September 25, 2025, 3:09 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Raw and minimally processed food is more popular than ever–many cat owners see it as the natural alternative. But a recent study from Cornell University shows that this type of cat food can harbor pathogens, with potentially deadly consequences for both humans and animals. One particular type of product is under scrutiny.
Popular Cat Snacks Heavily Contaminated
A research team led by Guillaume Reboul at Cornell University examined 112 commercial cat food products from the U.S. as part of a study. These included canned, dry, and various types of raw products, such as freeze-dried or frozen meat. The study was published in the journal Communications Biology and provides a detailed look at the microbiological risks of raw cat food, with a special focus on freeze-dried products.
Raw or less processed cat food is booming as an alternative to canned or dry food. The current study reveals the downsides. Raw products, especially the seemingly convenient freeze-dried snacks from supermarket and drugstore shelves, are teeming with dangerous germs. Salmonella, E. coli bacteria, parasites, and even multi-resistant pathogens were detected. What is marketed as pure nature can become a serious threat to cats. Moreover, these pathogens can be transmitted from pets to humans and are particularly concerning for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
“Most of these products do not carry warnings indicating that the meat ingredients are not fully cooked, so they could contain live bacteria and possibly viruses and parasites that could make a family very sick,” said Dr. Laura Goodman, assistant professor at the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health and the Baker Institute for Animal Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine, according to a statement from Phys.org. “Especially with freeze-dried products sold on the shelf, consumers are likely unaware that they are taking this risk.”
Also interesting: Is feeding cats raw food appropriate, or does it also pose risks?
Raw Feeding–A Trend with Pitfalls
Raw food, better known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), has been trending for years. Many cat owners swear by it, hoping for health benefits for their pets. Previous studies have already shown that dangerous germs like Salmonella or antibiotic-resistant E. coli can lurk in it. Parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii have also been linked to raw feeding. The research team’s study goes a step further: it specifically targets freeze-dried raw products. 1
Of the 112 products tested, 49 were freeze-dried and 25 were frozen, thus considered raw. While freeze-dried means preserved, it does not mean fully cooked. Accordingly, many pathogens can lurk in these popular cat snacks.
Twenty-seven of the samples came from conventional production, such as canned or dry food. The products were from 31 different manufacturers and were purchased in U.S. stores or online. In the lab, the team used classic culture methods and modern genetic engineering. They employed 16S and 18S rRNA analyses as well as whole genome sequencing of individual bacteria.
No Pathogens in Canned Food
The results are clear: Live bacteria were found exclusively in raw foods–never in canned or dry food. Frozen raw products were particularly contaminated. Salmonella enterica appeared in 16 percent of these samples. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant germs were frequently found. Clostridium perfringens was detected with a high hit rate in freeze-dried products–in 95 percent of cases. Contact poses an acute risk of food poisoning.
In total, 89 examined bacterial cultures contained 69 different resistance genes, providing protection against up to 15 classes of antibiotics. Freeze-dried products particularly often contained the bla2 gene, associated with resistance to carbapenems–important reserve antibiotics.
Parasite DNA, such as from Sarcocystis, Cryptosporidium, or Eimeria, appeared exclusively in raw food. Influenza A viruses, however, were not detected in any sample. Alarmingly, none of the freeze-dried products were cooked, even though they were sold unrefrigerated on the shelf.
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Danger for Humans and Animals
The study clearly shows: Raw food in the U.S., predominantly in freeze-dried form, is a health risk. It contains live pathogens, many resistant germs, and even parasites that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Particularly dangerous is the potential exchange of resistance genes between bacterial species–even in the intestines of cats and humans. The fact that the Salmonella strains found were almost identical to those from human infections is a clear warning signal. This makes it evident: What ends up in the bowl affects not just the cat, but the entire household.
Pathogens in Cat Food Also in Germany?
Accordingly, it is advised against importing food from the U.S. or buying it while on vacation there. The situation in Germany is somewhat different. Although there have been isolated findings of Salmonella in pet food here, this is the exception. The reason is the strict legal regulations and controls.
The most important rules are based on EU regulations, which are anchored in the Food and Feed Code (LFGB). They ensure that pet food meets high quality and safety standards. These include requirements for animal health protection, the avoidance of contaminants and pathogens, clear labeling obligations for complete and complementary feeds, and the obligation for traceability. For organic products, the provisions of the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848 apply, which also prescribes the EU organic label. 2