Researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered taking in excessive of the minced meat might be extremely hazardous, specifically for younger animals.
Wednesday 3 May 2023 09:00, UK
Dogs might be at threat of lead poisoning after “extremely high” concentrations from shotgun pellets were discovered in raw pheasant family pet food.
After screening out samples of raw pheasant dog food, scientists from the University of Cambridge found that the bulk consisted of high levels of lead, which might put dogs’ health at threat if they consume it regularly.
The scientists took a look at 90 samples of UK dog food and discovered that more than three-quarters – 77% – had lead concentrations greater than the optimum residue level (MRL) allowed by law.
How was the research study carried out?
The Cambridge researchers checked 5 pheasant-based dog food. Three of these were raw meat, one was dried pheasant and partridge, and the other was processed tinned pheasant and goose.
A more 3 comparable chicken-based items (raw, dried and processed) were likewise checked for the research study.
Lead concentrations above the MRL were discovered in the dried pheasant-based item however at levels lower than that discovered in the raw meat.
Neither of the chicken or tinned pheasant-based items consisted of undesirable levels of lead.
The 3 raw pheasant-based dog food had lead concentrations which were roughly 245, 135 and 49 times greater than the MRL.
The research study, released in the journal Ambio, discovered that the general mean average in raw pheasant dog food was discovered to be 34 times greater than in pheasant cost human usage.
Professor Debbie Pain, of Cambridge University’s Zoology Department, said: “We were already conscious that lead concentrations in pheasant meat cost human usage are typically far greater than would be allowed in other meats like chicken, beef or pork.
“However, we were amazed to discover that lead concentrations in raw pheasant dog food were a lot greater.”
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The risks of lead poisoning
Lead poisoning can be extremely hazardous for both family pets and human beings, with its results especially concentrated on the nerve system – high levels can result in convulsions, coma and even death.
Despite the dietary risk, lead shot can be utilized lawfully to eliminate video game birds, like pheasants, in the UK.
Most pheasants are consumed by individuals however some are minced and utilized in family pet food.
As the meat is minced for family pet food, this then produces little particles in the meat, increasing the opportunities for it to be soaked up into the blood stream.
Dogs consuming food with such high concentrations of lead stay at threat of damage to their health, with puppies being especially susceptible – this is because of the establishing nerve system.
Are raw meat diet plans ending up being more popular?
Researchers discovered that raw meat diet plans for family pets are ending up being significantly popular throughout the UK, which is home to an approximated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats.
After evaluating online providers, the research study discovered that raw pheasant family pet food was offered by 34% of the 50 online raw family pet food providers they examined – 71% of these said the meat might consist of shot.
Professor Rhys Green, co-author of the research study, said: “The truth that many samples from 3 arbitrarily tested raw pheasant family pet food had extremely high lead concentrations, which our recent research study on shot types utilized to eliminate pheasants discovered that 94% are shot with lead, recommends that this is a far wider concern than for simply these 3 items.
“However, some manufacturers might source pheasants that have actually not been shot with lead, and owners might inquire about this when purchasing pet food.”
Symptoms of lead poisoning in dogs
It can be difficult to identify, however here are a couple of typical signs of lead toxicity that dog owners must watch out for:
• Decreased hunger
• Abdominal discomfort
• Vomiting
• Regurgitation
• Increased thirst
• Diarrhoea
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle Tremors
• Blindness
• Seizures
