Can Bird Flu Affect Your Pet?

On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete take a closer look at a new concern surrounding raw pet food: avian influenza, or H5N1. As bird flu continues to affect poultry, dairy cattle, cats, and other mammals, they discuss why uncooked animal ingredients are getting more attention from veterinarians, pet food companies, and the FDA. Dr. Pete explains why cats appear to be more vulnerable to bird flu than dogs, how exposure can happen around farms and infected animals, and why cooking or pasteurization dramatically changes the risk. They also discuss the FDA’s response to H5N1 and why manufacturers using raw or unpasteurized poultry and cattle ingredients are being pushed to take a closer look at their food safety practices. The conversation expands into the broader risks and benefits of raw feeding, including bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria, ingredient sourcing, testing, and why transparency matters when choosing a pet food company. Rather than simply labeling raw diets as good or bad, Molly and Dr. Pete explain why pet owners should understand the added food-safety risks and ask better questions about how their dog or cat’s food is produced. Whether you currently feed raw, have considered making the switch, or simply want to understand how changing infectious diseases can affect pet nutrition, this episode offers practical information to help you make a more informed decision for your pet. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and review!