A movement in the dog world that seems to be growing in popularity is the return to a dog’s original, natural diet. The BARF – raw food diet, created by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, is designed to provide dogs with a diet of raw meat, vegetables, and natural supplements instead of conventionally processed dog food. Raw feeders oppose commercial pet foods, believing them to be inappropriate for their animals, and claim that the raw diet provides numerous health benefits, such as fewer dental problems, strengthened immunity, and increased energy.
The BARF Diet: A Return to Natural Eating
BARF is an acronym for biologically appropriate raw food, or bones and raw food diet. Proponents of this diet argue that since wild dogs ate raw meat, bones, offal, and sometimes vegetables and fruit, domesticated dogs should be eating the same foods today. Cooked bones are never fed, as they can easily splinter and become very dangerous. Generally, the raw diet consists of sixty percent raw meaty bones—such as chicken necks and wings, turkey necks and wings, beef brisket, pork feet and necks, and quail, rabbit, or duck. The remaining forty percent is divided into twenty-five percent minced meat and offal (offal refers to organ meats like heart, liver, kidneys, or intestines), and fifteen percent crushed vegetables and fruit. Supplements like flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, vitamins E and C, and yogurt are also included.
Raw feeders refute claims from pet food companies that commercial pet food provides complete and nutritionally balanced meals for dogs. Some dry foods contain preservatives like BHA/BHT and ethoxyquin, which some believe may contribute to certain diseases in dogs. Commercial foods also contain large amounts of grain, which can cause allergic reactions in dogs and are not part of a wild dog’s diet. The very high heats used to process commercial food can also lead to a loss of essential nutrients.
Strict guidelines exist for transitioning a dog from commercial pet food to a raw diet. Due to the drastic change in food, and because the dog may have only had dry kibble until now, the switch must be made gradually. If you are considering switching your pet, ensure that you fully understand your dog’s nutritional needs and are ready to commit the time necessary for preparing their food. Raw meat must be stored carefully, and vegetables should be pureed or blended for the dog to properly absorb nutrients. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the Heimlich maneuver in case your dog chokes on a bone, and always supervise your dog during meals. Additionally, pay attention to your dog’s bowel movements, including consistency and frequency, as a new member of the BARF diet may experience constipation or diarrhea. Supplements are recommended to help normalize the dog’s system.
Potential Risks and Opponents of the Raw Diet
Opponents of the raw diet argue that the purported benefits do not outweigh the risks. While the risk of bacterial infection can be low when raw meat is properly handled, there is always a possibility of contamination. Salmonella, for example, can be present in raw meats and may pass through a dog’s system, potentially becoming an environmental contaminant in groundwater. Additionally, raw meats can sometimes contain parasites that survive freezing, increasing the risk of parasitic infection.
A controversy surrounds the raw food diet, and veterinarians appear to be divided on the issue. If you trust your vet, ask for her opinion. However, keep in mind that many veterinarians may be influenced by pet food retailers and could lean toward one side. Some vets also receive funding from pet food companies, which may affect their stance. Since the raw diet is relatively new to many humans, there is still insufficient research to definitively determine which feeding method is best for your dog.
If you feel that your dog’s diet needs improvement or that a raw diet might help with a specific condition, carefully consider your options. It’s important to recognize that no single “magical” diet can cure all pet ailments. The BARF – raw food diet is a return to a wild dog’s natural eating habits, but studies on its benefits remain insufficient at this time.
