B.A.R.F.: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diets for Pets

Pet owners continue to be concerned about the food they buy for their pets. I occasionally hear from folks whose dogs or cats may have become sick after eating regularly fed pet food, but from a different bar code batch of a recalled food. They are wondering if the product is responsible for their illness. As a result some people are considering switching their pets to a more "natural" food, similar to what they would eat in their natural habitat. They are considering feeding a raw diet, commonly referred to as B.A.R.F (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). According to an article I found through the North American Press Syndicate- New York, NY, USA, "better nutrition can lead to better health- for both you and your pets." Of course, when considering changing your pet's diet, it is important to first discuss your plans with your veterinarian. A raw diet may not be appropriate for all pets. However, pet owners are becoming more aware that many common conditions such as allergies, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, dental disease and poor coat condition can be the result of a poor diet. Some commercial pet foods, while being touted as the "best" possible nutrition, often contain ingredients that can trigger these conditions. Grain in cat food, for example, is often responsible for digestive problems in felines. Raw food diets are considered by a growing number of pet nutritionists to be an excellent alternative solution to promote better pet health. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic veterinarian, author and pet health expert, is a strong advocate for this diet. He says, "There is a benefit in offering various proteins to your pet. If he were in the wild, your dog would catch a rabbit one day, eat a chicken another day and so on. Feeding a variety of proteins is just one more way you can feed a more natural diet." Since feeding a raw diet can be time consuming and labor intensive, one of the products on the market, which makes feeding a raw diet easier is Nature's Variety Raw Frozen Diet. Dr. Knueven remarks that, "Nature's Variety offers the most nutritionally dense, biologically appropriate diets for dogs and cats. You can actually feed less food and your pet will be more satisfied. Raw-fed dogs and cats live longer, healthier and happier lives." When switching to B.A.R.F, it is important to gradually introduce the new diet to avoid dietary upsets. Learn more about B.A.R.F by visiting: http://www.dmoz.org/Recreation/Pets/Pet_Food_Preparation/BARF_Diet/ Read about other commercially prepared B.A.R.F Diets by visiting: http://www.barfworld.com/ and http://www.healthypetdiet.com/ Do you feed your pets a B.A.R.F diet, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.