What is BARF?
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A Comprehensive Introduction to Species-Appropriate Raw Feeding
BARF, an acronym for Biologically Artgerechtes Rohes Futter or also Bones and Raw Food, is a feeding method that is becoming increasingly popular among dog and cat owners. But what exactly is behind the BARF concept, and why has it been on everyone’s lips for quite some time? In this comprehensive blog post, we dive into the world of BARF to shed light on the basics, benefits, and challenges of this biologically appropriate raw feeding method.
What is BARF?
BARF is a feeding method for cats and dogs that aims to mimic the natural diet of wolves and wildcats, the ancestors of our domestic dogs. The basic idea behind BARF is to provide dogs and cats with a diet that is as natural and species-appropriate as possible, one that meets their evolutionary needs. In short, BARF means that all ingredients are fed raw.
The basic principles of BARF:
Raw meat: The foundation of BARF is raw meat, supplemented with bones and organ meats. This is intended to mimic a dog’s natural prey and provide it with a protein-rich diet.
Vegetables and fruit: Since the prey animal consists not only of meat, bones, and organ meats, but also of fur and gastrointestinal contents—which primarily serve as dietary fiber—we must replace these with vegetables and fruit. In addition to dietary fiber, these also provide vitamins, provitamins, trace elements, and minerals that contribute to the health and vitality of dogs and cats.
Oils and Fats: High-quality fats such as krill oil, fish oil, or algae oil are incorporated into the BARF diet to support the dog’s skin and coat health and provide important omega-3 fatty acids.
No artificial additives: No synthetic additives. BARF advocates do not use synthetic additives such as colorings, flavorings, preservatives, or artificial flavors. A balanced BARF meal is very tasty and is frozen for preservation. BARFers can decide for themselves whether starch needs to be included in the food, though this only makes sense for highly active working dogs. For a normal dog or cat, feeding starch (potatoes, pasta, rice) is not necessary.
Benefits of BARF:
Improved digestion: A diet rich in raw fiber can support digestion in dogs and cats and contribute to healthier gut flora.
Shiny coat and healthy skin: The natural fats in raw meat and high-quality oils contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Strengthening the Immune System: A balanced BARF diet strengthens the immune system of dogs and cats and increases their resistance to disease.
Individual Customization: Because the BARF diet can be individually tailored to the needs and preferences of cats and dogs, specific health issues can be addressed directly.
Challenges of the BARF Diet:
Risk of Infection: Feeding raw meat carries only a very low risk of infection with, for example, salmonella. The stomach acid of dogs and cats is very aggressive and kills all unwanted bacteria right in the stomach. There is also no evidence or suspected cases that humans can become infected with, for example, salmonella from dogs and cats.
Balance and Nutritional Needs: BARF is neither a science nor a religion. As long as you follow the important basic principles, nothing can go wrong. Of course, it would be wrong to feed your cat only liver, for example. But in that case, we wouldn’t even come close to adhering to the prey-based principle.
Conclusion:
BARF is a feeding method based on the natural needs of dogs and cats that provides them with a species-appropriate diet. Ultimately, BARF is a personal decision based on the individual needs and living circumstances of the dog or cat, as well as the pet owner’s preferences.
For detailed BARF instructions and a good start with BARF, we recommend our free BARF guides:
If you would like even more detailed dietary advice tailored specifically to your dog or cat, including a meal plan, please feel free to contact our expert team of consultants at info@dr-ziegler.eu or by phone at +43 (0) 6245 71851.
Would you like to gain more in-depth knowledge about BARF? Then be sure to check out our blog post on the topic “How to Switch a Dog to BARF”!
