BARF is a topic that divides opinions, with as many supporters as there are opponents. Nevertheless, Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding (BARF) for dogs has gained popularity.
We want to introduce the growing trend and provide you with general information about this feeding method, presenting the motivations, principles, and risks of BARFing. We will also delve into the composition of a typical BARF ration.
The fundamental idea behind the BARF method is to align the feeding of domestic dogs with the natural diet of wolves. Accordingly, the diet should consist of raw meat, organs, bones, raw vegetables, and fruits.
The BARF movement was initiated by the book of an Australian veterinarian named Ian Billinghurst in 1993. Since then, there have been various models explored by experts, veterinarians, and institutions, continually redefining the concept.
Motivations for BARF at a Glance
The motivations for BARF, or more appropriately, for raw feeding, are evident.
- Commercial dry and canned food is increasingly rejected due to diminishing trust caused by recurring food scandals. Perhaps you are already one of the dog owners who have lost confidence in the pet food industry?
- The chewing time for non-ground products is extended and is therefore perceived as more natural. What are ground products? Ground products have already been processed and minced by a grinder. They are then packaged directly. Often, frozen products, commonly used for BARFing, fall into this category.
The aim is not to feed any ready-made mixture but to provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for the four-legged friends. Knowing the individual components of the food and their nutritional values is a notable advantage and can be beneficial. In 2013, 23 percent of dogs were fed a BARF diet, but only 8 percent of the rations were homemade, mostly for old and sick dogs.
The BARF trend is perceived as healthier, more natural, and species-appropriate because valuable ingredients are lost during the production process of commercial food. This results in lower nutritional value. Advocates argue that additives such as grains and carbohydrates are unnecessary, and meat-rich rations are sufficient.
Switching to BARF is also motivated by dog illnesses, such as food allergies. The dental health of dogs is often cited as an advantage in various long-term studies. However, studies on wild dogs counter this and claim that a conclusive statement about the impact of raw meat feeding on dental health cannot be made.
What Does a BARF Ration Look Like?
The common method of ration creation, often named after the respective founders (BARF according to Lonsdale, Billinghurst, or Simon), sets the total feed amount in BARF at two percent of the dog’s body weight. However, the individual energy requirements vary from dog to dog. The values of the National Research Council provide a rough orientation. The NRC is a private non-profit organization in the USA that sets minimum dietary requirements for dogs.
However, opinions on BARF rations vary significantly among proponents. Some suggest that 70 percent of the diet should be meat, with only 30 percent consisting of vegetables and fruits. Veterinary nutrition consultants recommend a distribution for cooked rations of 50 percent carbohydrates, 40 percent proteins, 5 percent fats, and 2-5 percent fiber. Additionally, supplementation with vitamins and mineral supplements is recommended.
BARF rations almost always include various types of muscle meat, organs, different types of bones, supplemented with chopped or pureed vegetables and fruits. Vegetables are often cooked or administered in dried flake form.
BARF is not the same as BARF
There is also a distinction between a full BARFer and a partial BARFer.
A “partial BARFer” supplements their dog’s diet with carbohydrates such as pasta, millet, or potatoes.
Various herbs are often used as additives. Others prefer the Prey model of BARFing and exclude fruits, vegetables, and dairy because it doesn’t seem species-appropriate and has nothing to do with the wolf ancestor.
Risks of BARFing: From Pathogens to Undernutrition
To identify potential risks of BARFing, commercially available products and the feces of dogs were examined for bacteria, specifically Salmonella. The results are alarming. The found Salmonella strains also show resistance to certain antibiotics. The extent to which antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans is questionable and has not been sufficiently studied.
- The germs and bacteria are particularly dangerous for puppies because their immune systems are not fully developed. Coli bacteria have also been found. The studies have shown that the germ contamination of products in the United States can be considered high.
- In the case of so-called Pseudorabies, the pathogen of Aujeszky’s disease or Suide Herpesvirus 1, it is transmitted through the consumption of raw pork. Therefore, most dog owners avoid feeding raw pork.
- Parasites are transmitted through raw meat as hosts, intermediate hosts, or false hosts. It is recommended to freeze the meat for at least four days at -4°F ( -20°C) to kill infectious cysts. Alternatively, the meat can be heated for at least ten minutes at 149°F (65°C).
- There can also be over- or undernutrition of nutrients. Examined BARF rations showed deficiencies in calcium supply, vitamin A and D intake, zinc and copper content, potassium and trace elements, and the calcium-phosphorus ratio. In adult dogs, a deficiency may occur after 18 to 24 months. Puppies may experience chronic skeletal problems. An excess or deficiency of iodine can lead to thyroid diseases. Even in homemade rations, deficiencies in the supply of vitamin A and D are recognized.
- Providing the right amount of iodine is not easy and is difficult for laypeople. Seaweed meal is recommended as a supplement. Freshwater algae such as Chlorella and Spirulina practically contain no iodine, which many dog owners mistakenly believe.
- And be cautious with bone feeding: Bones can injure the stomach and intestines or damage your dog’s teeth. The formation of bladder stones or skeletal changes in puppies are attributed to an elevated calcium content.
- Increased meat and protein intake can be a strain on the liver and kidneys. Conventional BARF rations are therefore not suitable or only partially suitable for dogs with liver and kidney diseases.
It is recommended to conduct blood and urine tests, a so-called BARF profile. However, only the values for vitamin D and iodine supply are truly meaningful. To identify overall nutrient deficiencies, ration calculations should be carried out to trace where the deficiency or excess comes from.
Our Conclusion
There are no scientific publications proving a positive effect of raw feeding compared to feeding commercial food.
We want to emphasize that a balanced nutrient supply is crucial for proper BARFing, and optimal ration composition is not easy. Many mistakes are made out of ignorance. Therefore, a computer-assisted ration calculation is recommended, which may need further optimization.
Creating a BARF profile doesn’t hurt. Preparing a ration with individual feedstuffs is extremely time-consuming. The potential risk of transmitting pathogens through raw meat must not be underestimated. The veterinarian should always be consulted and provide information before starting BARFing with your four-legged friend. This dietary form is not suitable for every dog.
If you already use this feeding method for your dog, you should regularly check and, if necessary, optimize the rations together with the veterinarian.
