Raw food is one of the most beneficial diets for dogs. Instead of sticking to dry food, more and more pet owners have switched to feeding their fur babies raw meat-based diets. 

When it comes to raw food, a BARF diet is considered the best option. But what exactly is a BARF diet, and why is it beneficial for your pets? Read on to find an answer to all your queries. 

What is a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet? 

BARF ​or ​​​Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, ​is also known as​​​ Bones and Raw Food.  

Regardless of what you may call it, the diet remains the same. It was designed by Dr Ian Billinghurst, a nutritionist and veterinarian.  

The diet was designed to ensure that all doggos out there get the food their evolved bodies require. It consists of the following: 

This diet ensures all pups get the food that mother nature chose for them. The combination of raw meat, bones, and leafy greens makes for the perfect meal that is low in carbs but rich in protein. Additionally, there aren’t any harmful filler ingredients, and the fat content is just right.  

To sum up, a BARF diet is a fully nutritious and healthy food for dogs.  

Benefits of a BARF Diet 

Now that you understand what a BARF diet ​is, let's​​​ learn about the benefits of raw food for dogs. Since dogs are the descendants of wolves, they naturally feed off raw meat. Any downsides to raw food that you may have heard from fellow pet owners are basically myths and ​rumours​.  

On the flip side, consuming raw food offers endless health benefits, including the following:  

Dogs on dry food tend to develop allergies and skin issues, such as dermatitis, more commonly than dogs on a raw diet. That’s because raw food provides all the nourishment that your pup needs without any filler ingredients. Additionally, raw food improves skin texture and fur quality, making it appear shinier and healthier.  

If your dog sheds a lot or frequently suffers from ear problems or dry and itchy skin, raw food will solve all such issues.   

Providing your dog with a BARF diet helps them get all the nutrients from the meat and an excellent source of calcium from the bones. But the bone serves multiple purposes. For starters, it acts as a natural toothbrush for your doggo and helps break down any food particles left between the teeth. That way, your ​pup’s​ teeth remain free from plaque buildup. But that’s still not the best part. Chewing on raw meaty bones also helps freshen up your dog’s breath.  

And since fruits and vegetables supplement a BARF diet, you can also freshen up their breath by giving them bits of mint leaves.  

Even though dogs are active creatures, many domesticated fur babies tend to be overweight. Why? Mainly because of kibble. Since kibble is packed with starch and carbs that are unnecessary for dogs, they only serve to increase body weight.  

When dogs don’t get the nutrients required, they tend to eat more to make up for the nutritional loss. As a result, it causes obesity which leads to much bigger problems in the​ir​ lives later on.  

But raw food for dogs is the best possible diet. It maintains optimum body weight, allowing your canine friends to get their daily fill of nutrition. Consequently, their appetite also reduces, and they don’t eat any more than necessary.  

When your pup consumes a raw diet, most of the nutrients are absorbed by the body. As a result, they pass less stool, and it smells less, making bathroom trips less painful for you and your doggo.  

Moreover, it also helps reduce any digestive issues that lead to constipation, ​diarrhoea​, vomiting, etc., ensuring your dog stays healthy and fit. If your dog is new to raw food, probiotics can smooth the transition without causing adverse digestive issues.  

Dogs that are on a BARF diet tend to be more energetic and playful. Contrary to common belief, a raw diet does not make your fur babies aggressive. Instead, it boosts their stamina and makes them more obedient.  

Additionally, it also boosts the immune system, which helps your dog stay free from diseases and illnesses.  

A Detailed Composition of a BARF Diet 

Now that you know what a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet is and how it can benefit your pup let’s take a look at its composition.  

Knowing the composition of a BARF diet is important if you plan to proportion it yourself. Here’s what it contains:  

Let’s now categorize the diet based on protein, plants, and occasional supplements.  

Protein 

Protein is the central component of raw diets for dogs. The highest ratio is of fresh, raw, and high-quality muscle meat. Muscle meat can be given along with the bones, but make sure you only use lean cuts.  

Most dogs love beef, but depending on your fur baby’s preference, you can start with poultry such as chicken, turkey, etc.  

As for the organ meat, you should always include the liver. Additionally, you can also mix kidneys or other organs into the meal.  

When it comes to bones, you can either offer whole bones or ground them. Ground bones are easier to digest, and they do not pose any choking hazard. But if your doggo is a fan of chewing on bones, start with soft chicken bones and only use suitable beef bones. Giving them hard bones is not recommended as they can be damaging to their teeth. One more thing to keep note of is that the bones should be completely raw.  

Cooked bones become hard and brittle, which can splinter and cause teeth to fall out.  

While meat is certainly the best form of protein for your doggo, you can also source it from dairy products such as ​yoghurt​ and cottage cheese. Additionally, raw eggs can also be added to the diet.  

Fish also provides protein, but giving your dog fish more than once a week is not recommended.  

Plants 

Of course, protein is the key focus of a BARF diet, but plant-based foods are also a great source of nutrition for dogs. These foods enrich your doggo with essential nutrients needed for a healthy life and boost immunity.  

Plant-based foods are sub-divided into three categories, including:  

Supplements 

A meat-based diet with small quantities of fruits and vegetables is typically enough for dogs. They do not need any additional supplements. However, they may fall sick occasionally. During such times, you may supplement their diet with other elements.  

These can include milk, soup, stocks, and water, particularly when your dog is suffering from ​diarrhoea​ and vomiting. These foods provide ample hydration.  

Barley, flax, along with other cereal foods should be given if your doggo is facing tummy issues. These foods help improve digestion.  

Some other supplements that may help improve your pup’s health include kelp, fish oil, vitamin E, zinc, etc.  

When it comes to a BARF diet, stick to a mix-and-match approach. Try to offer protein and vitamins from different plant and meat sources instead of sticking to only one particular type of diet.  

Prepping Your Doggo for a Raw Diet 

When switching diets, some dogs can get really picky. That’s why you should always prep your dog in advance to make the transition as smooth as possible.  

Gradual Additions and Meal Times 

Initially, you should offer small quantities of raw meat. Once your fur baby adjusts to the taste, start increasing the amount till it takes over the entire meal.  

Additionally, you should stick to the usual feeding routine. If your dog generally eats once a day, then stick to that schedule. It will help your dog become familiar with the new meals.  

Meal Proportions 

The weight of the food depends on the weight of your dog. Most adult dogs require raw food that weighs nearly 3% of their total body weight. Of course, depending on your pup’s health, you may have to increase or decrease the total amount slightly.  

For larger breeds, you don’t need to cut the meat into small pieces. Instead, give the whole piece to your doggo, and they will eat it themselves. Doing so helps improve their oral hygiene. But for smaller doggos, you will have to ensure they get access to bite-sized pieces of meat.  

Presence of Fat in Meals 

Another thing to consider is the presence of fat. Too much fat can be harmful to dogs. Choose leaner cuts and avoid processed meat. If possible, consider purchasing raw food from stores that pre-proportion meals to make your life easier.