Milly Gaines
The BARF diet for dogs stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. It is a natural and nutritious way to feed dogs, mimicking the diet they would have eaten in the wild before domestication. The BARF diet is based on raw animal proteins and is meant to provide dogs with a more natural and healthier way to eat. It includes raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruits, and is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs. The diet has gained popularity among dog owners due to its potential health benefits, such as improved canine health, better weight management, and fewer digestive problems and allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food |
| Acronym | BARF |
| Philosophy | Feed dogs the diet they evolved to eat—a raw diet composed of meats and greens that are fresh, uncooked and wild |
| Benefits | Improved canine health, better weight management, fewer digestive problems and allergies |
| Commercial Availability | Yes |
| Raw Ingredients | Meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, supplements |
| Nutritional Requirements | All important components (nutrients, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, proteins, etc.) need to be present in the food in appropriate and sufficient amounts |
| Risks | Raw meat can be a breeding ground for parasites and salmonella |
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What You'll Learn
Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs)
RMBDs can include a combination of raw meat and other uncooked ingredients such as certain fruits and vegetables. They can also be supplemented with grains and vitamins. However, not all RMBDs on the market are nutritionally balanced, and some may require additional ingredients to ensure your dog receives the proper vitamins and minerals. It is important to understand your dog's individual nutritional needs and consult a veterinarian or animal nutritional expert before switching to an RMBD.
When preparing RMBDs at home, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both your dog and yourself. Raw meat can be a breeding ground for bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. It is recommended to freeze meat for at least one week at -17 to -20 degrees Celsius to kill potential parasites. Additionally, pork should never be fed raw, even if it has been deep-frozen, due to the risk of nematodes (trichinae) that can infect your dog. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat and disinfect any surfaces it has come into contact with.
RMBDs have their supporters and detractors. Some veterinarians and dog owners advocate for RMBDs, claiming that they result in improved canine health, better weight management, and fewer digestive problems and allergies. On the other hand, critics argue that there are no studies proving the benefits of RMBDs over traditional dog food. They also highlight the risks of bacterial contamination and the possibility of nutritional imbalances, especially when RMBDs are prepared at home without the guidance of a pet nutrition specialist.
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Prey Model Diet
The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet is based on the idea that dogs are true carnivores and should follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, the wolves. This means consuming a diet that mimics what wolves ate in the wild. The PMR diet eliminates processed foods and provides dogs with a natural diet that consists of whole, wild prey animals, including all internal organs, blood, and glands with the fur and feathers still attached.
The PMR diet is typically composed of 80% meat, 10% raw edible bones, and 10% secreting organ, with 5% of the organ being liver. This can also be expressed as a semi-flexible ratio of 80/10/5/5, with the remaining 5% consisting of value-added ingredients such as kelp, eggshell membrane, and raw goat milk to boost bioavailable nutrition. It is important to note that the muscle meat ratio does not mean feeding muscle meat exclusively; it includes other ingredients such as saturated fat for energy.
Whole prey animals can include wild game such as rabbit, duck, quail, and beaver, as well as domesticated prey such as farmed rabbit and duck. It is not recommended to feed live whole prey. For those who cannot source or are uncomfortable with feeding whole prey, an alternative approach is "Frankenprey", which involves feeding a variety of parts from whole animals, such as chicken quarters, lamb hearts, beef liver, chicken feet, and buffalo kidneys.
The PMR diet does not typically include plant, dairy, or fruit ingredients. However, it is important to note that this diet may be deficient in essential nutrients such as zinc, manganese, and vitamins D3 and E. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious and educate yourself on the specific nutritional requirements of your dog before committing to any diet.
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Commercially Processed Frozen Diets
One popular brand offering this type of diet is Steve's Real Food, whose frozen raw dog food is formulated as a B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model diet. Their formula includes 80% meat, organ, and bone, 15% GMO-free and pesticide-free produce, and 5% value-added ingredients such as New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, coconut oil, and raw goat milk. The food is available in convenient bags of scoop-and-serve nuggets or 8-ounce patties. It is important to note that frozen raw dog food should not be microwaved as it can make the bones brittle and deplete nutrients. Additionally, it should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours at room temperature.
