Gastric juice is the natural protection against all kinds of funny bits in dog food. Gastric juice does have a function in the digestion process, of course. But ‘by coincidence’ many bacteria get killed at a degree of acidity of around pH3. Bacteria are made of protein for the most part, making them also prey to the protein-splitting enzymes in the stomach (pepsin).

Traces (new bacteria in the making) are most likely to survive the acid and enzyme attack, leaving the body of the dog together with the excrement. When feeding on fresh meat, it is recommended to buy reliable products. Meat that has been processed in a hygienic way.

Bacteria can be benign or malignant. Malignant effects may manifest themselves in two ways. Firstly by the bacteria themselves, e.g. because the dog is unable to produce the required antibodies and the number of bacteria is steadily increasing. Secondly, through the substances produced by the bacteria, the so-called toxins, for which no antibodies can be produced.

Some toxins can cause damage to the nervous system (as is the case in botulism), others can be carcinogenic. Some benign bacteria may suddenly turn malignant.