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

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| Print | By Jo Singer | May 28, 2009 5:05 PM

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.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Diet (3) , Food (6)

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Jamaka May 28, 2009 5:07 PM

There are so many schools of thought regarding this important matter, and so many things to consider, one of which, for most people in the world, has got to be cost. I feed super-premium and premium tinned and varieties, two of which were recalled and which I had to take back to the store. Truly, when the food we feed our loved ones is in question, it is a huge stressor. But it is not always possible for everyone to feed exhorbitantly priced raw and "wholistic" diets. It is hard enough just paying the basic bills. This is a big problem for all of us who are struggling to stay afloat.

Vicki May 28, 2009 6:28 PM

I have seven dogs, but it has only been fairly recently that I learned about good nutrition for them. Although my vet has told me that my dogs live longer than any of them usually do for the breed, I have started feeding them a much better diet. And at this point, I will continue to make sure they all have healthy diets.

Amy May 29, 2009 9:27 AM

I only give my dogs what the vet suggests when it comes to feeding. Better quality of foods means less waster, less smell, less tummy problems. My dogs are on a weight control diet because they are not too active. The only other extra they get is a small rolled rawhide stick which I monitor.
So I say go with better quality and save problems for your pet.

Lana May 29, 2009 10:57 AM

I feed R.A.W.
My dog loves it and is super healthy.

Susan June 5, 2009 10:29 AM

Since switching to raw, my dogs have better coats and better digestion. My picky eater eats readily. It does cost a little more, but I only have 2 smaller dogs, so it isn't prohibitive. I suppose if I had a bunch of large dogs, I might have to look at making my own.

Jane July 10, 2009 7:23 AM

I purchased my Irish setter from a breeder who swore by the BARF diet...and the condition of her dogs were so amazing I was hesitant to take him off it. I immediately introduced it to my 7 yo cavalier also and he has have never looked better. After losing my previous setter to duodenal cancer I will never go back to a processed dog food. The condition of my dogs will no doubt enhance their years and reduce my vet bills!

aadhar September 9, 2009 11:27 PM

it comes to feeding. Better quality of foods means less waster, less smell, less tummy problems. My dogs are on a weight control diet because they are not too active.
premium natural dog food

Mike November 13, 2009 9:50 AM

I believe there is no longer a choice for folks who are scared and or distrustful of commercial foods. I have three large breed dogs and will NEVER go back to commercial food. The dog food industry does not or will never care for your companion, its a way and means of making money plain and simple. Their overpriced make believe nutrition is nothing but chemicals and fillers regardless of what they say. My boys have been on raw food for almost a year and health and mind has never been better. They are 100% better in every way including amazingly white clean teeth.
Its an individual choice, but please remember our companions have no other choise but to look at us for support and food, lets not poision them with that money making non caring commercial dog foods.

"If dogs don't go to heaven, I want to go where they go"

Mike

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