raw meat: is it good for our four legged friends?

Hello! asked paws if dogs/cats may eat raw meats. They asked me to google "BARF" and here's what I learned:

"Some people are worried about bacteria in raw food. They believe bacteria will make their dog sick. However, dogs have evolved to eat and thrive on food that may have bacteria present. The dog being a scavenger, thrives on the presence of microbes in his or her food. Wild dogs eat the gut contents of their prey, and the feces of many different animals. They also eat soil, contaminated meat, buried bones, infected meat and so on. These are all a source of microbes and any toxins they might produce. In addition, the dog has certain defenses unlike the human that enables it to handle bacteria in a different way than a human. A shorter digestive track and a more acidic PH in the stomach create a mechanism of defense against harmful bacteria."

Raw meat does of course carry bacteria. However, the presence of bacteria does not mean that disease will result! It would be impossible to guarantee that any meat source, for human or animal consumption, be totally sterile of all bacteria. Even in the most sanitary of manufacturing facilities or the most spotless kitchens there is a possibility that bacterial contamination may be present. Certain conditions have to exist in order for bacteria to multiply to a point where their numbers are capable of causing disease. Plus, those bacteria will have to be very specific strains that are capable of producing disease.

*for more info:

http://www.barfworld.com/