Dog Food

Barf Diet For Dogs -Best 6 Recipes , Advantage & Disadvantage

This is a complete & detailed guide on the BARF diet for dogs.

In this article I will cover the following topics:

What is the BARF diet and how it works,
The pros and cons of feeding a dog a raw meat diet
How to give your dog bones, meat and raw fish without risk
What ingredients can be used in the BARF diet,
How to calculate the amount of raw food to give to YOUR dog,
6 examples of raw meat and fish-based BARF recipes
And much more.

So if you want to learn all about this diet, discover my secrets and significantly improve your dog’s quality of life, then I’m sure you will love this guide.

Ready ?

Well, let’s get started!

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Introduction:

You have probably already heard of the BARF diet , which has become very popular in recent years.

Many people claim that feeding their dogs a diet of meaty bones and raw food is much healthier than any other diet, and more importantly, it brings a ton of benefits to the overall health of the dog.

The basis of this theory is , the consideration that dogs should follow a diet that is as similar as possible to that of their ancestors, the wolves.

But, is this true?
Is this diet good for fido’s health?
Is it really much better than commercial food or is it just another option to choose from?
Is the dog safe from eating bones and raw food?

Let’s find out together!

BARF Meaning – What is the BARF Diet?

The BARF diet consists of feeding dogs raw foods biologically suitable for them. BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food , translated into Italian as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

Curiosity: in the past (and sometimes still), to identify this diet, the acronym Bones And Raw Food was used , which means “bones and raw food”.

This diet was designed by an Australian veterinarian named Ian Billinghurst .

Feeding through the BARF diet It is based on the concept and philosophy that dogs were conceived to eat raw food.

The diet includes a diet based on proteins of animal origin, to which a small percentage of fresh fruit and vegetables is added.

Dogs are carnivorous animals, and their digestive tract is shorter than that of omnivores and herbivores, as it is designed for meat (animal protein) consumption.

Why feed a dog a BARF diet?

To understand why, I would like to tell you a few lines about how dogs evolved.

It is unknown exactly how many years ago or how, Still, everything indicates that the first dogs were born through the domestication of some wolves who went to steal the leftovers of their food from humans, especially in periods when the hunting seasons were sluggish and prey was scarce.

Over the years, humans and wolves have built beneficial and beneficial relationships to both..

This way the more docile their got easy food and humans benefited from the wolves’ ability to take care of their territory.

Consequently, humans began to cross those wolves with desirable characteristics (both physical and behavioral) up to the dogs we know today.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because it is important to understand that although changes in appearance and behavior (phenotype) are relatively easy to obtain in a few years, the DNA (genotype) is still the same as that of wolves.

In fact, dogs share 99.8% of their DNA with wolves.

For this reason, when it comes to nutrition we must remember that genetically modified dogs are still wolves, and that their digestive system and nutritional needs are the same.

Note: it is important to understand that as far as it is possible to modify and / or cross things, in this case, for us humans, it is not possible to MODIFY the DNA of our dogs to make them herbivores or omnivores, simply because they do not have the metabolism or the digestive tract of an omnivore or herbivore.

The main reason for switching to the BARF diet is simple! The dog is a carnivore and must consume animal proteins (raw or cooked) to achieve a correct nutritional balance.

Feeding your dog ultra-processed food such as kibble can cause serious and long-term illnesses to be very damaging to his health.

What is the BARF diet for dogs made of?

Barf Diet For Dogs

The BARF diet consists of giving the dog raw meals based on:

60% fleshy bones (bones with flesh attached)
25% lean meat (or fish)
15% raw fruit and vegetables, eggs and entrails
0% preservatives
0% cereals

The recipe I use:

The composition that I personally use for my dogs instead is:

60% fleshy bones (bones with flesh attached)
20% lean meat and / or fish
10% Viscera and / or internal organs
10% fruit & vegetables (steamed and chopped)
+ Supplements

If you have deciSuppose you have decided to feed your dog the BARF diet. In that case, I strongly recommend that you do detailed research and consult your veterinarian/nutritionist, carefully analyzing YOUR dog’s needs, especially to make sure that he does not suffer from nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or health problems.

