What is a BARF Diet for Dogs?

First proposed by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in 1993, the BARF diet was initially developed for sled dogs and racing greyhounds, and is now gaining widespread popularity among pet owners. A BARF diet focuses on feeding domestic dogs a raw food plan, consisting of raw meat, bones, and vegetables, aiming to mimic the ancestral diet of wild canids.

Quick Summary

An introduction to the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for dogs, detailing its composition of raw meat, bones, and plant matter. The summary covers the potential benefits and risks associated with this feeding method, offering an overview of what pet owners should know before starting.

Key Points

• BARF Acronym: The term BARF stands for either "Bones and Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food," referencing a diet based on ancestral canine eating habits.

• Composition: A balanced BARF diet is typically composed of raw meat, bones, organs, and a small amount of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

• Potential Benefits: Proponents claim benefits such as healthier skin and coat, improved dental hygiene, better weight management, and smaller, firmer stools.

• Significant Risks: The main risks include contamination with pathogenic bacteria, potential nutritional imbalances if formulated incorrectly, and hazards associated with feeding bones.

• Safety First: Strict hygiene practices are required when handling raw meat to protect both pets and humans from bacterial exposure.

• Veterinary Consultation: Experts, including the AVMA, recommend consulting with a veterinarian before switching to a raw diet to ensure it is suitable and properly balanced.

• Transitioning: Any switch to a raw diet should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

What Does BARF Stand For?

BARF is an acronym with two common interpretations: "Bones and Raw Food" and "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food". Both definitions encapsulate the core principle of the diet, which is to provide a species-appropriate, unprocessed diet to companion animals. The core theory is that dogs are best suited to a diet similar to what their wild ancestors would have consumed, free from fillers, preservatives, and the extensive processing found in most commercial kibbles.

The Components of a BARF Diet

A balanced BARF diet is comprised of several key ingredients, carefully portioned to ensure a complete nutritional profile. The most commonly cited guideline follows an approximate ratio, though individual needs can vary. A typical homemade BARF diet includes:

• 70% Muscle Meat: The primary source of protein and amino acids, muscle meat can include beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and fish. Hearts, lungs, and tongue can also fall into this category.
• 10% Raw Edible Bone: Soft, raw bones provide essential calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. These must be raw, as cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage.
• 5% Liver: A nutrient-dense powerhouse, liver provides crucial fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin A.
• 5% Other Organs: Secreting organs like kidney or spleen offer a broad spectrum of minerals and vitamins.
• 7% Vegetables: Provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach are often pureed for better digestibility.
• 2% Seeds & Nuts: A source of healthy fats and minerals. These are typically ground or soaked to maximize nutrient absorption.
• 1% Fruit: Offers beneficial antioxidants, but is kept to a minimum due to sugar content.

BARF vs. Kibble: A Comparison

Choosing between a raw diet and traditional kibble is a major decision for any dog owner. Both have distinct characteristics that influence a pet's health and an owner's lifestyle.

Feature	BARF Diet (Raw)	Commercial Kibble (Processed)
Processing	Uncooked, natural ingredients that retain enzymes and nutrients.	Cooked at high temperatures and high pressure, which can destroy nutrients.
Ingredients	High-quality, identifiable whole foods; no fillers or artificial preservatives.	Often contains fillers like grains, corn, and soy; synthetic supplements are added back in.
Dental Health	Chewing raw, meaty bones can scrape away plaque and improve oral hygiene.	Can help scrape teeth to a minor degree, but is often high in carbohydrates that can contribute to plaque.
Digestibility	Highly digestible ingredients lead to smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools.	May contain hard-to-digest fillers, resulting in larger, more frequent stools.
Nutritional Balance	Potential for imbalance if prepared improperly, requiring careful formulation or commercially complete products.	Formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced according to industry standards.
Bacterial Risk	Higher risk of contamination with pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, requiring strict hygiene protocols.	Very low risk of bacterial contamination due to the cooking process.

The Potential Benefits of a BARF Diet

Advocates for the BARF diet often point to several potential benefits, many of which are based on anecdotal reports rather than extensive scientific study.

