Why are animals able to eat meat without getting sick?

Question

I can't understand why animals are able to gobble down meat straight off the bone or that has been rotting for days, and Humans become extremely sick if meat is undercooked. Why is this what is different about their bodies and ours?

Answer 1

Actually, for the most part, humans are perfectly capable of eating raw meat, and even meat that is far more decomposed than a cat will eat without ill effects.

The main problem with raw meat usually isn't disease or decay, but parasites. Particularily parasitic worms like Trichonella can be found encysted in raw meat. We humans have decided that we're not so terribly fond of having little worms burrowing through our flesh and so have developed the habit of cooking our meat so when we eat the worms they're well done. Our modern food inspection also pretty much ensures that most of our meat is completely parasite free, but we've also found we like the taste of cooked meat better.

Other predators, like cats, wolves and bears don't have the luxury of being able to cook their meat, and tend to be totally riddled with parasites. If you hunt bear, I'd highly recommend making sure that flank is very well done before chowing down.

As for decaying/rotting meat, the human digestive system is actually very good at breaking down meat that has gone a bit iffy. In fact, most of our meat is aged for several days before processing and consumption just to give it some flavour and tenderness as the muscle tissue breaks down. Other omnivore/scavenger type critters like dogs and bears share our taste for meat with a little age on it. Cats tend to prefer their meat much fresher.

The sickness and indigestion that we experience from eating raw/undercooked meat is mostly due to our own habit of eating it cooked, and so we aren't used to eating raw meat anymore. It's much like trying any new kind of food. Our bodies tend to prefer stuff like we've always eaten, and change is greeted with initial rejection and griping before settling down and deciding whether or not it's actually edible. Sort of like Calvin and hamburger casserole.

Answer 2

Because they are simply accustomed to it.... I agree totally with Haysoos.... I know from experience that humans can eat raw or undercooked meat without getting sick just look at the Inuit, they regularly eat raw meats and do not get ill. This is mostly due to the simple fact that if you expose yourself to certain things you get an immunity to it (except parasites) if you dont you are susceptible to it. For example all the hype about Salmonella caused alot of people to take the advice of stupid people and stopped eating things like raw cake batter etc all sorts of antibacterial soaps etc. in the end it just made it worse, there are now more cases of salmonella than before because people are not being exposed to it and are not building immunity. Its really remarkable that people actually increase thier risk of sickness by NOT eating raw eggs or meat etc, but it is true. I have never had any food related illness because I expose myself to raw meats and eggs etc anyone who doesnt runs the risk of getting sick until they build immunity.

Answer 3

First of all, vegetarians don't intentionally eat animals. Ever. If you are planning to eat/allow meat, please don't call yourself a vegetarian. It makes it hard for people who have made the commitment to not eating it. If you are at someone else's house, you don't have to eat meat. The best thing to do, of course, is to let them know when they invite you what your dietary restrictions are. Offer to bring a dish to share. They won't feel guilty about serving you meat if they don't serve you meat. Saying that you are vegetarian isn't forcing your view on anyone, it is simply alerting them to it and letting them know why you aren't eating the chicken/whatever. Look at this in another, similar situation. Let's say that you are Jewish. You don't eat pork. Would you feel guilty about turning down bacon, or like you were trying to force someone else to convert if you said, "No thanks, I keep Kosher."? Probably not. The same goes for vegetarianism. Saying no thank you and offering an explanation of why you are saying no is perfectly fine. Returning to what I said above, it is "vegetarians" who often create uncomfortable situations for hosts. If a person who makes exceptions, whether it is for certain social situations or for certain kinds of meat (like fish or poultry), they are teaching people an incorrect definition of vegetarian. It's really awkward to be assured that producing a vegetarian dish is no problem only to find out that the "vegetarian" option is a chicken Caesar salad. It's awkward for both the vegetarian guest and the well-meaning host, and it probably makes both feel guilty. If you aren't ready to be a vegetarian, then don't. Eat vegetarian except in social situations for now. If you are eating meat on a regular basis, even if it is on a monthly basis, you'll still probably be fine so long as you watch the fat (a deep-fried cheeseburger will make you ill). Ya know how you feel after stuffing yourself stupid on Thanksgiving? You'll probably notice a similar feeling after you eat a big steak after going without for a few weeks. That makes a difference and it still rocks. When you're ready to "go all the way," do it whole-heartedly. Hosts would rather you enjoyed what you were having than forcing it down "to be polite" anyway.

Answer 4

Bacteria. Animals and humans have different strains of bacteria in their stomachs. The bacteria eats the bad microogranisms found in the rotting and/or raw meat.

Answer 5

My Japanese lover likes live seafood and says most Japanese do. Koreans do as well I hear. Sashimi is sliced raw fish. Ever try Steak Tartare? make it with raw ground beef with egg and pepper. I don't eat rotten meat, but I do eat raw meat of many types. I weigh 320 pounds, so my lover says I should try a sumo diet.

Answer 6

We've been cooking our meat for so long that our bodies can no longer handle the bacteria in it, animals are use to it, they never cook their food.

Answer 7

animals in the wild have built an immunity to bacteria in meats

Answer 8

I would think they have the ability to eat that nasty stuff because they have maybe different enzymes in their stomachs that breaks down the deadly bacteria that kills us. It's just a guess.

Answer 9

This is the product of evolution my friend, they have adapted many physiological means by which they can stomach even the most disgusting of foods!

Answer 10

Animals that eat carrion also have VERY low pH in their stomachs, which can kill bacteria or parasites.