Do foods need to be completely raw in the BARF diet for dogs?

Yes, the official and traditional BARF diet use only raw foods. It is based on the simple concept that the vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes it contains are destroyed when food is cooked.
And I already know what you’re thinking!

But don’t raw meat and raw fish contain a lot of bacteria and pathogens?

The answer is yes! Some raw foods can indeed contain a variety of pathogens, such as meat and fish, but the digestive tract of carnivores is short, and the digestion process is quite fast, thus allowing the removal of “waste” in short times.

Food does not ferment in their digestive system as with herbivores.

By nature, the dog’s body is predisposed to resist and eliminate the bacteria present in the meat, as both its saliva and its gastric juices have antibacterial properties.

Despite this, some of these bacteria can cause serious infections. For this reason, it is always necessary to freeze the meat before serving it, and some owners take even more precautions, cook some ingredients minimally to be safe and avoid these health problems.

Pros and cons of the BARF diet for dogs

The BARF diet has tons of health benefits for dogs, but it also has some drawbacks. Let’s find out together:

Advantage of BARF diet

A BARF diet based on raw and biologically appropriate natural foods will guarantee a number of benefits for your dog:

He will like them very much.

It will have an excellent level of hydration, which will manifest itself in healthy skin and a shinier coat.

Your teeth will be clean and healthy. Recreational bones help clean teeth and remove tartar.

Your immune system will further strengthen, thereby decreasing food allergies and intolerances.

The stools will be less bulky and less smelly. Plus, even fewer gas leaks 🙂

The dog will have fresher and more pleasant breath. This means goodbye halitosis!

Greater resistance to internal and external parasites.

Healthier joints.

The dog will drink less water because its food is already rich in fluids. Increase in muscle mass.

Increase in muscle mass.

Eating raw food means for dogs to absorb more enzymes, vitamins and natural probiotics.

Lower risk of overweight, obesity and abdominal distension.

The dog will be more physically active and will look much happier.

Disadvantage of a BARF diet

It is nIt is necessary to be well informed to balance a BARF diet properly, otherwise the dog may suffer from some problems, such as:

Nutritional Deficiencies – When you feed your dog a quality industrial food, you know the healthy balance is perfect, as well as containing the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. On a BARF diet , achieving this balance may be more complicated than it seems (early days). Particular care must be taken to balance nutrients correctly, or not to miss some.

Foods that are not fresh and / or from unreliable sources could cause serious bacterial infections. To prevent this from happening, buy and trust only quality ingredients and always freeze meat before serving (freezing is like cooking, it kills bacteria).

Bones are one of the main reasons many vets are against the BARF diet for dogs. By chewing on the bone, the dog is at risk of swallowing small fragments that could accumulate in the intestine, causing constipation, lacerations and / or perforations, which would require surgery. Proponents of the diet say that raw bones are less dangerous than cooked ones, but there is still no way to avoid the risk of your dog swallowing a sharp fragment.A solution to avoid these risks is to chop your dog’s food well. dog.

Bones are also a major cause of pancreatitis and gastroenteritis in dogs following the BARF diet.

Gum problems and broken teeth are additional concerns for anyone who follows or wants to follow the BARF diet. Hard bones can damage a dog’s mouth and teeth, as their sharp edges can cut through the gum and tongue. In addition to this, the teeth may wear excessively and go to the point of completely falling out.

Tip: The BARF diet is quite complicated (at first) to administer correctly for a neophyte, so if you decide to follow it, I highly recommend contacting your veterinarian/nutritionist.

I say this for two reasons: to make sure YOUR dog is getting the proper nutrients in the right proportions and to make sure it is an adequate diet for YOUR dog.

Is it safe to feed your dog raw bones?

Fleshy bones cover most of fido’s daily nutritional needs and are the main component of the BARF diet for dogs.

Fleshy bones also contain meat and muscle, and are a rich source of:

Waterfall,
Proteins,
Fatty acids,
Essential Amino Acids,
Vitamins,
Enzymes,
Antioxidants.
Minerals (zinc, manganese, magnesium, iodine, selenium, iron)

Bones are also an excellent and balanced source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals in the dog’s diet.

