Milly Gaines
Raw food diets for dogs have been a topic of discussion since 1993 when Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst proposed the idea. Billinghurst suggested that adult dogs would benefit from an evolutionary diet based on what canines ate before they became domesticated: raw, meaty bones and vegetable scraps. He called his feeding suggestions the BARF diet, an acronym for Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. While many mainstream veterinarians disagree, supporters of the raw food diet for dogs tout several benefits, including shinier coats, healthier skin, stronger teeth, better digestion, increased energy levels, and
Characteristics and Values of Raw Food Diet for Dogs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Shinier coats and healthier skin, stronger teeth and fresher breath, better digestion, smaller poops, increased energy levels, weight management, helps eliminate common allergens, healthier gums |
| Composition | 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds or nuts, 1% fruit |
| Risks | Bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, bone safety, parasites, vitamin A toxicity, kidney disease, pancreatitis, weakened immune system |
| Safety Measures | High-pressure processing (HPP), high-quality ingredients, safe handling tips (e.g. washing hands, disinfecting surfaces), proper food storage, cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees |
| Commercial Options | Frozen raw dog food, freeze-dried meat treats, coated kibble |
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What You'll Learn
Bones and raw food (BARF)
Bones and raw food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), is a raw feeding regimen that consists of raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruits. The diet was originally defined as "Bones And Raw Food" and was popularized by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, who advocated for feeding dogs 60% raw, meaty bones. The rest of the diet is composed of a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, grains, and legumes.
The BARF diet is based on the idea of feeding dogs the food they have evolved to eat over millions of years of genetic adaptation. It aims to provide a species-appropriate nutrition that meets all the important nutritional requirements of dogs, including nutrients, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, and proteins. The diet is meant to be balanced, with all the components present in appropriate and sufficient amounts.
The foundation of the BARF diet is raw muscle meat, which provides essential protein, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins. The muscle meat ratio guideline starts at 70% of the overall daily intake, with the understanding that this category includes other ingredients such as saturated fat and muscular organs. Soft, raw, edible bones are another important component, providing essential calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. The raw edible bone ratio guideline starts at 10% of the overall daily intake, but many dogs do well with 12% to 15% bone content.
Fruit is also included in the BARF diet, providing beneficial antioxidants, but it is fed in small amounts due to its sugar content. Vegetables are also a part of the diet, offering carotenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that support immune function and health.
It is important to note that an unbalanced raw diet can harm your dog, and there are some safety concerns associated with raw feeding. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritional expert to determine your dog's specific nutritional needs and create an individual profile before switching to a raw diet. Additionally, proper food handling and sanitation practices are crucial to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses and zoonosis.
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Health benefits
A raw food diet for dogs has many purported health benefits. Proponents of raw food diets for dogs argue that it is more natural for dogs to eat raw food, and that it can lead to better health outcomes.
Firstly, raw food diets are said to improve dogs' dental health. Bones can be used to naturally clean plaque and tartar from dogs' teeth, and raw food diets are said to reduce dental disease.
Secondly, raw food diets are said to improve dogs' skin and coat health. A raw food diet can provide dogs with the essential fatty acids and amino acids they need to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Thirdly, raw food diets are said to improve digestion. A raw food diet can be more easily broken down and used for fuel, leading to reduced waste and firmer stools. It can also help to reduce doggy gas.
Additionally, raw food diets are said to provide dogs with more energy and help them maintain a healthy weight. The high-fat composition of raw food can lead to a shinier coat and improved overall health.
However, it is important to note that there are also risks associated with raw food diets for dogs, including the risk of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. Some experts caution against raw diets, arguing that they can be unbalanced and may not provide dogs with the necessary nutrients. It is always best to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
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Risks and safety
Raw food diets for dogs can include ingredients such as organ or muscle meat, bones, raw eggs, and vegetables. While some believe that a raw food diet can improve a dog's health, with benefits like weight management, cleaner teeth, and a shinier coat, others argue that without proper guidance, it can be detrimental to a dog's well-being.
