BARF Diets-Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods

While the name is not at all appealing, BARF diets for dogs and even for cats have really become popular with many dog owners, breeders and even vets and nutritionalists. BARF actually stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods or alternatively for Bones and Raw Foods. These diets are literally a movement back to the foods that canine species would have consumed when they were living in the wilds and on their own, just the way that nature intended.

In order to understand why BARF diets are good for dogs it is important to know a bit about a dog's nutritional needs. The first mistake many people make is to assume that a dog is a true carnivore. In reality a dog is not a true carnivore that only eats meat; rather they are an omnivore. An omnivore is an animal that eats both plant material and meat. Humans are omnivores as are dogs. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores which means that they require a lot of meat in their diet to stay healthy. Dogs need less meat in proportion than cats to stay nutritionally healthy and to maintain growth, health and reproductive functioning.

BARF diets incorporate high quality, lean cuts of meat, meaty bones, vegetables, fruits and some nutritional supplements to ensure that the dog receives a natural, balanced diet. The meats typically used in BARF diets include raw chicken, beef and lamb and different types of raw fish. The meat is typically fed on the bone so the cuts have to be appropriate for that type of consumption. Vegetables include broccoli, turnip, carrot, green beans, squash or the green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Veggies may be very finely chopped or even pureed, depending on the dog and the diet. Eggs, organ meats, yogurt and oils for Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids are also key components of the diet. The amount of food provided each day is determined by the weight of the dog and will also change based on the dog's activity level.

If you are considering a BARF diet it is important to keep in mind that the dog will need time to adjust to the diet and his or her digestive system will be a bit off during this process. The dog will need more frequent trips outside plus they may have more gas than usual until they adjust to the new food type. Dog owners that favor the BARF diet report their dogs are healthier, more energetic and have shiny coats and no bad breath problems while on the fresh foods. In addition many dogs with skin allergies or chronic infections also are much healthier on these diets.

BARF diets now come in pre-measured packages that are frozen and thawed when needed. You can also buy everything fresh yourself and make your own meals. If you have a butcher close to you it may be possible to work on a deal for bones and cuts, just be careful to feed only lean cuts of meat and avoid too much fat in the diet. You should also look for organically grown meat and vegetables to avoid any possible additives.