Raw Feeding for Dogs Using BARF

Feeding dogs raw has a variety of benefits, from better digestion and stools to a healthier and shinier coat. It is very important to research raw feeding before switching your dog to this diet. In this brief article, I aim to introduce you to raw feeding, how much your dog should be eating, the pros and cons of feeding raw, and more. We will only be discussing one type of raw feeding, the BARF method, in this article.


What is BARF?
BARF stands for "biologically appropriate raw food." It mainly includes muscle meat, organs (offal), bones, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This method was founded by veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Ian Billinghurst. The key principle of BARF is to feed dogs a natural diet. The diet is high in protein and moderate in fat.


How do I feed raw using BARF?
Feeding dogs using BARF can feel difficult at first, but once you get used to the meal prep routine, it can be quite simple. A good raw diet using BARF should include:

• 70% raw muscle meat
• 10% raw bone
• 7% vegetables
• 5% liver
• 5% other secreting organ
• 2% seeds and nuts
• 1% fruit

For muscle meat, you can use pretty much any raw meat, ground beef, chicken, turkey, venison, and even fish. Examples of raw bone may be poultry feet, poultry necks, and poultry legs and wings. It is a good idea to switch up the meat and raw bones you use every once in awhile to keep a varied diet and make sure your dog is getting all the vital nutrients. It is also very important to remember to never feed your cooked poultry or pork bones, as they are too soft and will splinter. Raw bones are perfectly safe for your dog. They not only provide enrichment but can also help keep your dog's teeth clean. You can also add different toppings to your dog's food, such as eggs (raw or cooked), fish oils, or any dietary supplements. If your dog does not enjoy raw organs, you can dehyderate them; in this case, you would feed 1/3 the amount. Dogs should eat 2-3% of their body weight in raw food per day, depending on activity level and metabolism. It is important to monitor your dog's condition to decide if they need more or less food.


What are the benefits of feeding raw?
Feeding raw has many benefits, including but not limited to:

• You control exactly what your dogs eat.
• Limited to no processed food intake
• Better digestion
• Healthier skin and coat
• Less gas
• Potential for less illness
• Great for picky eaters
• Stronger, leaner dogs
• Less and firmer stool

Raw feeding is great for dogs with allergies because it allows you to control 100% of what is fed to your dog. It is also higher in protein and contains fewer carbohydrates and starches. Studies have shown that raw-fed dogs may live up to 32 months (almost 3 years!) longer than dogs eating commercial food. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia and even some cancers.


What are the cons of feeding raw?
Raw feeding proposes very few cons. One of the main issues is sanitation. It is important to be clean when handling raw meats; be sure to always wash your hands immediately after handling. Another common issue is the dog becoming nutrient deficient, but this is only a problem if the food is missing ingredients or you are not feeding the proper amount. Storing the food is another potential issue; it should be refrigerated for short periods or frozen to keep for longer periods. The price to feed raw may also be an issue; the price difference from processed dog food depends on where you live and source your raw food and, of course, what commercial dog food you feed.


Common questions
Isn't raw meat dangerous for dogs?
No, raw meat, eggs, and bones are perfectly safe for dogs due to their very acidic stomachs. Healthy dogs are safe to eat raw food as long as it is not spoiled.


How do I transition my dog to raw food?
Transition to raw just as you would to any other dog food. Give 25% raw with 75% original food for a few days, then 50% raw and 50% original food for a few days, then 75% raw and 25% original food a few days, and finally 100% raw diet.


What if my dog is unable to eat bones?
If your dog is unable to eat bones, you can substitute for bone broth in their place. They make bone broth specifically for dogs.


What about treats?
You can still feed normal processed treats or make your own. You can dehydrate meats yourself or buy dehydrated or freeze-dried treats. There is a wide variety of raw treats or limited ingredient treats on the market.


Final thoughts
Raw feeding is a wonderful option for many dogs. I hope this article has helped you decide to switch to raw feeding for your dogs. Thank you very much for reading this article and I hope you enjoyed it.