There are several risks and safety precautions to consider when feeding your dog a raw diet. Firstly, raw food diets may be nutritionally unbalanced, lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Calcium and phosphorus may be present in inadequate amounts or difficult to digest. It is important to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and complete.
Secondly, raw food diets have been associated with bacterial contamination. Studies by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine have found that raw pet food is more likely to contain disease-causing bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose health risks to both dogs and their owners. These bacteria can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, utensils, or surfaces, leading to infections such as salmonellosis. Therefore, it is crucial to practice safe food handling when preparing raw food for your dog. This includes thoroughly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw food or touching any surfaces or objects that have come into contact with it, and disinfecting all surfaces and objects that have been in contact with raw food.
Additionally, the presence of bones in a raw food diet can pose a risk of injury to dogs. Bones can cause choking, break teeth, or lead to internal punctures. Cooked bones, in particular, are susceptible to splintering and should be fed under supervision.
It is worth noting that many animal care facilities, such as animal hospitals and kennels, do not accept animals fed raw food diets due to the potential for disease spread. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends excluding animals that have consumed raw foods or treats of animal origin within the past 90 days from healthcare facilities.
Before starting your dog on a raw food diet, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it is suitable for your pet's specific nutritional needs and to receive guidance on safe handling and preparation practices.
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Weight management
A raw food diet can be packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is based on the natural diet of their wild wolf ancestors. When feeding a raw diet, it is recommended that adult dogs consume 2-3% of their body weight each day. For example, a 25-lb dog should eat 8-12 ounces of food per day. Younger, more active dogs, or those needing to gain weight, may need more than 3% of their weight in food per day, while senior, inactive, or obese dogs may need less than 2%.
It is important to note that raw diets for dogs have been criticised for their potential health risks, such as bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. Some dogs with certain health conditions may be better off avoiding raw food, and puppies should be fed cooked food. If you are considering switching your dog to a raw food diet, it is important to consult a veterinarian who can guide you in the proper handling and cleaning required to address possible health concerns.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the amount and types of extra food given when managing your dog's weight. Treats can easily lead to overfeeding, and while meal toppers like vegetables or fish can provide extra nutrients, they should be given in moderation with their calories and fat content considered.
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Raw food preparation
The BARF diet consists of raw muscle meat, which provides essential protein, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins. The recommended guidelines for the BARF diet consist of 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit.
The muscle meat ratio guideline starts at 70% of the overall daily intake, but it's important to note that this does not mean feeding muscle meat exclusively. The bone content can be estimated, and it is generally fine to be a bit off. Just make sure there is at least 10% to 15% bone content for adult dogs and 12% to 15% for puppies to support their skeletal growth and teeth development.
The liver is an important ingredient in BARF diets, providing essential fat-soluble vitamin A and water-soluble vitamins. The liver ratio guideline starts at 5% of the overall daily intake, but this can be as low as 2% for dogs sensitive to organs. Other secreting organs, such as kidneys, are beneficial and provide essential minerals and water-soluble vitamins. The other organ ratio guideline starts at 5%.
Raw seeds and nuts are also beneficial, providing essential minerals, fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins. They should be pre-soaked and ground for optimal digestion and start at 2% of the overall daily intake. Fruit is fed in small amounts due to sugar levels and starts at 1% of the overall daily intake.
When preparing raw food for dogs, it is important to handle the food very carefully. This includes containing any splashes or drips, cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and dishes, and washing your hands thoroughly with soap. It is also important to store the food properly and be mindful of the risks of bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, bone safety, and parasites.
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Frequently asked questions
A raw diet can help your dog maintain a healthy weight, improve skin and coat health, increase energy levels, and support better digestion.
The foundation of a raw diet for dogs is protein and fat. The recommended guidelines for a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet consist of 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit.
There are some risks associated with raw diets for dogs, including bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, and bone safety. It is important to store food properly, clean surfaces, and wash your hands after handling raw food.
Transitioning your dog to a raw diet can take weeks or even months. You can start by mixing raw food with their current kibble to offer the best of both worlds and provide balanced nutrition.
