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BENEFITS OF A RAW FOOD DIET

  • Feeding dogs a raw diet, often called a "BARF"
    (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet or raw feeding, is popular among some
    pet owners who believe it offers several benefits. Here are a few reasons
    proponents often cite:

    Natural Diet: Raw feeding is thought to mimic the diet dogs'
    wild ancestors would have eaten, which could be more biologically appropriate
    for their digestive systems.

     

    Improved Coat Condition: Some owners report that their dogs
    have shinier coats and healthier skin on a raw diet, likely due to the higher
    quality fats and nutrients.

     

    Better Dental Health: Chewing raw bones can help reduce
    plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, potentially improving dental health.

     

    Increased Energy Levels: Advocates believe that a raw diet
    can lead to higher energy levels and better overall vitality in dogs.

  • Reduced Allergies: Some dogs with food sensitivities or
    allergies may benefit from a raw diet, especially if it’s free from common
    allergens found in commercial dog foods.

     

    Smaller Stool Volume: Raw diets can result in smaller, less
    odorous stools because they’re more easily digestible and contain fewer
    fillers.

     

    Enhanced Digestive Health: Raw diets often include a variety
    of meats, organs, and bones, which can provide a balance of nutrients and
    promote healthy digestion.

     

    However, it’s important to note that raw feeding has its
    risks and challenges, including the potential for nutritional imbalances, the
    risk of bacterial contamination, and the need for careful meal planning.
    Consulting with a veterinarian, especially one experienced in raw diets, is
    crucial before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

WHAT IS BARF?

  • BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones.

    It’s a type of raw feeding regimen designed to mimic the
    natural diet of wild carnivores. Here’s a breakdown of what it generally
    involves:

     

    Raw Meat: The primary component is raw animal meat,
    which provides essential proteins and fats. This can include muscle meat, organ
    meats, and sometimes whole prey.

     

    Bones: Raw, meaty bones are included for their
    calcium content and for their role in dental health. These bones are generally
    softer and more digestible than cooked bones.

     

    Vegetables and Fruits: Some BARF diets incorporate
    vegetables and fruits to provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These are
    typically blended or finely chopped to aid digestion.

  • Supplements: Depending on the specific BARF plan,
    supplements like fish oil (for omega-3 fatty acids) or other nutrient-rich
    additions might be included to ensure a balanced diet.

     

    Variety: A key principle of BARF is variety. The diet
    typically involves rotating different protein sources, bones, and other
    ingredients to provide a range of nutrients and to avoid imbalances.

     

    Advocates of the BARF diet argue that it offers numerous
    benefits, such as improved coat quality, better digestion, and enhanced overall
    health. However, it’s important to plan and prepare a BARF diet carefully to
    avoid nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. Consulting with a veterinarian or
    a pet nutritionist experienced in raw diets can help ensure that your dog’s
    diet is balanced and appropriate for their specific needs.

FEEDING GUIDELINES

  • Feeding guidelines for raw pet food can vary depending on the specific brand, your pet’s age, breed, and activity level, but here are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your pet stays healthy on a raw food diet:

    1. Amount to Feed:

    Dogs: Typically, dogs should be fed about 2 to 3% of their body weight in raw food daily.

    • For example, if your dog weighs 40 lbs, they would need roughly 0.8 to 1.2 lbs of raw food per day.
    • Active dogs, puppies, and pregnant or nursing females may need more food, while older or less active dogs may require less.

    Cats: Cats generally require around 2 to 4% of their body weight in food daily.

    • For example, a 10 lb cat might need around 0.2 to 0.4 lbs of raw food each day.
    • Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, so they need a higher proportion of meat in their diet.

    2. Breakdown of Diet:

    A balanced raw food diet for pets typically consists of:

    • Muscle Meat (meat from muscles, e.g., chicken thighs, beef steaks)
    • Bones (with meat on them, like chicken wings or necks)
    • Organ Meat (e.g., liver, kidney, heart)
    • Vegetables (for some raw food diets, although cats need very little vegetable content)
    • Supplements (depending on your pet's needs, including omega fatty acids, probiotics, or vitamins)

    General Ratio for Dogs (can vary depending on pet's individual needs):

    • 70-80% muscle meat
    • 10% bone (raw meaty bones like wings, necks, or ribs)
    • 10% organ meats (with liver being about half of this portion)
    • 10% vegetables or other fiber sources (optional for dogs)

    General Ratio for Cats:

    • 85-90% animal-based protein and fats
    • 5-10% organ meats
    • Minimal to no vegetables or grains (cats are obligate carnivores and don't require plant material in their diet).

