B.A.R.F. – Raw Dog Food Diet

Many dog owners have heard of B.A.R.F. or BARFing at least once. The raw food diet is a way of feeding your furry friend. BARFing has now gained many followers. Others are still sceptical about the whole thing. Let's take a look at what advantages and disadvantages the B.A.R.F. diet has below. 

What does B.A.R.F. mean?

A new meaning for the term ‘barfing’ has developed from the abbreviation B.A.R.F.. BARFing means feeding your dog according to this method. It isn't clear whether the acronym originally stood for ‘Born-Again Raw Feeders,’ ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’ or ‘Bones And Raw Foods.’It is usually understood as ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.’

The basic idea of feeding raw

So it's all about feeding your pet raw food. The idea of the B.A.R.F dog food diet comes from the basis that dogs are descended from wolves and that wolves also eat raw food. To avoid misunderstandings: It is not about only feeding raw meat to your dog. That would certainly not be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is always the goal.Wolves eat their prey including offal and bones, as well as snacking on herbs, grass and berries from the wild, thus gathering their own raw food. 

BARFing for dogs – here's what it involves

Dogs are carni-omnivores, meaning they are omnivores with a particular focus on meat. If you want to feed your dog a BARF diet, its dietary needs still remain the same. When choosing BARF meals, you are responsible for ensuring that they contain all the necessary nutrients for your pet. This requires patience  especially in the beginning.You need the time to acquire the know-how and the time to prepare the BARF diet. 

The rule of thumb is to feed about 2–3% of the dog's body weight per day. The amount should consist of 70–80% meat, offal and bones, and 20–30% fruit and vegetables, as well as important supplements. 

Before introducing your dog to the BARF diet – for a good start

BARFing requires practice and knowledge. The latter is essential from the start to maintain your pet's health. If you do decide to feed your furry friend a raw diet, please seek advice from someone with expertise before doing so. A visit to your trusted veterinary clinic and/or certified nutritional consultant is a must. Don't rely on a quick Google search. Your dog will thank you. 

When feeding a BARF diet, you are responsible for the individual components in your dog's food and thus its health. There is a risk of excess or deficiency of various nutrients if selection is not carried out properly. A professionally calculated feeding plan is advisable in any case. In addition, during the consultation you will be informed about the hygiene measures that are necessary for handling raw meat. 

Advantages of BARFing

As already mentioned, with barfing you choose the ingredients for your dog's diet yourself. This allows you to respond well to individual needs, for example in the case of a four-legged friend who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance. The same applies to overweight animals, where you need to pay special to the diet. Another plus point is that a dog that has become accustomed to BARF meals usually utilises the nutrients very easily. As a result, stools are rather small. 

Is BARF suitable for all dogs?

Yes and no. All dogs can be BARFed – except those that are unwell. Dog food must always and without exception be adapted to the needs of the respective animal. A puppy or senior dog has different dietary requirements to an adult dog. Puppies need an increased nutritional supply, while seniors need a reduced one. Both can be fed the BARF diet, but in different compositions. In addition, senior dogs may no longer be able to chew raw meat. With puppies, on the other hand, there is a danger of letting them get their paws on raw bones too early, which can cause nasty injuries or blockages. 

The vital substance requirements of our four-legged friends change in stressful situations, after operations or during illnesses. If your pet suffers from liver or kidney disease, the high protein content of a BARF meal is counterproductive. 

Please consult with your trusted vet if you would like to feed your dog a BARF diet. In some cases, they will advise you not to feed the ingredients raw, but to cook them first. 

Save time with Mix & Match BARF supplementary food

Since creating a BARF diet takes quite a bit of time, we at DOG'S LOVE thought we'd help you save some time. Our BARF supplementary food for dogs is served in the usual DOG'S LOVE high quality. For example, mix BARF Pure Beef with our Bio Greens or Bio Reds as you see fit. Add a little of the Natural Bio Oil and your balanced meal is ready! All necessary supplements are already included in our Mix & Match products. This means that a balanced meal is served in the bowl and optimal care is guaranteed.