Raw Meat-Based Pet Feeding and Food Safety: Netnography Study of Pet Owner Comments and Review of Manufacturers' Information Provision

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Bulochova ◽  
Ellen W. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Raw Meat ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Pet Owner

Feeding raw meat to domestic pets is a popular practice. Because of the potential food safety implications associated with handling raw meat, concerns about pet owner health have increased. For this study, a netnographic content analysis approach was used to analyze posts from ‘PetForums Community’ online archives, relating to ‘raw meat-based feeding’ and ‘food safety’ ( n =308). UK manufacturer/supplier websites ( n =33) were reviewed for provision of food safety information relating to raw meat-based pet feeding. The data were analyzed using qualitative thematic approach and quantitative methods. Pet owner forum comments indicated potential malpractices and indifference towards the possible food safety hazards when preparing raw meat-based pet food. Many were risk aware but indicated confusion regarding appropriate food safety practices. Although emotional concern about the safety of the pets and children was expressed, contracting a foodborne disease was not perceived as a personal risk. Additionally, the review identified that the majority (61%) of manufacturer/supplier websites failed to provide any food safety instructions or warnings to pet owners regarding raw meat-based pet food. Information was inconsistent and varied between sources. The most comprehensive sources of information were provided by manufacturers approved by the UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association. This is the first netnography study to explore pet owner online reports and the provision of food safety information, related to raw pet feeding. Findings suggest pet owners may not fully appreciate the potential risks associated with raw meat-based pet feeding. Consequently, there is a need for credible and consistent strategies to inform the pet owners about potential implications associated with feeding raw meat to pets, as well as about safe food handling practices.

Exploring food safety perceptions and self-reported practices of pet owners, providing raw meat-based diets to pets.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Bulochova ◽  
Ellen W Evans
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Raw Meat ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Almost All

The growing popularity of raw meat-based diets for pets is accompanied by an increasing concern regarding possible health implications of this practice to pet owners, due to the storage and preparation of raw meat. This study aimed to explore pet owners’ knowledge and perceptions about safety of raw meat-based feeding and determine self-reported food safety practices during raw meat-based pet food preparation. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms was completed by pet owners practicing raw meat-based feeding ( n =174). Almost all participants (95%) reported confidence that their pets’ raw meat-based food is safe. Two thirds of respondents (67%) reported to have researched food safety information, regarding raw meat-based feeding, however only 8% asked a veterinarian for food safety advice. Respondents were aware of pathogens that may be present in raw meat-based diets, and of food safety practices, however, they did not report implementation of appropriate food safety practices consistently. Malpractices, such as rinsing raw meat (27%) and lack of segregation (52%) were reported. The risk of foodborne illness to pet owners associated with raw meat-based feeding was perceived to be ‘low’ by 89% of pet owners. Participants perceived low susceptibility to foodborne illness, but high self-efficacy, which may be an indication of ‘optimistic bias’. This study has identified the need for increasing pet owners’ awareness of the possible risks associated with raw meat-based feeding to human health. The provision of comprehensive food safety information, intended to target the perceptions of pet owners identified in this study, is needed to improve pet owners’ food safety practices, to reduce the potential food safety risks associated with raw meat preparation and storage in the domestic environment.

Risk of Foodborne Illness from Pet Food: Assessing Pet Owners' Knowledge, Behavior, and Risk Perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (11) ◽  
pp. 1998-2007
Author(s):  
MERLYN THOMAS ◽  
YAOHUA FENG
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safety Knowledge ◽  
Food Handling Practices

