Who is Geoff Stein? What studies has he done into canine nutrition? I'd be quite interested to read the work of someone who believes wolves should be cooking their meat

I was also told that canines stomach acid being strong enough to break down bone is also strong enough to kill off Salmonella and only leave traces in the faeces... Anyone confirm if this is true?

Not by quoting a scientific paper Navajo, no, but I will ask OH when he wakes ! I have been told by my vet though that dogs (and wolves of course) will tolerate HUGE levels of salmonella, but that those traces left in the faeces can be a danger to anybody or anything who touched that faeces and ingested it. Another reason for poo picking after our dogs !

Yes, this is true. Just like with horses, there are always low levels of parasites and bacteria in our dogs' intestines. For instance, the only dogs who would have zero worms in their intestines would be lab dogs. All pet dogs, however zealous our worming routine, will have low levels of parasites, this is perfectly normal and will cause the dog no harm. Campylobacter, for instance, is always present in low levels in the dog's stomach, and certainly if you feed raw chicken, as we do, there will be salmonella. But all at safe levels, and yes, traces of these will be in the faeces, which is why we all pick up after our dogs and do not allow our children to come into contact with the stuff.

Hope this helps.

This doesn't make sense Inliveeva ! Where exactly in the intestine? The dog is very well provided with strong enough stomach acid to break down bone. No healthy dog will have any problem at all to kill the bacteria found in raw food. I have been feeding raw for 6 or so years, and never ever had a problem, it is the best and most natural way to feed a dog IMO.

I've read several studies showing that raw fed dogs have salmonella in the faeces, but I don't know if commercial fed dogs have been tested.

I have been feeding raw (including raw chicken and pork) for nearly 2 years now and have never had a problem with salmonella either with my family or with my dog.

So from what I've experienced myself, salmonella is not a problem. I think it could be in a very sick dog though.

Agreed. With a dog with a compromised immune system, it could be a problem. It's all a matter of commonsense.

Yes some raw fed dogs have samonella in their poop. As do some commercially fed dogs. As do some humans. (All perfect picutes of health.)

There is alot worse stuff out there that your dog is sticking it's nose into, sniffing, tasting and eating than some raw meat and bones, trust me.

Moral of the story? Wash your hands before putting them in your mouth if you have been handling poop. And always pick up after your dogs, raw or kibble fed!!!

Gnasher - Im on the nothants/leics border so will have a look at DAF and add my name to the 'interested'. I have a price list from TPMS if you are interested? They deliver once a week to our area but its a 140lb of meat or £40 minimum order.

I'll PM you my email address Dobermonkey, thank you v much.