Another brand, Darwin's Natural Pet Products, offers high-protein, gluten-free, and grain-free raw meals for dogs that are shipped directly to consumers to ensure freshness and convenience. Their meals are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
When considering a raw diet for your dog, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. According to WebMD, several studies published in veterinary journals have documented the risks of raw diets. One concern is the presence of harmful bacteria, which can also be found in commercially processed pet foods and raw meat for human consumption. However, supporters of raw diets argue that the risk of bacteria is mitigated by proper food handling practices, such as washing hands and cleaning surfaces. Additionally, the FDA has provided guidance on addressing typical nutrition problems in raw meat diets, such as ensuring sufficient calcium and phosphorous for bone health and being cautious of vitamin A toxicity from high levels of liver.
Before transitioning your dog to a raw diet, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritional expert to understand your pet's individual nutritional needs and create a specific profile of their requirements. Breed, activity level, and age can also help determine the daily food quantity. It is important to introduce the new food gradually, adding less of the old food day by day until your pet is only receiving the new food. Additionally, raw meat should be frozen sufficiently (at least one week at -17 to -20 degrees Celsius) to kill potential parasites, and pork should never be fed raw due to the risk of nematodes.
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Benefits of a BARF diet
The BARF diet, or "Bones and Raw Food" diet, is a specialised diet that consists of feeding dogs raw food, including meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. The diet was first proposed in 1993 by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, who argued that dogs would benefit from a diet based on the eating habits of their evolutionary ancestors.
Improved Nutrition
The BARF diet provides a more natural and unprocessed way of feeding your dog, ensuring they receive a range of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Raw food is also easier for dogs to digest, leading to fewer digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating.
Weight Management
A raw food diet can help with weight management in dogs. The high protein content of the BARF diet helps dogs feel fuller and more satisfied after meals, reducing the amount of food they consume. Additionally, the diet can be easily tweaked and controlled to meet the specific weight management needs of your dog.
Oral Health
The BARF diet has been linked to improved oral health in dogs, resulting in cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and better breath. This can have a significant impact on your dog's overall health and longevity, as oral hygiene can extend a dog's life by up to three years.
Skin and Coat Health
Feeding your dog a raw diet can lead to a shinier, softer, and healthier-looking coat due to the higher protein content and concentrations of amino compounds and omegas. Additionally, dogs may experience relief from skin allergies, irritations, dryness, flakiness, and itching, improving their overall quality of life.
Increased Energy and Mobility
The BARF diet has been reported to boost energy levels and improve mobility in dogs, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis. This increased energy can lead to a more active and healthier lifestyle for your dog.
While the BARF diet has its potential benefits, it is important to consult with your veterinarian or a certified animal nutritionist before making any significant dietary changes for your dog. They can help determine if a raw food diet is suitable for your dog's specific needs and guide you in creating a balanced and safe meal plan.
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How much raw food to feed your dog
The amount of raw food to feed your dog depends on several factors, including the dog's breed, activity level, and age. It is important to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritional expert to determine your dog's specific nutritional needs and create an individual profile of its requirements.
The BARF diet, or Bones and Raw Food, is a popular raw feeding programme for dogs that aims to maximise health and longevity while minimising health concerns. It consists of fresh, uncooked meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes herbs, dairy, whole grains, minerals, and supplements.
The recommended guidelines for a BARF diet for an adult dog with a normal activity level consist of 70% muscle meat, 10-15% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organ, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit. This diet provides a full spectrum of nutrients, amino acids, quality fats, and vitamins that dogs need to maintain good health.
It is important to note that raw meat can be a breeding ground for salmonella and parasites, so it must be handled and stored safely. Meat should be frozen at -17 to -20 degrees Celsius for at least one week before feeding to kill potential parasites. Additionally, pork should never be fed raw, even if it has been deep-frozen, due to the risk of nematodes.
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Frequently asked questions
BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or “Bones and Raw Food”.
The BARF diet is a raw food diet for dogs, composed of uncooked meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. The diet is designed to mimic the way a dog might eat in the wild, providing a more natural and nutritious way of eating.
The BARF diet is said to improve canine health, aid in weight management, and reduce digestive problems and allergies. It is also grain-free, which is beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin and gut health.
