A Raw Food Diet For Dogs

A raw food diet for dogs (aka BARF diet, which is short for 'Biologically Appropriate Raw Food' or 'Bones And Raw Food') is an evolutionary appropriate way to feed your dog.

This means is that it's much closer to what your dog would eat if he were running around in the wild and choosing his own food, rather than playing fetch in your back yard and waiting for you to pour kibble into his bowl.

What Exactly Is a BARF Diet?

When you feed a raw diet to your dog, meals are based around raw, meaty bones and whole fresh  carcasses such as chicken, duck, rabbit, fish (but not raw salmon), veal and so on.

Offal (organ meats) are also included as is raw 'green' tripe. Raw Pork isn't generally recommended because it can contain the virus which causes a disease called 'pseudorabies'.

However if you do want to add Pork to a raw food diet for dogs, it's best to freeze it for several weeks before using as this will kill the virus.

 Whole eggs (including the shells), yogurt, cottage cheese and even some nuts can be given plus a healthy serving of finely ground or juiced raw fresh fruit and vegetables.

Grains aren't necessary, but if you want to add some type of grain, try oats or brown rice.

Any meat used in a raw food diet for dogs should be human-grade, preferably organic, and free from any artificial additives, preservatives etc.

In Europe, feeding a raw food diet for dogs is much more common than it is here in the US, and veterinarians often recommend it.

Although it's different in the USA right now, feeding raw dog food is definitely becoming more popular, especially since the dog-food recalls and scares of the previous few years.

Here's a wonderful video presented by Australian Veterinary Surgeon Dr Ian Billinghurst, author of some of the most definitive books on the BARF diet.

It's fairly long, but very comprehensive and if you're seriously considering a raw food diet for your dogs it's absolutely worth watching....

The Benefits Of Raw Dog Food

There certainly seem to be a lot of good reasons to consider a raw diet for dogs - and although the majority of them are to the dogs' benefit, there are some 'pluses' for you too!

Some of the most common benefits include:

• A raw food diet for dogs can help to alleviate all sorts of health problems including IBS, chronic diarrhea, arthritis, skin conditions, parasites, dog food allergies, ear infections, obesity and more


• It strengthens a dogs' immune function and helps combat over-vaccination and other immunity system issues


• Your dog will have more energy and zest for life


• Eating raw dog food also reduces or eliminates certain 'doggie odors' - eg. odors associated with yeast infections, certain skin conditions and dental problems caused by tartar build up or gingivitis.


• Chewing bones keeps your dogs teeth clean, strong and tartar free


• The canine digestive system was specifically designed for this type of diet, and your dog will get the maximum nutritional benefit from what he eats


• A benefit that probably means more to you than to him is that your dogs' stools will be less frequent, smaller and far less 'smelly'!


• Your dog likes it!


• It helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces obesity, and allows a more controlled growth rate in puppies/adolescent dogs


• Eating a raw dog food diet can help slow down those 'chow hounds' who practically inhale their kibble, because they actually need to chew these type of meals!


• Studies have indicated that this type of diet actually increases a dogs' lifespan


• Is generally less expensive than feeding commercial dog food. But if you don't live near a butcher or a store where you can get raw meat and scraps, you may not notice any savings.

Drawbacks Of Feeding Raw

Of course there are two sides to every coin, and there are drawbacks associated with feeding a raw dog food diet.

Some of the more common ones include:

• There is a risk of bacterial illness such as e-coli and salmonella. This could affect your dog who's eating the food, or you, the owner, who is preparing it. Obviously it's important to follow good kitchen hygiene and wash your hands, utensils and work surfaces thoroughly.


• Preparing a raw dog food recipe for dogs can be messy, time-consuming and not very convenient if you're traveling, or have a busy schedule. Then there's the time spent tracking down the right ingredients.


• It can be difficult to find the right raw meat components - if you have a local butcher, chicken processing plant, or grocery store who will work with you to provide bones, carcasses and such it will be much easier.
  
  
• There's a learning curve involved - for the dog owner that is!
  
  
• Veterinarians here in the US often don't understand or support this type of diet.

Also, bear in mind that puppies have very specific and unique nutritional needs. Although a raw food diet is fine for an adult dog, it is usually not recommended for a puppy because it is tricky to meet a fast-growing puppy's demands.

For the first year or so (longer for large and giant breeds), feeding a premium commercial puppy food may be the best way to keep up with his body's needs. THEN you can switch to feeding raw once he's mature.

If you DO decide to feed your puppy a raw diet, take extra care to make sure the balance of nutrients is correct, and that you change them to keep up with his needs as he grows.

As always, do talk to your vet if you have any questions about your puppy, or dog's, diet.

Also, a good book is always helpful when you're starting out with something new. Any of these titles are a good place to start:

• Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs
• Raw Dog Food - Make it Easy for You and Your Dog
• Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet

Tips For Feeding Your Dog A Raw Diet

Meat should make up between 50 and 70% of a raw food diet for dogs, within that figure it's recommended that you should have a 1:1 ratio of bone to meat.

