The Benefits of BARF: A Look at 7 Types of Meat for Your Dog

Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding (BARF) is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners who want to provide their four-legged friends with a natural and healthy diet. In Dr. Ziegler’s blog section, you’ll find numerous articles on the topic of BARF. Feel free to click through and learn more about biologically appropriate raw feeding. Now let’s take a look at the individual benefits of seven popular BARF meat varieties: horse, fish, turkey, beef, lamb, duck, and chicken.

Horse Meat

Horse meat is particularly lean and has a high nutrient content. It is rich in iron, which is important for blood formation and oxygen transport in the body. Horse meat also contains many essential amino acids that support muscle development. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, horse meat is an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies or intolerances.

Benefits:

• Lean meat, ideal for dogs with weight issues
• High iron content for healthy blood formation
• Hypoallergenic and therefore well-tolerated by dogs with allergies

Product Tip: Dr. Ziegler’s Ground Horse Meat

Fish

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. These fatty acids also support joint health and the immune system. Fish is also rich in vitamin D and calcium, which are important for strong bones and teeth. Low-fat fish varieties such as cod are especially ideal for dogs that need a low-calorie diet.

Benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and joints
• Good source of vitamin D and calcium
• Ideal for a low-calorie diet

Product recommendation: Dr. Ziegler’s Whole Herring

Turkey

Turkey is lean and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for dogs that need to build or maintain muscle mass. It also contains important B vitamins that support metabolism and are necessary for energy production. Turkey is easily digestible and therefore particularly well-suited for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Benefits:

• Lean and protein-rich meat
• Rich in B vitamins
• Easily digestible

Product Tip: Dr. Ziegler’s Ground Turkey Necks

Beef

Beef is an excellent source of protein and contains all the essential amino acids that dogs need. It is rich in zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which strengthen the immune system, promote skin health, and contribute to energy production. Beef also has a high creatine content, which can improve muscle strength and endurance.

Benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein
• Good source of zinc, iron, and B vitamins
• Contains creatine to support muscle strength

Product Tip: Dr. Ziegler’s Beef Offal Mix

Lamb

Lamb is particularly rich in essential fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and promote skin and coat health. It also contains a good amount of iron and zinc, which are important for immune function and overall health. Lamb is also a tasty option for picky eaters.

Benefits:

• Rich in essential fatty acids
• Good source of iron and zinc
• Especially tasty

Product tip: Dr. Ziegler's BARF Menu Lamb

Duck meat

Duck meat is nutrient-rich and contains a good amount of protein and healthy fats. It is an excellent source of B vitamins, particularly niacin, which is important for energy production and fat metabolism. Duck meat also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good choice for dogs with skin problems or allergies.

Benefits:

• Rich in protein and healthy fats
• Good source of B vitamins such as niacin
• Anti-inflammatory properties

Product recommendation: Dr. Ziegler’s Minced Duck Breast

Chicken

Chicken is a popular choice for many dog owners because it is lean, high in protein, and easy to digest. It contains important nutrients such as B vitamins and phosphorus, which support energy production and bone health. Chicken is also an excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.

Benefits:

• Lean and high in protein
• Easy to digest
• Rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium

Product Tip: Dr. Ziegler’s Organic Chicken Menu

Conclusion

Choosing the right types of meat for your dog’s BARF diet can have a major impact on their health and well-being. Each type of meat has its own specific benefits, and a varied mix can help ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Horse, fish, turkey, beef, lamb, duck, and chicken all offer unique benefits that can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

If you want a quick and easy way to test which type of meat suits your dog best, we highly recommend Dr. Ziegler’s BARF Menu Box. Dr. Ziegler’s BARF Introductory Box contains all the BARF meat varieties described in this blog post, and if you order now, you’ll receive a free bottle of Dr. Ziegler’s premium salmon oil—rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids for your dog—as a thank-you gift.