For many of us, pets are family. But contaminated pet food—or improper handling—can sometimes spread harmful bacteria from the food bowl to hands, kitchen surfaces, and even people. Here’s what to know, especially about raw diets, and how to reduce the risk.
Pet food can be contaminated with bacteria that make people sick
Pet food isn’t just a risk for pets. It can also expose people to harmful bacteria.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), human-grade pet food must meet the same safety and handling standards as human food and be produced in a licensed, inspected facility. Still, pet food can be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. And you don’t have to eat it to get sick. These germs can spread from pet food to hands, bowls, countertops, sinks, utensils, and other surfaces in your home.
Pets may not show symptoms
Pets can carry harmful bacteria without looking sick and still spread germs through their saliva, fur, or feces after eating contaminated food. That matters because Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can cause serious foodborne illness in people.
Each year, roughly one in six Americans suffers from a bout of food poisoning. Some groups face a higher risk of severe illness, including young children, adults over 65 years old, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
But there’s good news: With proper handling and a few common-sense precautions, you can keep both pets and people safe.
Raw pet food poses the greatest risk
Raw pet diets are often marketed as more “natural,” but they carry a higher risk of harmful bacteria.
In a two-year study, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine tested more than 1,000 pet food samples, and raw dog and cat food stood out. Of 196 raw pet food samples, 15 tested positive for salmonella and 32 tested positive for listeria.
By comparison, just one dry cat food sample tested positive for salmonella. (Canned food wasn’t included in the study.)
Even if pets don’t show symptoms, raw food can still expose them—and you—to harmful bacteria. After eating, pets can spread bacteria through their saliva, feces, and contact with household surfaces.
Because of these risks, the CDC does not recommend feeding raw pet food or treats.
You don’t have to eat pet food to get sick
You don’t have to take a bite of pet food to be exposed to harmful foodborne bacteria.
You can be exposed by:
- handling contaminated pet food, especially raw products;
- touching bowls, scoops, counters, sinks, or refrigerator shelves that come into contact with it;
- touching your mouth or face before washing your hands; and
- letting pets lick your face right after eating, especially raw diets.
This is especially concerning for:
- young children;
- adults 65 and older;
- pregnant people; and
- anyone with a weakened immune system.
Handle pet food safely
You don’t have to be afraid of your pet’s food, but you do want to handle it safely. Consistent food safety habits can lower your risk. Here are a few tips to help:
- Wash your hands every time. Use soap and water after handling pet food, treats, bowls, or anything they touched.
- Clean, then disinfect. Wash bowls, utensils, counters, sinks, and storage containers regularly. Cleaning removes residue; disinfecting helps kill lingering germs.
- Keep pet food separate. Store pet food away from human food, and don’t use pet bowls or utensils for human food prep.
- Thaw raw products safely. If you use frozen raw pet food, thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave, never on the counter. Clean and disinfect any surfaces it touches.
- Avoid face licking right after meals. Try not to let pets lick your mouth or face right after eating.
Check recalls
Food recalls happen, and not just for pet food or raw pet food. Foods and treats can be recalled because of possible contamination with salmonella, listeria, E. coli, or other pathogens.
Checking the FDA’s recall list and CSPI’s recall roundups can help you catch problems early before contaminated products end up in your kitchen or your pet’s bowl.
Refrigeration helps, but it’s not a guarantee
Refrigeration can slow the growth of many bacteria, but it doesn’t stop them completely.
Listeria is a notable exception because it can continue to grow in cold temperatures and refrigerated foods.
That’s why temperature matters. Keeping your fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below helps reduce risk, but it won’t always make contaminated food safe.
If someone gets sick, don’t overlook pet food
If someone in your household develops symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or vomiting, it’s easy to assume the source was human food. But pet food, especially raw diets or recalled treats, can also be a source of exposure.
Keep that possibility in mind, particularly if a young child, older adult, pregnant person, or immunocompromised family member becomes ill.
Pet food can also cause allergen cross-contact
If someone in your home has a food allergy, pet food can become an unexpected source of exposure.
Many pet foods and treats contain common allergens like wheat, soy, oats, dairy, egg, fish, or shellfish. If food residue gets on hands, counters, utensils, or dishes used for human food, it can lead to cross-contact—the same type of accidental exposure that can happen in restaurant kitchens or food manufacturing.
For example, cross-contact can occur if:
- a child with a wheat allergy helps feed a dog wheat-based kibble;
- someone with a fish allergy handles salmon-based pet food;
- pet bowls are washed in the same sink used for family dishes; or
- pet food dust or crumbs settle on kitchen counters.
For most people with food allergies, touching an allergen usually causes mild symptoms like skin irritation or hives. But if residue gets onto hands and then into the mouth, it can trigger a more serious reaction. For people with celiac disease, for example, even small amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response if accidentally ingested.
Plus, pet foods aren’t required to follow the same allergen labeling laws as human foods. While major ingredients are listed, allergens may not be clearly highlighted the way they are on packaged foods for people.
If someone in your household has a diagnosed food allergy, it’s a good idea to:
- read pet food ingredient lists carefully;
- avoid formulas containing the allergen when possible;
- wash hands thoroughly after feeding pets;
- clean feeding areas and surfaces regularly; and
- keep pet feeding areas separate from food preparation spaces.
Treat pet food the same way you would any allergen-containing food in your kitchen to help reduce the risk.
Bottom line: Take steps to reduce your risk
Most pet food is safe when it’s handled properly. But contaminated products, recalled food and treats, and especially raw diets can spread harmful bacteria to pets, people, and kitchen surfaces.
Simple steps can reduce your risk: Washing your hands, cleaning bowls and prep areas, storing pet food properly, and checking recalls can help, especially in households with young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
