Pets' Raw Food Diets Cause Concern

(CBS)  A trend that's starting to catch on among pet owners is worrying many veterinarians.

More and more dogs and cats are finding raw food in their bowls, says The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner.

She

explains

to co-anchor Julie Chen that the raw food diets consist mainly of beef, chicken and lamb. Most are commercially prepared. They also contain vegetables, fruits and grains.

A twist on them is known as "Barf," which stands for biologically appropriate raw food. It used to be known as bones and raw food.

The meats generally come in little patties, or bricks, which are frozen.

But because this is raw meat, you have to treat it as raw meat, Turner cautions.

There's also a freeze-dried version, which you don't have to refrigerate. And organic chicken is available.

Turner says proponents of raw food diets "sing their praises high to the heavens and back. They say that it keeps the animal healthier and they'll live longer. They'll go to the vet less. Their coat will be shinier. They'll perform better, they'll have a better immune system, their teeth will be cleaner. They have enzymes that help their immune system. They tout it to the rooftop and back, saying wild canines and felines eat raw foods. So our pets are made to eat these type of diets."

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[mama5870]

are you kidding me Dr. Ann. You wont make any money by telling people the raw diet is the best thing for dogs and cats. The garbage they put in dog food is disgusting and they should be ashamed. My dog has been on raw since Dec of this year and we will never go back. Hes not on the premium dog food, its regular meat. No vegetables and hes not calcium deficient. He was sick when he was a puppy and no matter what we did, medication and all, was't making him better. So maybe you should really check your facts before going on air.