Improved Dental Hygiene

Chewing on raw, meaty bones acts as a natural toothbrush, helping to remove plaque and tartar build-up. This can result in cleaner teeth and fresher breath over time.

Healthier Skin and Coat

Many owners report that a raw diet, rich in natural fats and oils, improves their dog's skin condition and promotes a shinier, healthier coat. The bioavailable nutrients are easier for the body to absorb.

Better Weight Management

The diet's higher protein content and lower carbohydrate load can help dogs maintain a healthy weight. For dogs prone to weight gain, this can be an effective weight control strategy.

Enhanced Energy Levels

Some owners observe that their dogs have increased energy and stamina on a raw diet. The natural ingredients and lack of fillers are thought to provide a more sustainable energy source.

Stronger Immune System

Proponents believe that the natural enzymes and nutrients in raw food help to boost a dog's immune system. Research has also shown that feeding some raw food can reduce the risk of allergies.

The Risks and Precautions of BARF Feeding

Despite the purported benefits, a BARF diet is not without risks, and veterinarians often express concern. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages feeding raw animal-source protein to pets due to potential health threats.

Pathogenic Bacteria

Raw meat is susceptible to contamination with harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. While dogs can be more resistant to these pathogens, they can still become ill and shed the bacteria through their feces, posing a serious risk to humans, especially children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

Nutritional Imbalance

A poorly formulated homemade raw diet can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies or excesses, which may take months to manifest and can cause severe health problems like bone deformities, anemia, or organ failure. Using commercially prepared and balanced raw food can mitigate this risk.

Risk of Bone Obstruction and Damage

Although raw bones are considered safer than cooked bones, they still pose a risk of choking, breaking teeth, or causing internal blockages or perforations. Supervising dogs during feeding and choosing appropriately sized and soft bones is critical.

Safety and Hygiene

Strict hygiene practices are essential when handling and preparing raw meat to prevent cross-contamination. This includes thorough cleaning of all surfaces, utensils, and food bowls.

Conclusion

The BARF diet, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, offers an alternative feeding strategy for dog owners seeking to provide a more natural and unprocessed diet. While advocates report benefits such as improved dental health, better coat condition, and enhanced energy, the diet carries significant risks, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. Safe handling and preparation are paramount for mitigating these risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals in the household. Before transitioning to a BARF diet, it is crucial to consult with a qualified veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist to ensure your dog's specific needs are met and the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced. Whether it's the right choice depends on a thorough evaluation of your dog's health, your lifestyle, and your willingness to commit to rigorous safety protocols.

Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association for more information on the risks of raw pet food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BARF diet safe for all dogs?

No, a BARF diet is not safe for all dogs. It poses risks for immunocompromised pets, and puppies require a carefully balanced diet to ensure proper bone development, making homemade raw diets particularly risky for them.

Can I feed my dog cooked bones instead of raw bones?

You should never feed your dog cooked bones. Cooking makes bones brittle and prone to splintering into sharp fragments that can cause serious internal damage.

How can I prevent bacterial contamination with a BARF diet?

To prevent bacterial contamination, practice strict hygiene: wash your hands, utensils, and all food prep surfaces with hot, soapy water. Keep raw pet food separate from human food and sanitize bowls thoroughly.

What should I do if my dog gets sick after eating a BARF meal?

If your dog shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after eating raw food, consult your veterinarian immediately. These could be signs of bacterial infection from the raw meat.

Is a homemade BARF diet nutritionally complete?

A homemade BARF diet is very difficult to make nutritionally complete without expert guidance from a certified canine nutritionist. For many, commercially prepared and balanced raw food is a safer option.

Is the BARF diet more expensive than kibble?

Yes, a BARF diet is generally more expensive than commercial kibble, especially if you source high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Some commercially prepared raw diets can be comparable to high-quality kibble.

What's the difference between a BARF diet and a Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet?

While both are raw diets, a BARF diet includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, while a Prey Model Raw diet consists solely of animal products (meat, bones, and organs).