When it comes to our pets, we often want to spoil them with treats and special foods. For many pet owners, this sometimes means sharing a slice of deli meat or a bit of liverwurst. While these foods might seem harmless or even like a tasty indulgence, they can pose significant health risks to your pets.
Recent headlines have brought attention to a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness in humans, but it can also be deadly to our pets. Dogs and cats, like humans, can suffer from listeriosis after consuming contaminated foods, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and even death in severe cases.
Listeriosis can present with a range of symptoms in pets, and the signs may not appear immediately after exposure. The onset of symptoms can vary, but typically, clinical signs may develop anywhere from a few days to several weeks after ingestion of contaminated food.
Some pet owners might think that feeding deli meats or liverwurst is similar to giving their pets raw, freshly killed game, as some might do for a raw diet. But these two food sources are vastly different.
Deli meats and liverwurst are highly processed and often contain preservatives, sodium, and other additives that can be harmful to pets. They also go through various handling stages where contamination can occur, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses like listeriosis.
Raw game that is freshly killed has a lower risk of containing harmful pathogens, as long as it's handled properly. Wild animals, such as rabbits or deer, have different diets and natural defenses that reduce the likelihood of carrying harmful bacteria like listeria. In contrast, processed meats like deli slices and liverwurst can become contaminated during the production process, posing a higher risk to pets.
1. Avoid feeding deli meats and processed foods — As tempting as it may be to share your sandwich with your dog or cat, it's safest to avoid feeding them any deli meats or liverwurst. Stick to foods specifically designed for pets, which are formulated to meet their nutritional needs without the risks of harmful bacteria.
2. Consider the source — If you choose to feed your pets a raw diet, ensure that the meat is fresh, high-quality, and comes from a trusted source. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures your pet gets the nutrition they need without the added dangers.
3. Watch for symptoms — If your pet does consume deli meats or liverwurst and begins showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or neurological signs, seek veterinary care immediately. Early intervention can be life-saving in cases of foodborne illness.
Our pets rely on us to make the best choices for their health and well-being. While sharing a piece of deli meat might seem harmless, the risks of foodborne illness, particularly from recent listeria outbreaks, are too great to ignore. By being mindful of what we feed our pets and choosing safer alternatives, we can help ensure they live long, healthy lives. For more information on safe pet feeding practices and the risks associated with processed meats, consult your veterinarian or a trusted pet nutrition expert.
