Is the BARF Diet Right for Your Dog or Cat? Risks, Benefits and ExpertAdvice (UK)

The Barf diet (UK), which stands for ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food‘ or ‘Bones And Raw Food‘, is popular among dog and cat owners.

This article examines what it is and whether it might be the most suitable diet for your pet.

What is the Barf Diet?

The Barf Diet is the brainchild of an Australian veterinarian named Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s when feeding dogs and cats exclusively with commercial food was becoming the norm.

Dr Billinghurst thought it was healthier and ethologically correct to offer food in the bowl in the proper proportions, similar to what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild, such as raw meat and organs.

What does the Barf Diet include?

The Barf Diet for dogs and cats includes the following:

• Pulpy Bones (PB): These bones, such as the chicken neck, are covered in meat and can be fed whole or ground, depending on the dog’s ability to chew them. The vet doctor will explain how to introduce POs into your pet’s diet and check that they are well-chewed.
• Meat Without Bone (MWB): This category includes meat and muscle. Fish is also part of the HSC and an excellent protein source, to be included at least once every 740 days.
• Organs: liver, spleen, heart, kidney, and lung supplement vitamins and trace elements. The quantity of organs must be carefully dosed to avoid deficiencies or excesses. The liver is undoubtedly the most important organ for vitamins, especially vitamins A and D and iron.

For example, if you choose whole pulpy bones, their percentage will be higher than ground ones. An ideal Barf diet usually consists of:

• 30-45% pulpy bones;
• 25-30% boneless meat;
  20% organs;
• 10% vegetables;
• Fat according to the dog’s physical activity.

However, these percentages can be adapted to your pet’s needs.

The Transition to Barf

Unlike other graded dietary changes, transitioning from a commercial diet to a Barf diet is usually rapid.

• Vegetables: Vegetables can vary according to seasonality and the dog’s preferences. They have little nutritional role in our domestic carnivores but are essential for intestinal transit and to promote the well-being of the intestinal microbiota.
• Green tripe: This component consists of ruminant pre-mammals, neither washed nor bleached. Green is used because of the pre-milage of pasture-fed animals and, therefore, grass-fed animals (as opposed to silage-fed animals).
• Oils and Fats: Oils and fats are essential; they have an energetic, structural, and functional role. The right proportion of saturated and unsaturated fats must be present.

The servings of the Barf Diet

The daily doses in the Barf diet vary depending on the animal’s weight, generally ranging between 2% and 4% of body weight.

However, the dosage depends on multiple factors, including sex, age, breed, physical activity and present pathologies. In some cases, such as for growing puppies, the percentage can be as high as 10%. It is important to rely on a veterinary nutrition expert to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

How much meat is without bone, and how much is pulpy bone?

The amount of boneless meat and flesh-bearing bones to be fed depends on the animal and the type of bones chosen. The last meal is recommended to be completed with commercial food in the evening, and boneless meat and flesh-bearing bones should be started the next day. The organs and other components will then be introduced gradually.

Functional supplements

As the Barf diet is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids found in meat, a specific supplement of Omega 3, especially EPA and DHA, should be taken. Psyllium cuticles can also be helpful in cases of hard stools or constipation.

Risks and contraindications

Knowing the potential risks associated with the Barf diet for both the owner and the dog or cat is essential. The main human risk relates to possible bacteriological contamination, particularly from Listeria and Salmonella. This is why following hygienic measures when handling raw meat is very important. It is generally crucial that utensils and containers used for dogs and cats remain for this purpose only.

Compared to the dog, the cat has fewer bone problems: if it appreciates them, it will chew better.

As far as the dog is concerned, the risks are generally limited, with the main focus being on bones. However, the dog can learn to chew and must be instructed accordingly. If your dog cannot do this, ground pulpy bones can be used as an alternative. Cats are less likely to have bone problems: if they like them, they will chew with better ability. Remember that the Barf diet may not be suitable if there are more fragile members of the family, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women or people who are immuno-depressed.

In conclusion, the Barf diet is a natural choice for your dog or cat. Still, it is essential to carefully consider your pet’s specific factors and consult a veterinary nutrition professional to ensure this diet’s safe and healthy adoption.

Q&As:

The Barf Diet, which stands for ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’ or ‘Bones And Raw Food,’ was developed by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s.

The Barf Diet includes pulpy bones, meat without bones, organs, vegetables, and fats/oils.

Transitioning to the Barf Diet is usually rapid, with various components introduced gradually into the pet’s diet.

An ideal Barf diet typically consists of 30-45% pulpy bones, 25-30% boneless meat, 20% organs, 10% vegetables, and fat, depending on the pet’s physical activity.

The daily servings in the Barf Diet vary based on the animal’s weight, generally between 2% and 4% of body weight, though they can be as high as 10% for growing puppies.

Functional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and psyllium cuticles, may be recommended to address specific health issues, such as constipation.

Risks include bacterial contamination for owners and pets, particularly Listeria and Salmonella. Potential choking hazards from bones are also noted. It may not be suitable for households with vulnerable members such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.

Takeaways:

• The Barf Diet aims to mimic the natural diet of dogs and cats, focusing on raw and biologically appropriate foods.
• It includes pulpy bones, boneless meat, organs, vegetables, and fats/oils.
• Transitioning to this diet is typically rapid, with careful consideration given to the proportions of various food components.
• Daily servings vary based on the animal’s weight and other factors, with adjustments necessary for growing puppies and other specific needs.
• Functional supplements may be recommended to address nutritional gaps or health issues.
• Risks include bacterial contamination and potential choking hazards from bones, making hygiene and supervision crucial.
• Consultation with a veterinary nutrition expert is advised before implementing the Barf Diet, especially for households with vulnerable members.

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