The BARF diet – What’s It All About?

What is a Raw/BARF Diet?

The diet is designed to provide more nutrient-dense foods which reflect what dogs’ ancestors might have eaten in the wild.  It mainly involves feeding the dogs uncooked, natural foods.

• RAW MEATS: Such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish.
• BONES: Meaty bones that are safe for dogs to chew and digest, like chicken necks.
• ORGANS: Most commonly used are liver, kidney and heart.
• FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: The usuals- carrot, apple, sweet potato, peas etc. Usually finely chopped or ground to aid digestion.
• SUPPLEMENTS: Some raw diets include additional supplements like fish oil or vitamins.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A BARF/RAW DIET:

1. MORE NATURAL NUTRITION AND REDUCTION OF ALLERGIES: Because the food is in its natural, unprocessed state, it doesn’t contain all the chemicals used in processing dog food, much like a human eating a ‘clean foods’ diet as opposed to a highly processed western diet.  A decrease in allergic reactions and improvement in overall health may be a positive response in some dogs.
2. IMPROVED COAT CONDITION: Many owners report that their dogs have shinier coats and healthier skin after switching to a raw diet. This could be due to the higher levels of essential fatty acids in raw meats.
3. BETTER DENTAL HEALTH AND MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS AND FACE: Chewing on raw bones can help clean dogs’ teeth and reduce plaque buildup. The natural abrasiveness of bones can promote better oral hygiene compared to traditional kibble.  The act of chewing the meat off the bones in puppies and young dogs has been reported by some owners to help aid the healthy development of the muscles of the face in their dogs.
4. IMPROVED DIGESTION: Raw diets can be easier for some dogs to digest, leading to smaller, firmer stools and fewer gastrointestinal issues.

CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLENGES:

1. NUTRITIONAL BALANCE: This is probably the most difficult aspect of the diet to get right.  Ensuring the balance of nutrients is correct is of vital importance.  A poorly balanced diet can lead to deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients.  Consulting with a ‘holistic’ vet can help create a balanced meal plan.
2. RISK OF PATHOGENS: Raw meat can harbour potential bacteria such as Salmonella or E.Coli, which could potentially be harmful to both dogs and the humans handling the food.  It is safest to feed your dog human-grade meats when possible.
3. BONE SAFETY: Only raw bones should be given to dogs.  Cooked bones can splinter and cause damage to the dog’s digestive system which can have disastrous injuries to your dog.  The size of the bone is also an important consideration, as feeding a small dog a very large bone may damage their jaws and teeth.
4. COST AND CONVENIENCE: Raw diets can be expensive and time consuming to prepare, compared to commercial dog foods.  But with fore thought is very doable.

MAKING THE SWITCH:

• Before starting a new diet for your dog, it’s beneficial to consult with your veterinarian to gain insights into your dog’s specific nutritional needs and potential health impacts, tailored to their breed and age. We’ve found that a holistic veterinarian can be an excellent resource for accurate and comprehensive information about raw/BARF diets.
• When transitioning your dog to a raw/BARF diet, it’s important to proceed gradually to avoid gastrointestinal issues. A slow transition helps you monitor how your dog adapts to the new diet, including changes in bowel movements, coat condition, energy levels, and overall temperament. If you have any concerns during this process, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.
• Make sure you maintain good hygiene and food handling techniques to minimise the risk of contamination to you or your dog. Wash bowls, utensils and surfaces thoroughly.

CONCLUSION

As breeders of exquisite Vizslas, we find that the raw/BARF diet plays a pivotal role in supporting our females through healthy pregnancies and ensuring they produce high-quality milk. This approach not only contributes to the overall health and vitality of the mother but also fosters the development of exceptionally strong and well-nourished pups.

There is a lot of information about feeding your dog this sort of diet, particularly Vizslas.  We have found a few Face Book groups that are great resources – Vizslas, Raw and Natural; and Raw Feeding Australia are two we find very useful.  Dr Ian Billinghurst, an Australia Veterinarian, is a long-time champion of the diet, which mimics the natural feeding habits of dogs’ wild ancestors.  Grab yourself a copy of his book “Give Your Dog a Bone”, for a much more in-depth look at the BARF diet.