Meat for dogs: the BARF diet

What is the BARF diet for dogs?

The BARF diet for dogs is becoming increasingly popular in recent years among dog owners looking to offer an increasingly natural and healthy diet to their pets. The BARF diet is an acronym that for now still has different interpretations: "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food", “Bones And Raw Food” or even “Born Again Raw Feeders”. Whatever the correct acronym, this new diet is based on the idea that the dog is a carnivorous animal, and therefore should be fed raw and natural food, similar to what it would eat in nature or was eaten by its ancestors.

In this article we try to explore the BARF diet for dogs in a completely informative, not at all scientific, medical or professional way: what it consists of, how to do it, how much to eat and what are the best meats for dogs tackling it for the first time this diet.

We recommend that tackling a change of diet for us and for our pet without consulting a doctor or a specialized veterinarian is never the best choice: we remember that the advice of experts is always the best way to evaluate every situation regarding our personal medical condition .

How is the BARF diet for dogs done?

The BARF diet for dogs requires some preparation and attention, since raw food can be a source of bacteria and parasites and the bones can deteriorate the dog's teeth or stomach walls too much, and can therefore damage the dog's health. Before starting the BARF diet, it is important to consult your veterinarian and find out about the right doses and foods for your dog.

What is the BARF diet? In general, the BARF diet involves the use of raw meat, raw bones, raw vegetables and fruits. The meat must be of high quality and come from healthy animals not treated with antibiotics or hormones. This diet is 100% natural, helps strengthen the immune system, makes the fur shinier, increases muscles and reduces tartar. Additionally, raw bones, such as beef, are an important source of calcium and other minerals important to dog health. Vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, spinach, apples and bananas, provide essential vitamins and minerals.

How much should a BARF dog eat?

The amount of food your dog should eat depends on his weight, the level of physical activity he does and his metabolism. Typically, it is recommended to provide your dog with 2-3% of his body weight in BARF food.

However, be sure to check with a veterinary specialist and it is important to monitor your dog's weight and adjust the amount of food accordingly, to avoid obesity or underweight.

What is the best meat for BARF dogs?

When choosing meat for your dog's BARF diet, it's important to select high-quality, lean cuts of meat, preferably from organic or sustainable sources. Meat should be free of preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.

Meats suitable for the BARF diet for dogs include beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, rabbit, venison and venison. However, meat should not be the only component of your dog's diet. It is important to also include other sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, offal and milk. Cuts of meat for BARF dog food? As for cuts of meat, those suitable for the BARF diet for dogs include lean meat, such as chicken or turkey breast, beef or lamb tenderloin, and ground beef or lamb. Avoid cuts of meat that are too fatty or parts containing bones, as they can cause digestive problems or hinder your dog's proper digestion.

Is the BARF diet bad for you?

Overall, the BARF diet for dogs requires some planning and preparation, but it can be an option for owners who want to provide their dog with a healthy, natural diet. However, as always, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian or animal nutrition expert before starting a BARF diet for your dog.

According to research conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, many pet owners on raw diets appear to ignore the opinions and scientific evidence of veterinary doctors.

The survey also revealed that owners who prefer Barf or similar feeding tend to base their choices on the emotion of their pet's need for well-being and high quality of life, but may also have a negative attitude towards veterinary practice official.

However, we are sure that further studies will be needed to better understand the long-term effects of feeding Barf for dogs. However, the advice for those owners of furry pets who are fed a raw Barf or similar diet is to undergo annual blood tests, including thyroxine levels, and also urine tests in addition to the clinical examination.