ABSTRACT Pet food has been identified as a source of pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli. A recent outbreak linked to Salmonella-contaminated pet treats infected >150 people in the United States. The mechanism by which contaminated pet food leads to human illness has not been explicated, and pet owners' food safety knowledge and their pet food handling practices have not been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate pet owners' food safety knowledge and pet food handling practices through an online consumer survey. The survey consisted of 62 questions and assessed (i) owners' food safety knowledge and pet food handling practices; (ii) owners' interaction with pets; and (iii) owners' risk perception related to their own health, their children's health, and their pets' health. The survey was pilot tested among 59 pet owners before distribution to a national consumer panel managed by Qualtrics XM (Provo, UT). All participants (n = 1,040) were dog and/or cat owners in the United States. Almost all pet owners (93%) interacted with their pets, and most cuddled, allowed their pets to lick them, and slept with their pets. Less than one-third of pet owners washed their hands with soap after interacting with their pets. Over half (58%) of the owners reported washing their hands after feeding their pets. Most pet owners fed their pets dry pet food and dry pet treats. Some fed their pets raw meat or raw animal product diets because they believed these diets to be beneficial to the pet's overall health. Many owners (78%) were unaware of pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens. Less than 25% considered dry pet foods and treats as a potential source of foodborne pathogens. Pet owners were more concerned when seeing news about pets becoming ill from pet food and less concerned when seeing news about people becoming ill from pet food. The findings of this study indicated the need for consumer education about handling pet food. These results can help researchers develop more accurate risk assessment models and consumer education messages related to pet food handling. HIGHLIGHTS

scholarly journals RAW MEAT-BASED DIET (BARF) IN DOGS AND CATS NUTRITION

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana BROZIĆ ◽  
Željko MIKULEC ◽  
Marko SAMARDŽIJA ◽  
Dražen ĐURIČIĆ ◽  
Hrvoje VALPOTIĆ
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Raw Meat ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Nutrient Imbalances ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Pet Owner

Diet based on raw meat or more popularly called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is defined as pet food diet that is composed of thermally untreated animal products that are either derived from wild or domestic animals and is used as a pet food diet for pets in households. Raw meat-based diet can be divided into two basic categories: commercially available finished products and diet prepared by pet owner (called homemade BARF). Homemade diets are based on recipes that are enabling the owner to self prepare the diet. Nevertheless, the recepies used do not have to be in coordinance with official recommendations that could potentially result in the development of pathologies as a result of nutrient imbalances. The lack of good quality studies has resulted in a general discussion on the subject of the potential risks and benefits that arise from this feeding practice. Studies have determined higher digestibility and excellent palatability of BARF diets. Nevertheless, studies that would prove beneficial effects of BARF diet on health or as a diet of choice for certain pathologies are lacking. The proponents of BARF diets base their recommendation on studies conducted on a small sample over a short period of time, or on popular publications that have not undergone peer review. On the other hand, research based on evaluation of infectious disease risks when feeding a BARF diet, is of the better quantity and quality. Namely, microbiological safety of BARF diets is a crucial segment that manufacturers are obligated to control with the additional control of all other production procedures (cold chain in all phases of production and storage) to minimize the contamination with zoonotic pathogens.

scholarly journals Understanding the context for pet obesity; self-reported beliefs and factors influencing pet feeding and exercise behaviour among pet owners

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J Downes ◽  
Catherine Devitt ◽  
Marie Downes ◽  
Simon J More
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Specific Exercise ◽  
Feeding Regime ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Pet Owner ◽  
Weight Management Programs ◽  
Targeted Approach

Pet obesity contributes to increased risk of various diseases, such as cancer and diabetes mellitus as well as worsening of orthopaedic problems, and a reduction in survival rate. Changes in feeding regimes and increased amounts of exercise have been an important component of weight management programs. This study identifies the self-reported beliefs and factors that influence owner behaviour around feeding and exercising their pet. Pet owners were recruited through six different private veterinary practices (three city practices; two in regional towns; and one in a rural area). Seven focus groups were conducted with 43 participants in total. Feeding one’s pet is influenced by beliefs about pet specific needs and pet food and pet health, pet owners’ perceived control over the feeding regime, and the implications for feeding for the pet owner. Treats are used in the absence of owner control over pet begging and emotional attachment, and to influence pet behaviour. Pet exercise is influenced by beliefs about pet specific exercise needs, and the implications of exercising one’s pet for the pet owner. Beliefs, and barriers to appropriate feeding and exercise are useful in explaining pet owners’ behaviour and are; associated with the level of control over the feeding regime, control relating to pet behaviour, and the perceived ease of feeding and exercise. Understanding owner behaviours on feeding and exercise allows for a more targeted approach to preventing and treating pet obesity.