Keep in mind that bones are also high in fat, so if your dog is overweight, you will need to reduce the amount of fat in his diet.

As a general rule, a dog should eat between 60 and 40% of meaty bones per day. The percentage is variable as the exact amount depends exclusively on the subject and his age.

What & What are fleshy bones?

Fleshy bones are all those bones that are covered with meat (to a greater or lesser extent) and that Fleshy bones are all those bones covered with meat (to a greater or lesser extent) and soft enough to be digested and demineralized in the dog’s stomach through digestion and gastric juices.

Some examples of meaty bones suitable for the BARF diet for dogs are:

Chicken : wings, neck, carcass, backbone.
Turkey : wings, neck, carcass.
Rabbit – any piece.
Lamb: neck, ribs, legs.
Duck: neck, carcass.
Calf: chest, ribs, neck.
Quail – any piece.

It is important that the bone is always served raw, as cooking increases the risk of chipping dangerous to the intestines.

Splinters and bone fragments are very dangerous for the dog, as they can cause severe perforations in the intestine.

Once chewed, the bones form a compound that is not that dangerous for the dog.

Note: However, some recommendations should be followed when using bones in the BARF diet for dogs:

Poultry, bird or rabbit bones should always have meat around the bone to reduce chipping potential risks.

If you notice that the bone has no more meat around it, remove it immediately.

If your dog doesn’t chew bones and swallows them quickly, it can be hazardous. The solution, in this case, is to chop the bones before serving them to the dog carefully.

Don’t offer your dog just one type of bone with meat. Variation is the key to taking fewer risks.

Bones are very important in the BARF diet as they provide the dog with phosphorus, calcium and other essential and indispensable minerals.

Hard bones, such as calf’s knee, can be used as a recreational bone, as the dog will have a lot of fun gnawing on it; This type of bone provides the dog with excellent mental stimulation and promotes dental hygiene.

READ THIS :-

How to tell if your dog needs a lower percentage of bones?

To understand if a dog needs fewer bones on the BARF diet, you need to look at his feces.
Poop is our best ally to examine and analyze if our dog’s diet is going well.

If your dog shits very white, has difficulty defecating or is constipated, try lowering the bone percentage and raising the meat percentage until you find the ideal amount for his body.

Poop should be brown, firm (a little hard), firm, small, and with a light odor.

What ingredients to use and which to avoid in the BARF diet for dogs?

1. Meat & Fish

To develop a BARF diet you can use many natural and fresh ingredients, let’s find out together!

1.1. Meat

In addition to the meaty bones we have in the previous chapter, the BARF diet should include 25%-30% lean meat (or fish).

Some examples of meat that can be given to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Chicken,
Turkey,
Duck,
Deer,
Horse,
Ostrich
Quail,
Rabbit,
Lamb,
Beef,
Ox
Veal.

Meat and fish are an important part of the BARF diet , as both are proteins with a high biological value, rich in:

Waterfall,
Essential amino acids
Non-essential amino acids,
Fatty acids,
Vitamins,
Enzymes
Antioxidants
Minerals.

1.2. Fish

On the other hand, fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, so I recommend that you include fish at least twice a week.

Some examples of fish that can be given to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Herring,
Anchovies,
Mackerel,
Trout,
European bass,
Redfish,
Cod,
Hake,
Grouper,
Sole,
Salmon,
Gilt-head bream
Tuna (very high in mercury, avoid large quantities)

Providing some variety between meat and fish is important for achieving good nutritional balance in the BARF diet regimen.

2. Fruit & Vegetables

You can use a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet.

As I mentioned earlier, dogs have a very short digestive tract, and their teeth are not set up for shredding and grinding vegetables.

Other than that, they lack amylase, which breaks down the carbohydrates found in these foods.

Vegetables consumed by carnivores in their natural state are usually already ground and semi-digested in the digestive system of their prey.

For this reason, the official BARF diet recommends chopping and blending these foods, and feeding them in a low percentage (about 10% of the diet will consist of fruit and vegetables).

