BARF food for dogs: a complete guide to healthy raw feeding

BARF is a modern way of feeding dogs that returns to a natural diet. The name is short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food – food that suits a dog’s biology and reaches the bowl raw. This feeding philosophy is built on fresh, unprocessed ingredients that give a dog the nutrition closest to what its digestive system is naturally designed for.

In our e-shop you will find a range of supplements and products that help you put together a balanced BARF menu. A properly set up BARF diet can improve a dog’s health, vitality, digestion and immunity. It is important, though, to understand its principles, to know how to start and to avoid the most common mistakes.

What is BARF food for dogs?

BARF feeding is an approach built on raw, natural ingredients. The aim is to imitate the nutrition of wolves, the ancestors of dogs, which lived on the prey they caught and on the plant matter that came with it. A BARF diet is based on meat, bones, offal, vegetables, fruit and nutritional supplements. It leaves out commercially processed foods, preservatives and artificial additives.

Supporters of this way of feeding believe that a raw diet is biologically more appropriate for a dog, easier to digest and naturally balanced. When the right ratios and hygiene rules are respected, BARF nutrition brings a great many benefits for a dog’s health at any age.

The definition and basic principles of the BARF diet

BARF stands for "Bones and Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food". The diet is based on fresh raw meat (roughly 70–80 %) complemented by bones, offal, vegetables and fruit. The goal is a complete menu that delivers every nutrient a dog needs without any cooking.

The main rules of BARF feeding:

• Feed fresh, unprocessed ingredients.

• Keep the ratios balanced: meat, bones, organs, plant matter.

• Do not forget the nutritional supplements, such as oils, eggs and herbs.

• Pay attention to hygiene during preparation and storage.

• Adapt every meal to the age, breed and activity level of your dog.

BARF is not only about raw meat – it is a thoughtfully composed, balanced diet that respects a dog’s natural needs.

The history and origins of BARF feeding

The idea behind BARF was not born in a laboratory or in a pet food factory. It grew out of an effort to imitate the natural diet of the wolf, made up of the animals it hunted, raw meat and plant remains. Breeders and dog lovers looking for a healthier alternative to commercial kibble were the first to take the concept up.

The person behind the popularity of BARF feeding is the Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst, who published the book “Give Your Dog a Bone” in the 1990s. In it he argued that industrially produced foods cause many health problems and that a raw diet is biologically more natural for dogs. His approach spread quickly among breeders all over the world.

Today BARF feeding is popular not only with owners of show and sporting dogs, but also with everyday dog people who want to improve the quality of life of their four-legged friend.

The benefits of BARF food for dogs

BARF nutrition brings dogs a number of benefits that show in their appearance, their digestion and their behaviour. Thanks to fresh ingredients and the absence of artificial additives, it supports a dog’s overall health in a natural way. With the ratios of the ingredients set correctly, a dog gets nutrition that respects its biological needs.

A BARF diet also allows better control over the quality of the food, which owners of dogs with sensitive digestion, allergies or health problems appreciate most of all. The dog is more vital, has stronger immunity, a better coat and fewer problems with digestion or with the mouth.

Better digestion and stronger immunity

One of the most visible benefits of a BARF diet is better digestion. Raw meat and natural ingredients do not burden the digestive tract, so a dog absorbs nutrients more easily. As a result the volume of stool goes down, the smell disappears and the dog empties regularly.

At the same time a BARF diet strengthens the immune system – through the intake of antioxidants, healthy fats and natural vitamins. Dogs fed a raw diet tend to be more resistant to common infections, skin problems and digestive trouble.

A glossy coat and healthy skin

One of the first changes owners notice after switching to a BARF diet is a markedly nicer and glossier coat. A regular supply of quality animal fats, omega-3 fatty acids and natural vitamins from fruit, vegetables and oils contributes to healthy skin and to a coat free of dandruff, dryness and dullness.

Healthy skin is the best protection against allergies, itching and inflammation. A BARF diet keeps the balance between the essential fatty acids that are key to supple skin, and at the same time helps prevent excessive shedding and eczema.

The key nutrients that support a healthy coat and skin:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (fish oil, salmon oil)

• Biotin and zinc

• Egg yolk and salmon meat

The state of a dog’s coat and skin is the visiting card of its inner wellbeing and of the right nutrition – and BARF supports it in a natural, nourishing way.