scholarly journals Understanding the context for pet obesity; self-reported beliefs and factors influencing pet feeding and exercise behaviour among pet owners

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J Downes ◽  
Catherine Devitt ◽  
Marie Downes ◽  
Simon J More
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Specific Exercise ◽  
Feeding Regime ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Pet Owner ◽  
Weight Management Programs ◽  
Targeted Approach

Pet obesity contributes to increased risk of various diseases, such as cancer and diabetes mellitus as well as worsening of orthopaedic problems, and a reduction in survival rate. Changes in feeding regimes and increased amounts of exercise have been an important component of weight management programs. This study identifies the self-reported beliefs and factors that influence owner behaviour around feeding and exercising their pet. Pet owners were recruited through six different private veterinary practices (three city practices; two in regional towns; and one in a rural area). Seven focus groups were conducted with 43 participants in total. Feeding one’s pet is influenced by beliefs about pet specific needs and pet food and pet health, pet owners’ perceived control over the feeding regime, and the implications for feeding for the pet owner. Treats are used in the absence of owner control over pet begging and emotional attachment, and to influence pet behaviour. Pet exercise is influenced by beliefs about pet specific exercise needs, and the implications of exercising one’s pet for the pet owner. Beliefs, and barriers to appropriate feeding and exercise are useful in explaining pet owners’ behaviour and are; associated with the level of control over the feeding regime, control relating to pet behaviour, and the perceived ease of feeding and exercise. Understanding owner behaviours on feeding and exercise allows for a more targeted approach to preventing and treating pet obesity.

An Investigation on Urban Office Workers' Cognition on Food Safety when Eating Out

2013 ◽  
Vol 781-784 ◽  
pp. 1661-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Li ◽  
Wan Yuan Xia ◽  
Hai Lin Tang ◽  
Yan Hong Huang ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Safety Problem ◽  
Food Safety Education ◽  
Basic Reference ◽  
Eating Out

This study aims to investigate the Chongqing office workers cognition on food safety when eating out, then to provide basic reference about the food safety education for the office workers. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2637 office workers in eight commercial centers of Chongqing municipal main urban districts by street interview, using self-designed questionnaire of Chongqing main urban office workers cognition on food safety when eating out. 2400 valid questionnaires were analyzed. 64.41%(1540/2391) of the office workers would pay attention to food safety problem. 14.73% (352/2390) of the office workers were aware of food safety grade rating, and the awareness rates of male are significant higher than female. When meeting with food safety problems, 80.87% (1936/2394) of the office workers would choose to exchange the dishes, 30.95% (741/2394) of them would remind friends not to consume, 23.73% (568/2394) of them would refuse to pay for the dishes, 10.74% (257/2394) of the office workers would claim for compensation, 9.36% (224/2394) of them would report it to the department concerned, 9.19% (220/2394) of them thought they had bad luck,2.92% (70/2394) of the office workers would choose to disclose it by media. The main channels of food safety information were TV (85.54%, 2087/2385), newspapers (68.60%, 1636/2385), network (55.89%, 1333/2385), and magazines (24.70%, 589/2385). The attention that office workers paid to food safety and the relevant laws, regulations and measures is low, and the office workers lack of right-protection awareness, Besides TV and newspapers, network has become the main sources of information on food safety.