2.1. Fruit

Fruit should always be given to dogs without seeds and stones.

Examples of fruit you can give to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Banana.
Apple.
Strawberry.
Raspberries.
Pear
Tangerine
Watermelon
Kiwi
Cherry
Blueberries
Melon
Pineapple
Mango
Coconut
Prune
Pumpkin

2.2. Vegetables

Examples of vegetables you can give to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Broccoli
Zucchini
Peppers (red and green)
Carrot
Turnips
Pumpkin
Spinach
Chard
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Parsley
Cucumber
Lettuce of different types
Cauliflower

3. Organs and bowels

Organs and bowels are included in the 10% of the diet we mentioned earlier, and must always be fresh and purchased from a trusted butcher.

Did you know that the guts and internal organs have a higher density of nutrients than any other part of an animal?

Indeed, for this reason, we could even say that the bowels are a multi-vitamin .

The bowels and internal organs are another key component of the BARF diet , as they are the best natural multi-vitamin your dog can consume thanks to the incredible amount of:

Vitamins,
Proteins,
Minerals,
Enzymes,
Essential fatty acids,
Antioxidants e
Waterfall.

The most used bowels and internal organs in the BARF diet are:

Chicken gizzards,
Chicken stomach
Veal heart,
Veal heart
Chicken heart,
Tripe,
Beef kidney,
Chicken kidney,
Lung,
Brain,
Pancreas,
Testicles,
Chicken liver,
Veal liver,
Beef spleen,
Beef liver.

Be careful with the liver , as it contains a high concentration of vitamins, and you shouldn’t give it more than twice a week, and always in minimal quantities.

4. Supplements

The BARF diet can also contain other foods and supplements that can be included in the dog’s diet, two or three times a week, in order to complement and enrich the main recipe with extra nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.

Some examples of food supplements you can give to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Raw eggs (proteins with high biological value and rich in essential amino acids).
Natural yoghurt , Kefir and ricotta (source of probiotics).
Chicken legs and beef ear (rich in collagen).
Spirulina (natural multi-vitamin).
Marine phytoplankton (source of Omega 3 and multi-vitamin)
Garlic (pesticide).
Olive oil (fatty acids).
Coconut oil (fatty acids, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial).
Chia (vitamins and minerals).
Apple cider vinegar (pesticide).
Fish oil (Omega 3).
Bee pollen (enzymes, strengthens the immune system).
Turmeric (anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant).
Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, coriander
Marine algae .
Quail eggs.

5. Recreational bone

These types of bones are not part of the dog’s diet but serve to entertain the dog and promote his dental hygiene naturally.

Recreational bones offer great mental stimulation to the dog, relax him in moments of great stress (separation anxiety), making him lose the condition of time.

Let’s say they’re the perfect replacement for those super expensive commercial snacks and sticks, which we usually buy thinking about cleaning our best friend’s teeth. Still, we’re doing the opposite (and we don’t even know what they contain).

This tThe dog must always consume this type of bone under our control, especially the first few times.

Also, I recommend that you freeze them (always) before serving them.

Some examples of recreational bone you can give to a dog following the BARF diet are:

Beef trachea
Calf femur
Beef femur
Beef knee
Beef shank
Beef shoulder blade
Calf hip
Chicken leg
Oxtail
Beef ears

How to make the transition from kibble to the BARF diet for dogs

If your dog has only ever taken industrial food, and you have decided to switch to the BARF diet, there are many factors to consider:

In the beginning, you have to combine raw food with cooked food. Dogs tolerate cooked vegetables better, as they are easier to digest, so it’s a good idea to feed them cooked and combine them with other raw foods.

Always freeze meat and fish before feeding to avoid bacterial infections.

Find a recipe that suits your dog (you will find a couple later). There are many recipes to support a BARF diet. It is essential to consider your dog’s characteristics and find those best suit him.

If your dog has intestinal problems, you will need to reduce the fat content; if, on the other hand, it has an intolerance to a particular food, you will have to avoid it and exempt it from the recipe.

If you don’t get enough fiber, your dog may suffer constipation problems.