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  • 3. Frequency of Feeding:

    • Puppies and kittens often need to be fed more frequently, generally 3-4 meals a day until they reach about 6 months of age.
    • Adults can be fed once or twice a day depending on their size, age, and activity level.

    4. Transitioning to Raw Food:

    If you're switching from commercial kibble or canned food, it’s best to transition gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with a small amount of raw food mixed with the old food, slowly increasing the amount of raw food while decreasing the processed food.

    5. Feeding Raw Bones:

    • Raw meaty bones are an important part of a raw diet, as they provide essential nutrients and help with dental health. Avoid cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause injury.
    • Never feed bones from fish (like small bones) to dogs or cats as they can pose a choking hazard.

    6. Hygiene and Safety:

    • Always handle raw food with care. Clean surfaces, utensils, and your hands after handling raw meat.
    • Store raw food in the freezer to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
    • It’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines to avoid contamination (e.g., salmonella or E. coli) that can affect both pets and humans.

    7. Monitor Weight and Health:

    • Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, coat condition, and energy levels. Adjust portions based on changes in activity level, health, or weight gain/loss.
    • Regular check-ups with your vet are a good idea to ensure your pet is getting the nutrients they need from their raw diet.

    8. Consult a Vet or Nutritionist:

    It’s highly recommended to consult with a vet or pet nutritionist, especially when feeding a raw diet, to ensure you’re meeting your pet's specific nutritional needs.

    Common Raw Feeding Mistakes:

    • Not balancing the diet correctly, leading to deficiencies or excesses in certain nutrients.
    • Feeding only muscle meat and missing out on the essential organ meats and bones.
    • Inadequate portion control, leading to overfeeding or underfeeding.

Hygiene Disclaimer 

  • Feeding pets a raw diet (often called “raw feeding” or “BARF”) can increase the risk of bacterial contamination (like Salmonella or Escherichia coli infection), so good hygiene is essential—for both your pet and your household.

     

    1. Wash hands thoroughly
    • Wash hands before and after handling raw meat.
    • Use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
    • Dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
    • Also wash after touching packaging, pet bowls, or pet waste.

     

    2. Clean and disinfect surfaces

    After preparing raw food:

    • Wash countertops, cutting boards, knives, and utensils with hot soapy water.
    • Then disinfect using:
    • A diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per 1 liter/quart of water), or
    • A pet-safe disinfectant.
    • Let disinfectant sit for 1–5 minutes before wiping or air drying.

    Additional tips:

    • Avoid porous wooden boards; use non-porous surfaces.
    • Wash cloths and sponges frequently.

     

    3. Use separate equipment

    • Keep separate bowls, utensils, and prep tools for pet food.
    • Do not use your own dishes for raw pet food.
    • Store pet equipment separately.
    • Consider a dedicated sponge or brush for pet dishes.

     

     

    4. Safe storage

    • Store raw pet food in the freezer.
    • Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
    • Keep food sealed and separate from human food.
    • Use within 1–2 days after thawing.
    • Discard uneaten raw food after 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
    • Thaw in a container to prevent drips.

  • 5. Clean pet bowls daily

    • Wash bowls after every meal.
    • Use hot water and dish soap.
    • A dishwasher (hot cycle) is ideal if safe for the bowl.
    • Clean the feeding area regularly, especially if on hard flooring.

     

    6. Manage your pet after eating

    Raw-fed pets can shed bacteria in saliva and feces.

    • Avoid face licking.
    • Wash hands after petting your pet post-meal.
    • Wipe your pet’s mouth area if needed.
    • Pick up feces promptly (use gloves or wash hands after).
    • Clean litter boxes daily for raw-fed cats.
    • Keep pets away from food preparation areas.

    Extra caution if anyone in the home is:

    • Immunocompromised
    • Elderly
    • Pregnant
    • A young child

     

    7. Buy from reputable sources

    • Choose commercially prepared raw diets from reputable companies.
    • Look for pathogen testing or high-pressure processing (HPP).
    • Check for recalls.
    • Avoid meat that looks or smells spoiled.
    • Be cautious with DIY diets unless formulated by a professional trained in veterinary nutrition.

     

    8. Avoid these practices

    • Do not leave raw food out for extended periods.
    • Do not rinse raw meat (this spreads bacteria via splashing).
    • Do not allow raw meat juices to contact human food.

     

    Bonus: consult your veterinarian

    Before feeding raw, consult your veterinarian to ensure:

    • The diet is nutritionally balanced.
    • Your pet does not have health conditions that increase infection risk.
    • You understand safe handling practices.