What is BARF?

Have you heard of the BARF diet yet? Perhaps you have because it's the diet that reigns in the canine kingdom. BARF is an acronym for, Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods. It is a diet that mimics the natural diet of dogs.

Due to its nutritional value and health benefits, the BARF diet is growing in popularity. But what is BARF, exactly? And is it right for your dog? We'll answer all your questions about the BARF diet and help you decide if it's right for your furry friend. 

What is BARF?

BARF, “Bones And Raw Food” or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods” is a diet for dogs made up of raw, fresh food. The goal of the BARF diet is to mimic the diet of a dog's ancestor, the wolf. Wolves eat meat, organs, and bones, which BARF feeders try to give their dogs. There are different ways to follow a BARF diet. But the basic premise is to feed your dog fresh, raw meat, bones, and organs.

What are the Constituents of the BARF Diet?

What is the right proportion of the BARF diet? You need not second guess about this so your dog can get the proper nutritional balance. The BARF diet ratio includes:

• 70% raw, edible muscular flesh.
• 10% fresh, uncooked bone.
• 5% of the liver.
• 5% of the other secreting organs.
• 10% fruits and vegetables.

The BARF diet is more natural and healthier for dogs than other diets. If your dog were in nature, they would not feed on one source of raw meat. So, you should mix up the proteins and vegetables you feed your dog. For example:

• Protein sources could be beef, pork, turkey, raw eggs, grounded raw bone, and fish once or twice a week.
• Vegetables could include leafy greens, spinach, pumpkin, celery, broccoli, carrots, and squash. Avoid onions and avocados since they are toxic to dogs. 
• Also, include fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, and apples.

How to Prepare BARF Diet

It can be a little daunting to switch your pup to a BARF diet, but it's not as hard as you might think. The key is to start small. Mix BARF with your dog's current food until they completely transition over. You'll also want to ensure you have the proper tools to make preparing BARF easy.  

Benefits of BARF Diet

Barf diet has many health benefits that can improve your dog's wellbeing. For starters, it can:

• Boost your dog's dental health.
• Cut allergies, stabilize dogs' weight, and give them more energy.
• Reduce digestive problems.
• Give your dog a smooth coat.
• Stabilize your dog's weight.
• Reduce stress, anxiety, and aggressiveness. 

Downsides of BARF Diet

• You should also consider these factors when deciding if BARF is a good option for your dog:
• The raw dog food may contain larger fragments of bones which might be difficult for dogs to eat.
• Can lead to gastrointestinal inflammation and infections, dogs can suffer from diarrhea and bowel constructions.
• It can be quite a time-consuming process and it is more expensive than the dog food available in the market.
• Many vets and animal experts believe raw dog food should not be given to dogs suffering from cancer or other such diseases as they are more susceptible to bacteria and can lead to serious ​​consequences.

How to start a BARF diet for your dog

So, you're considering starting a BARF diet for your dog? That's great. Implementing a BARF diet can be an incredible way to improve your dog's health and vitality. 

The first step is to determine your dog's ideal daily calorie intake. This will vary depending on your dog's weight, activity level, and age. Once you have that number, divide it by 3 or 4 to get the number of ounces of food you'll need to feed your dog each day. 

You can either prepare all the food yourself or buy pre-packaged BARF meals. If you choose to make your own, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and avoid processed meats.

To Sum Up

A BARF diet is a great way to provide your dog with the nutrients they need for a healthy, balanced diet. The benefits of a BARF diet include better digestion, a shinier coat, healthier skin, a stronger immune system, and reduced allergies.