Make sure you prepare nutritionally complete recipes faithfully. Like us, dogs must also follow a healthy and balanced diet. Ensure you provide all the nutrients in the correct ratio and add the necessary supplements.

Make the transition from slowly. A radical change in your dog’s diet could be the cause of several problems. It is best to make this change gradually, mixing the new foods with your regular foods and progressively increasing the new ones over two to three weeks.

Pay attention to your dog’s overall health. Raw food is not suitable for all dogs. Some dogs don’t tolerate it well. Look at his coat, feces, and any signs of discomfort and infections to ensure your dog eats a correct and balanced diet.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any signs of irregularity or particular symptoms.

Can raw fish be included in the BARF diet for dogs?

The answer is YES! Fish can be included in the BARF diet for dogs without any problems, although some things to consider.

Fish is an excellent source of animal protein and contains essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B, D, and E. Among the minerals that fish can provide your dog are phosphorus and calcium.

However, there are many precautions to take if you wish to give your dog fish and feed him safely:

Before giving fish to your dog, it is good to remove the spines and bones, as they can be very dangerous.

The bones and spines can get stuck in the dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive system.

Cooking, boiling, or grilling the fish before serving it will 100% eliminate all parasites and bacteria.

If you decide to give your dog bones and spines, be sure to always do them with fish attached.

If you continue to have doubts, grind everything well and serve.

Note:

If you intend to give your dog raw fish, it is very important to freeze it first, below -20 ° C, for about five days to prevent parasites such as Anisakis from affecting your dog.

It is best to always serve raw fish to your dog in pieces and without bones so that he can swallow and digest it without any problem.

How to introduce raw meat to your dog?

To give your dog the raw meat in the BARF diet “responsibly”, you need to follow these simple precautions:

To avoid the risk of bacterial / parasite infection in raw meat, it is good practice to freeze the meat for at least 2/5 days.
Before giving frozen meat to your dog, it must be defrosted slowly and completely in the fridge.
Meaty bones should be raw, and always with some flesh attached to reduce the risk of splintering.
Bones from birds and poultry, which are easier to chip, would be best shredded, especially if your dog ingests them without chewing them.

How to introduce fruit and vegetables to your dog

Fruits and vegetables must be heavily shredded to make them easier to consume.

To facilitate digestion and avoid problems, I also recommend that you cook (steamed) the vegetables you use in your dog’s BARF diet.

Some plants contain elements that protect them from animal predation, which are toxic to dogs when raw but disappear when cooked.

Some examples of plants that are toxic to dogs if not cooked before being fed are:

Raw kale and savoy cabbage contain thiocyanate, which can cause hypothyroidism. Light cooking eliminates all of this.

Spinach and broccoli have phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of minerals.

Swiss chard, spinach, leeks, walnuts and some fruits contain oxalate, which can cause kidney stones.

Many raw vegetables contain lecithin, which forms a lining in the small intestine, preventing proper absorption of nutrients. Among them we have zucchini, carrots, beets, etc.

Also, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, carnivores usually extract and consume vegetables from the digestive tract of their prey, then consume them in a state of partial or total digestion.

Another dietary source of vegetables used by carnivores in nature is the feces of other animals.

Their intestines are short, and they are not prepared to support the fermentation of vegetables, so I repeat, in my opinion, lightly cooking the vegetables before feeding them to dogs is a great idea.

The small percentage of vegetables in the BARF diet is enough for your dog. The percentage of fruit and vegetables in the BARF diet for dogs is 10%, with a quantity of fruit less than (5%), due to its high natural sugar content.

Some fruits and vegetables can be toxic to your dog, and / or cause digestive problems, so it’s a good idea to inquire first.

BARF diet dosage for dogs?

The first step in starting a BARF diet is to find the right amount of food for your dog.

The amounts may vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, weight and physical activity.

As a general rule, to calculate the amount of food to be given to a dog following the BARF diet , it must be taken into account that:

Puppies up to 4 months old must consume about 10% of their weight in food, as their metabolism is very fast.

The puppies from 4 months and over, will drop to 8%

Puppies from 12 months will consume 3% of their weight.