That means that the smaller bones which have almost an equal amount of meat to bone, are better than a huge bone that only has a little bit of meat on it. The remainder of the nutrition comes from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables

Aim to feed about somewhere between 2 and 3% of his body weight in raw food per day.

For example, a 50lb dog will eat approx. 1lb - 1.5lbs of raw food per day. Divide that amount between two meals if possible.

When it comes to the type of fruit and vegetables to use in a raw food diet for dogs, all things are NOT equal!

Some of them can cause an upset tummy, or worse - could possibly cause canine bloat in large, deep-chested breeds. Others are actually toxic. Here's a short list of the ones that are recommended, and those that are best avoided.

Bear in mind that it's not an exhaustive list though!

Good:
Carrots, Parsley, Celery, Zucchini, Potatoes (but WITHOUT the skins), Cauliflower, Leafy Green Vegetables (such as Mustard Greens, Brussel Sprouts, Romaine Lettuce), Peas, Parsnips, Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Strawberries, Blueberries, Apples, Bananas, Pears, Melons.

Bad:
Others can even be toxic) Onions, Garlic, Broccoli, Beans, Turnips, Cabbage, Grapes, Raisins, Macadamia Nuts, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers

Here are a few more tips and 'nuggets' of wisdom.....

• Don't ever feed COOKED bones as these can splinter and cause damage to your dogs' digestive system


• You need to supervise mealtimes when offering a raw food diet for dogs, at least during the early days. Raw dog food requires more effort (ie chewing and tearing) to eat, and an over-excited dog could gag or choke if not supervised at first


• If you want to feed a raw diet to your dogs but prefer the convenience of prepared (or at least partially prepared) foods, there are dehydrated and/or frozen options available


• It's important to grind up raw fruit and vegetables to help him get the maximum benefits from them. Use a food processor or blender, or alternatively you can use a juicer to separate the fibre and juice, and simply add the veggie juices to his food


• To make certain that your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs, you can add a daily Vitamin/Mineral Supplement to his diet


• Try to alternate the major meat ingredient every 3 - 4 days (ie feed chicken, then lamb, venison etc.) to prevent sensitivities developing


• Offal or organ meat is very rich, and it's best not to feed this more than once or twice a week


• If you're worried about bacteria upsetting Fido's tummy, you can freeze the food and then thaw completely before feeding it to your dog. Or there are certain herbs, oils and other natural anti-bacterial products you can add to his meals


• Adding some dietary supplements such as Omega 3 Fatty Acids , Vitamin E, Vitamin C or Probiotics to 'round out' the diet and ensure your dog gets all the essential nutrients he needs

Experts in feeding a raw food diet for dogs believe that you can usually switch a dog from commercial food to a raw diet quickly and without him suffering from digestive upset.

This applies to healthy young dogs who don't have gastro-intestinal or immune system problems. However, if your dog is older, or has digestive/immunity or other health issues, you may need to take things a little more slowly.

Australian Veterinary Surgeon Dr Ian Billinghurst has written some excellent books for dog owners who want to feed their dog a raw diet.

There's something for everyone, from 'first-timers' to professional dog breeders......

• Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Commonsense Way to Feed Dogs for a Healthy Life
  Contains vital information on feeding dogs their natural or evolutionary diet. It's packed with practical, easy to follow advice and explains why processed foods are a major cause of growth, reproductive, dental and many degenerative canine diseases and conditions. A must-have for anyone who wants to know more about a raw food diet for dogs.


• The Barf Diet (Raw Feeding for Dogs and Cats Using Evolutionary Principles)
  Perfect for both beginner and experienced BARFers! Learn the hows, whys and wherefores of the BARF diet here.


• Grow Your Pups with Bones: The BARF Program For breeding Healthy Dogs And Eliminating Skeletal Disease
  Perfect for breeders who want to produce and raise healthy pups using the raw dog food method. Also a great supplement to the first book on this list ('Give Your Dog A Bone') for puppy owners who want to get their pup started out on the right paw!

A Few Final Words.....

There are supporters on both sides of the commercial dog food and raw dog food debate, and you'll find that there are most definitely 'pros and cons' to each choice.

An appropriate and nutritious diet is vital to your dogs' health and longevity, and whichever route you take (raw, commercial or home-made) the 'proof of the pudding' is in the health and overall condition of your dog.

If you feed a premium dog food and your dog is healthy and full of energy, has no allergies or skin problems, and no degenerative, digestive, or immune system problems, and you're happy with the food you've chosen, then THAT is probably the best choice for you and your dog.

The same applies to a raw food diet for dogs, or even a 'semi-raw' option, be it dehydrated, frozen or pre-made meals.

A happy, healthy dog is what you're aiming for....... what path you take to get there is decided by your own choices, needs, lifestyle and so on.

Just give it some thought and then choose the option that feels right for you (and your pet!).

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