Impact of Food-Borne Illness on Food Safety Concerns of International Air Travellers

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya L. MacLaurin ◽  
Donald J. MacLaurin ◽  
Loi Soh Loi
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Grading System ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
International Airport ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Food Borne Illness

This study examines international air travellers' attitudes and perceptions of the importance of food safety, sources of information on food safety, and the value of a global grading system for food service establishments. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data from travellers at Changi International Airport, Singapore. Results indicated an increase in the reported incidence of food-borne illness occurring with increased frequency of travel. Friends who had travelled to the destination were considered the best source of food safety information. Travel plans were altered out of concern about food safety and the food safety reputation of the destination. Eighty per cent of respondents stated that they would benefit from a standardized food safety grading system for the world's eating establishments.

scholarly journals A Survey among Dog and Cat Owners on Pet Food Storage and Preservation in the Households

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 273
Author(s):  
Giada Morelli ◽  
Davide Stefanutti ◽  
Rebecca Ricci
Keyword(s):  
Room Temperature ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Storage Management ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
Pet Food ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Raw Meat ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Direct Light ◽  
Comprehensive Information

Background: Pet food storage plays a crucial role in maintaining the nutritional and sensory properties of purchased products over time. Methods: An online survey was developed to collect data regarding owners’ storage habits for both commercial and home-made diets. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1545 dog owners and 676 cat owners. Pet and owner age played roles in the choice of the type of diet (commercial vs. home-cooked vs. raw meat-based) adopted. Kibble feeders (75.7%) usually bought one (50.1%) or two (24.6%) packages at a time, and most pets (64.4%) took a minimum four weeks to consume an entire bag. Almost half of the owners (43.5%) used a container to store pet food (plastic bins for 79.5%). Pet food was commonly stored in the kitchen (45.1%) and not exposed to direct light (94.5%); 23.6% of the kibble feeders said it might be exposed to high temperatures. Most commercial pet food feeders (67.3%) considered preservatives a potential health risk for pets. Among homemade diet feeders, 38.6% stored fish oil at room temperature. Conclusions: Pet owners should be educated in proper food storage management when receiving feeding instructions from veterinarians. More comprehensive information on the nature and importance of additives in pet food should be promoted by manufacturers.

PSV-B-29 Late-Breaking: Comparisons of Practices of Raw Diet Versus Kibble Diet Dog Owners

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 361-361
Author(s):  
Madison Petree ◽  
Lara M Sypniewski ◽  
Dianne McFarlane ◽  
Kris Hiney
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Antibody Titer ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Preventative Medicine ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Raw Meat ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Diet Versus ◽  
Two Populations

Abstract An increasing number of pet owners feed raw meat-based diets (RD) to their dogs. Reasons include food safety concerns and the belief that feeding RD improves the overall health of dogs. However, it is unknown if owners that chose to feed RD also elect alternative healthcare and management strategies compared to owners that feed commercial kibble (CK). A survey was created to investigate differences in strategies between owners that feed RD versus CK. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics through social media, veterinary clinics, and food cooperatives. Participants were asked questions to determine demographics, feeding practices, and management decisions. Data were separated into the two populations, reported by frequency, and compared using Fisher’s exact test with P < .05 considered significant. A total of 1,249 participants completed the survey. Owners of RD dogs more commonly had intact dogs (RD 42.7% vs KB = 28.7%, P < 0.0001) or chose to spay/neuter after 1 year of age (RD = 55%, KB = 47.8%, P = 0.02). CK and RD owners differed in preventative medicine strategies. RD owners were more likely to not vaccinate for DHPP (n = 296; 52%) compared to only 16.7% (n = 111, P < 0.0001) of CK owners. However, RD owners used antibody titer tests to monitor immunity (n = 234, 46.8%) much more frequently compared to CK owners (n = 86;13.4%, P < 0.0001). RD owners were less likely (P < 0.0001) to vaccinate for Bordetella, (a non-core vaccine; n = 356; 62%) compared to CK (n = 218; 32.9%). More CK owners had their dog(s) on heartworm prevention, compared to RF (CK= 79%; RF = 62% P < 0.0001) and provided chemical or prescription flea/tick medication for their dog(s) (RD = 57% vs CK = 83%; P < 0.0001). The results of this survey support differences in management between owners that feed RD compared to CK.

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