Raw meat diets are a major risk factor for carriage of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant and multidrug-resistant E. coli by dogs in the UK

This study has shown that dogs fed RMD in the UK are significantly more likely to shed <i>E. coli</i> which is resistant to highest priority critically important antibiotics, and multidrug resistant <i>E. coli</i>, than dogs fed NRMD. Additionally, AMR-<i>E. coli</i> isolates from RMD-fed dogs harbor multiple, diverse, and novel AMR genes. Therefore, provision of RMD to dogs could pose an important potential threat to human and animal health, especially given the close nature of the relationship many owners share with their pets. Awareness of these findings should be shared with pet owners, veterinary and medical professionals, pet food manufacturers and public health to mitigate potential risks.