Adults with high physical activity should eat 4% of their weight.

Adults with a normal level of activity should eat 3% of their weight.

Sedentary adults should eat 2% of their weight.

How to calculate the amount of food to give to a dog?

The BARF diet consists of:

60% bone with meat and muscle
25% lean meat (or fish)
15% fruit and vegetables, eggs and bowels
0% preservatives
0% cereals

Or What I use for my dogs is:

60% fleshy bones (bones with flesh attached)
20% lean meat and / or fish
10% Viscera and / or internal organs
10% fruit & vegetables (steamed and chopped)
+ Supplements.

It is essential to consult with your veterinarian/nutritionist to calculate the correct and most appropriate amounts for your dog and determine if he has any allergies or intolerances to any food.

Below you will find some guidelines, but remember that this is an indicative value, and as such it can vary, depending on the needs of each dog.

I tell you this to make sure that yours does not suffer from any food shortages or health problems in the future.

Calculation:

Based on the proportions given above, the first step is to calculate the quantities of food based on your dog’s weight.

For example, a dog that weighs 25 kg and has an average activity level, with no health problems, should consume about 3% of its weight.

So, you have to do this simple multiplication:

25 X 0.3 = 7.5 >>> 750 grams of food per day

3% means that the dog should eat a serving of 750 grams per day (usually in one, two or three rations).

If we calculate the percentages for the 750 grams, we get:

450 grams of bone with meat and muscle
187.5 grams of lean meat
112.5 grams of bowels, fruits and vegetables

Tips for preparing BARF diet recipes for dogs:

To make your dog’s BARF diet , the food must be raw and of high quality , and the vegetables should (not everyone thinks so) be boiled for ease of digestion.

Raw eggs can also be added (some people cook them to avoid salmonella ).

We must try to make a recipe that contains a food of each group (meat or fish, vegetables, fruit), and following the doses I mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Another great tip is to freeze meat and fish for 3-5 days before serving to avoid bacterial infections.

How Many Calories a Day Should A Dog Eat?

However, in addition to the calculation that we have made above, in general, we can know what are the quantities to be administered to fido, also taking into account the kilo calories per day that a healthy adult dog with an ideal body condition needs:

Weight of the dog	Calories / Day
2 Kilos	140 kcal
3 Kilos	190 kcal
4 Kilos	240 kcal
5 Kilos	280 kcal
8 kilos	400 kcal
10 kilos	470 Kcal
12 kilos	540 Kcal
15 kilos	640 Kcal
17 kilos	700 Kcal
20 kilos	790 Kcal
23 kilos	880 kcal
25 kilos	940 kcal
28 kilos	1020 kcal
30 kilos	1080 kcal
33 kilos	1160 kcal
35 kilos	1210 kcal
38 Kilos	1290 kcal
40 kilos	1340 kcal
43 kilos	1410 kcal
45 kilos	1460 kcal
49 kilos	1560 kcal

How to prepare a BARF recipe for an adult dog?

Once you have calculated the daily amount of food your dog should consume, you need to select and prepare the ingredients.

Tip: It is good to prepare the necessary amount of meals for a month and freeze them already proportioned in containers. (this option requires a large freezer)

Once you know the amount of food to give to your dog, and have chosen the ingredients as well, you can now move on to preparing the recipe.

This is an example of a BARF recipe for dogs:

Ingredients BARF diet recipe for dogs

A whole chicken of about 1 kg
50 grams of veal liver
100 grams of beets
100 grams of pumpkin
50 grams of carrots
100 grams of spinach
100 grams of seedless apples
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Preparation BARF diet recipe for dogs

Cut the chicken and liver
Chop up fruit and vegetables
Add the oil
Mix everything, and divide into daily portions
Keep the food in the freezer for 2/5 days before serving

Advice

Every day take out the portion for the next day, and put it to thaw in the refrigerator and not at room temperature.

Make sure the food is completely thawed before giving it to your dog.

If you are afraid of bone fragments, grind them.

6 BARF recipe examples for dogs

Here are 5 examples of BARF recipes to take inspiration from (30 kg dog with an average energy level):