It actually sounds kind of gross, but BARF is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. Many health conscious veterinarians are huge advocates for this diet which can completely replace commercially prepared dog food. One of the first proponents of the BARF diet was Dr. Ian Billinghurst who still recommends it today. He believes that it is the ultimate way to get our pets in to optimum health. Many people believe that the BARF diet simulates what your dog would eat in his natural environment.

Many people feel that there are a lot of health advantages to feeding a raw food diet. Many owners who have dogs with problems such as allergies, skin problems, weight problems, and anal gland problems have found that the bones and raw food diet has helped to significantly remedy these issues.

Some of the advantages to feeding a biologically appropriate raw food diet include no consumption of preservatives found in most commercially prepared kibble diets, it usually tastes better to your dog than regular dog food, and in general, muscle mass and body condition improve on a raw food diet. One also often finds that dogs produce fewer stools, eat more slowly, and have fewer health problems. Many advocates of the raw food diet also claim that it is less expensive than commercially manufactured dog food. One of the biggest disadvantages to this diet is that it takes longer to prepare.

If you decide that you would like to try the BARF diet with your dog, you must first do the research. There are many websites and books available to guide you through the process. Talk to your veterinarian, though many veterinarians are unfamiliar with the BARF diet. Find people in your area that feed the raw food diet to their animals. Make sure it is right for you and your dog before you try it.

The next step is to transition your dog from his commercial dog food to his new bones and raw food diet. You may want to do this gradually as oftentimes dogs develop digestive problems when switching to new diets. Some advocates of the BARF diet recommend switching your dog to the new diet cold turkey, however.

When feeding a raw food diet, you will generally want to feed your dog twice per day. The first meal of the day will usually consist of raw meat and bones like turkey or chicken legs, thighs, wings, or necks, pork riblets, lamb chops, and the like. The second meal will consist of a mush made with raw meat, fresh vegetables, and Offal (the organs parts of the meat you are feeding). Usually you will want to supplement this with cottage cheese, eggs with the shells, yogurt, fruit, fish, and recreational bones (which are the harder to chew kinds of bones). This can vary, so do your homework. You will want to avoid grains. Advocates of the biologically appropriate raw food diet agree that dogs do not have the proper digestive systems to deal with whole grains and that most food allergies are grain related.

Most advocates of the raw food diet do not recommend supplements. If you aren’t sure what to do, speak with your veterinarian.

Many people are hesitant to feed their dog a raw diet because they are concerned about their dogs choking on bones. While these incidents occur, proponents of raw food diets say they are rare, and that generally, dogs choke on cooked bones, not raw ones.

There are commercially prepared raw food diets on the market. While this is always an option for you if you choose to feed raw food, many advocates of the BARF diet recommend against it. They argue that these foods have different regulations that human grade foods, oftentimes contain unnecessary supplements, are ground foods (and the whole basis of the BARF diet is raw, meaty bones), and are much more expensive than visiting your local butcher.

If you decide that the bones and raw food diet is something that you’d like to try, first talk to your veterinarian about your decision. Then, do as much research into the diet as possible. Talk to others who feed the diet. You may find that by feeding the BARF diet you are improving the health of your dog.

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If your dog is a breed prone to hip dysplasia, ask your veterinarian about feeding him Vitamin C. Many veterinarians feel that Vitamin C can help slow this crippling condition.

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Did you know that dogs are omnivores? This means that they require both meat and vegetables for sound health and good nutrition. In addition to meats and veggies, your dog needs to digest the correct amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, as well.

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Q: I’m a vegetarian, can I safely feed my dog a vegetarian diet?
A: A dog is able to survive on a well-balanced vegetarian diet. But this is a path no dog willingly follows. Dog are designed to eat best as a carnivore. Vegetarianism is a human ethical decision.

Q: Does my dog need carbohydrates in its diet?
A: Carbohydrates are not a natural energy source for dogs. But dogs are able to convert them into glucose. Starch is the most common form of carbohydrates for dogs.

Q: Can I supplement my dog’s diet with vitamins and minerals?
A: Take great care if you decide to give vitamin and mineral supplements to tiny “Fifi”. Higher levels of some nutrients reduce the absorption of others. It is dangerous to
Give large amounts of ANY single mineral. When a higher dose of nutrient is needed, use a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement specially formulated for dogs.
Remember: the dogs make great running partners. 64% of all new dogs are bought to help their masters exercise. As similar as people and dogs are, laziness will kill a dog. Take him out jogging every now and then, play fetch at the park, just do something active and fun.

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Most dogs will eat just about anything. They drink from the toilet and eat out of the trash can. But a dog’s diet is as important as your own. Now I’m not saying to put your dog on the Atkins diet, but a healthy low-protein diet will ensure your dogs maximum life capacity. However, how do you choose the right dog food?

There are two major categories of dog food – dry and canned. Dry is the most popular, it contains more nutrition by weight, and is less expensive then the latter, plus the hard texture of the dry dog food will actually reduce tartar build-up. Canned foods are definitely favored by dogs and includes fewer calories per volume (70% of canned foods are water).

Special foods are available to counter almost everything from diabetes to obesity to allergies. Lamb is usually the concoction for such formulas because very few canines are allergic to it.

Expert tip: Unless you are prepared to work very hard at it, do not attempt to make your dog’s food. Creating the proper balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins takes a great deal of effort.

FUEL FACTS

* Small dogs need more calories per pound of body mass than large dogs
* Very active dogs may require 40 to 50 percent more calories than that of an average dog
* Pregnant dogs may need 30 to 50 percent more calories than usual, sometimes even double their normal serving
* During winter, your dog might need additional calories to maintain a constant body temperature

SELECTING A BRAND

Dog food, just like our canned processed foods, are required by law to post the nutritional information on the can. These labels include the ingredients and a statement of nutritional purpose and adequacy. For instance if you have a pregnant dog then you would want to look for a label such as “Complete and balanced nutrition for growth and reproduction.”

Top Products will state these claims are based on “Association of American Feed Controls Officials” (AAFCO). Lesser quality products will insist they “meet AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations.

In general, some sort of real meat should be at the top of your list. Meat by-products are of a lower quality product and could do your dog permanent damage. Cereals and soy are also important ingredients and should appear on a daily basis.

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