More and more people are deciding to feed their dogs raw food. Here we explain what exactly BARF is and what advantages and disadvantages it brings.
basics
Your dog's diet is an important aspect of keeping him healthy and happy. There are many different feeding methods. In recent years, BARF has become particularly popular.
But what is BARF and is it the best choice for dogs?
definition
BARF stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding" or "Bones and Raw Food". The idea behind this feeding method is that dogs should be fed a diet that is similar to their natural diet (due to evolution), i.e. supplemented with raw meat, bones and offal as well as vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Advantages
BARF proponents argue that the use of raw meat and offal better meets the natural nutritional needs of dogs than commercial dog foods, which are often filled with preservatives and artificial additives. BARF is intended to provide the dog with food that is as natural as possible.
Is BARF the best choice?
There is no one perfect feeding method that is suitable for all dogs. Every dog has different needs depending on age, size, activity level and health status. BARF may be a good choice for some dogs, but there are also some factors to consider:
An important consideration is that the right balance of nutrients must be ensured. A one-sided diet can lead to health problems for your dog. One-sidedness is never good. Just like with humans. Therefore, it is important that the BARF meals offer a balanced mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber.
An important factor is food safety
Feeding raw meat can be associated with an increased risk of bacterial infections such as salmonella or campylobacter. It is therefore important to take hygienic measures such as washing hands and utensils and removing leftover food. This way you can significantly minimize risks for your four-legged friend.
Add vitamins & supplements?
Many veterinarians recommend adding certain nutritional supplements or vitamins so that your dog receives all the necessary nutrients. In principle, no matter how you feed your dog, you should always be in close contact with your veterinarian.
CONCLUSION
BARF can certainly be a good choice for some dogs, but it is not suitable for everyone. Those who choose to do this should make sure that the diet is balanced and hygienic. Alternatives could certainly be high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically tailored to your dog's needs.
Overall, BARFing can be a good option if you want to opt for a more natural feeding method for your dog. However, it does require careful planning and monitoring to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients, so speak to your vet before choosing this feeding method to make sure it is suitable for your dog.
Manufacturers or online shops for BARF food
We have selected a few manufacturers' online shops for BARF food. There are certainly many more.
Frostfutter Perleberg is a leading manufacturer of BARF food in Germany. The company offers a wide range of raw meat products made from high-quality meat and offal.
Haustierkost is a well-known manufacturer of BARF food and offers a wide range of raw meat products, nutritional supplements and treats. The company has been active in the BARF industry for many years and has built up a loyal customer base.
PerNaturam is a manufacturer of BARF food, nutritional supplements and natural remedies for animals. The company offers a wide range of products specifically tailored to the needs of dogs and cats.
Offers a large selection of different BARF frozen foods.
There are of course many other manufacturers operating in Germany that offer high-quality products. It is worth trying out different brands and finding out which ones best suit your dog's needs.
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