I know L did well on CN before we switched to raw.

Mryan209

I wonder if the salmonella in kibble is stronger, or different somehow.  Since kibble is highly processed, if the salmonella is present before processing and still survives, I imagine it's harder on the system than what might be present in raw food. 

I also remember TLB talking to me about how protein (I think it was protein...) in whole raw meats are different (as opposed to ground meat, for example) for a body to digest, so I wonder if that plays a role as well. 

RedheadBaker

Mryan209:

I also remember TLB talking to me about how protein (I think it was protein...) in whole raw meats are different (as opposed to ground meat, for example) for a body to digest, so I wonder if that plays a role as well.  

That was my thought as well -- kibble takes so long to go through their system, but raw meat passes through quickly.  

TheLinkBride

I really haven't researched kibble at all to know how to answer that.  I would think that it could have to do with the processing that the kibble goes through though and how a dog digests kibble vs. raw meat.  Kibble sitting in a bag on a shelf for months at room temperature is also different than pulling raw out of the freezer that is frozen solid, bacteria is certainly going to grow differently in those conditions. 

It's an interesting question, I'll see what I can find.

nital

Honestly, I'm more worried about the 2 legged one stealing kibble.  Dogs scavenge and lick their butts.  What's a little salmonella too?