Getting Started with BARF: Questions & Answers

Before switching to a biologically appropriate raw diet, dog owners have many questions. Why is raw meat so healthy? Is BARF really safe? And how much does a good BARF meal actually cost? — These are just a few of the questions that dog owners ponder before actually switching to BARF. In this blog post, we’ve looked at the most frequently asked BARF questions and answered them.

What does BARF stand for?

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food and is a diet for pets, especially dogs and cats, based on raw, unprocessed foods.
 

What ingredients does BARF contain?

BARF is a diet in which pets are fed raw meat, bones, organ meats, and occasionally vegetables and fruit.
 

What is the idea behind BARF?

The idea behind it is to mimic the natural diet of wild animals and thus ensure a healthy and species-appropriate diet.
 

What are the benefits of BARF?

Health: A balanced BARF diet can lead to better health for the pet, including a better coat, healthy teeth, and a stronger immune system.

Weight Control: BARF can help control a pet’s weight, as the composition of the diet can be closely monitored.

Digestion: Many dogs and cats experience improved digestion and fewer problems with diarrhea or constipation.

Allergies: Some pets are allergic to certain ingredients in commercial pet food, which can be avoided with BARF.
 

Are there any risks associated with BARF?

Some dog owners worry that feeding their dog a BARF diet exposes it to a higher risk of bacterial contamination in the food, making it more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections.

This concern is completely unfounded, as dogs are naturally scavengers. A dog’s anatomy is designed so that it can easily consume dead animals—especially since its stomach acid (unlike that of humans) is very aggressive and kills all pathogens right in the stomach.

Other pet owners worry that their dog won’t get enough nutrients from a BARF diet. This concern is fueled by the pet food industry, which claims that a BARF meal is not nutritionally complete because it does not contain all the essential nutrients—since these are not listed on the packaging. In fact, synthetic pet food manufacturers do add vitamins and minerals to their products. It is only because of this that a pet food can “deliver” exactly the same nutrient values every time. In nature, however, nutrient content fluctuates—sometimes the dog eats more, sometimes less; sometimes it eats lamb, sometimes chicken. This is what causes the nutrient fluctuations mentioned above. However, these fluctuations are natural, and the vitamins and minerals contained in a BARF meal can be absorbed many times more effectively than those from synthetic additives. They’re just labeled differently.
 

Which foods should be avoided on a BARF diet?

Onions and garlic: These contain sulfur compounds and can lead to anemia.

Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure.

Cooked bones: These can splinter and cause injuries. Raw (uncooked) bones, on the other hand, are suitable.
 

How do I get started with BARF? How do I switch my dog to BARF?

You can find detailed instructions, including a BARF shopping list, in our introductory blog post on BARF. In general, it’s important to make the transition gradually. This means that BARF food should be introduced slowly or incorporated into your dog’s existing feeding routine. Gradually, more and more BARF ingredients should be added to the dog’s meal plan until, after a few weeks, the transition to a full BARF diet is complete.
 

Can I prepare BARF myself, or should I buy ready-made mixes?

Both options are possible. If you decide to prepare the meals yourself, it’s important to do thorough research (for example, in our free blog article for BARF beginners) and to ensure that the diet is balanced. Ready-made BARF mixes can be a convenient and safe alternative if the pet owner is short on time. Even with ready-made BARF meals, a high-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids should be added, such as salmon oil.
Product recommendations for ready-made BARF: Dr. Ziegler's Horse Menu | Dr. Ziegler's Menu Beef | Dr. Ziegler's Menu Chicken | Dr. Ziegler's Menu: Duck | Dr. Ziegler's Menu: Lamb | Dr. Ziegler's Menu Turkey | Dr. Ziegler's Fish Menu | Dr. Ziegler's Game Menu
Product recommendation for high-quality salmon oil: Dr. Ziegler's Salmon Oil 
 

Is BARF expensive?

Costs can vary. BARF can be more expensive than conventional dry or wet food, especially when high-quality ingredients are used. However, there are also ways to save money by buying in bulk or using local meat suppliers. In addition, dog owners should always consider whether they would rather provide their dog with the best possible diet—ensuring their four-legged friend stays healthy well into old age—rather than spending a fortune on veterinary bills later on if years of years of improper nutrition.

Want to learn more about BARF? Then feel free to browse through our BARF blog article library!