Preventing tartar and bad breath

One of the clearest benefits of BARF nutrition is clean teeth free of tartar and fresh breath. Thanks to a regular intake of raw bones, a dog cleans its own teeth by mechanically rubbing away the plaque that would otherwise harden into tartar. No toothpaste and no artificial dental treat can replace that effect.

A raw diet contains none of the starches and sugars that are such a frequent cause of tooth decay and of an unpleasant smell from the mouth. BARF also leaves fewer leftovers in the mouth, which directly affects the health of the gums and of the whole oral microflora.

The best bones for cleaning teeth:

• Chicken necks

• Beef cartilage

• Lamb ribs

Healthy teeth and gums are not only a matter of looks – they are essential for a dog’s overall health and good digestion. BARF nutrition supports this area naturally and without any chemistry.

What does BARF food consist of?

A BARF diet is built on a balanced combination of animal and plant ingredients that together cover a dog’s nutritional needs completely. The base is raw meat, bones and offal, complemented by vegetables, fruit and suitable nutritional supplements.

The ratios of the ingredients differ slightly according to the dog’s age, activity and state of health, but as a rule of thumb the following split applies:

The right composition of a BARF menu is key to a dog’s health. It is important not to leave any category out, because each one has its own nutritional job – from proteins and fats through vitamins and minerals to fibre and antioxidants.

Meat – the basic ingredient of the diet

Raw meat makes up the main part of BARF nutrition and is the chief source of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and essential amino acids. Quality meat gives a dog energy, supports the growth of muscle and helps keep an ideal weight.

It is recommended to combine several kinds of meat in the menu, so that the dog receives a variety of nutrients:

• Beef – rich in iron, zinc and protein.

• Chicken – easy to digest and suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach.

• Turkey – lean meat with a low fat content.

• Pork – serve cooked only, because of the risk of parasites.

• Game, rabbit and lamb – excellent alternatives for dogs with allergies.

Practical tip: Rotate the kinds of meat every few days to keep the supply of nutrients varied. Always serve meat that is fresh, fully thawed and of good quality, ideally from a source you trust.

A strong, vital dog needs enough good-quality meat to give it energy and nutritional balance.

Bones – a source of calcium and minerals

Raw bones are an inseparable part of BARF nutrition. They give a dog calcium, phosphorus and other important minerals that are essential for strong bones, teeth and a healthy nervous system. On top of that they help clean the teeth mechanically and satisfy the natural urge to chew.

Bones that are safe to eat:

• Chicken necks and wings – soft and easy to digest.

• Lamb and rabbit bones – suitable for smaller dogs and puppies.

• Veal ribs and beef cartilage – ideal for medium and large breeds.

Never serve cooked bones, because they can splinter and injure the digestive tract. Bones must always be raw and of a suitable size, so that the dog cannot swallow them whole. Feed them under supervision, especially with smaller breeds.

Chosen and portioned correctly, bones are a valuable source of minerals and of natural dental hygiene in a BARF diet.

Offal – the organs that matter for nutrition

Offal is a nutritional powerhouse that you really should not leave out of a BARF menu. It contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that a dog cannot get from meat or from bones. It is precisely thanks to offal that BARF becomes complete nutrition.

The most important kinds of offal and what they do:

• Liver – an excellent source of vitamin A, iron, zinc and copper.

• Heart – rich in taurine and B vitamins, important for the heart and the nerves.

• Kidneys – contain vitamin D, selenium and other trace elements.

• Tripe – supports digestion thanks to the microflora it still carries.

Practical recommendation:
Offal should make up roughly 10–15 % of the daily ration. Of that, liver at most one third, so that the dog does not get an excess of vitamin A.

Varied offal, correctly included, guarantees a dog a complete supply of micronutrients, and they directly influence its health and vitality.

Vegetables and fruit – vitamins and fibre

Even though a dog is a carnivore, vegetables and fruit play an important supporting role in BARF nutrition. They supply the fibre that helps digestion and they contain plenty of natural vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes. They help keep the gut healthy, strengthen immunity and contribute to a dog’s overall vitality.

Recommended kinds of vegetables and fruit:

Practical tips:
Serve vegetables grated, blended or lightly steamed, so that they are easier to digest. Offer fruit in small amounts, as a reward or an extra.

In a BARF diet, vegetables and fruit help create a balanced and varied menu that supports health from the inside as well as the outside.

Nutritional supplements – oils, eggs and more

For a BARF diet to be completely balanced, it needs a few ingredients that are not part of the meat, the bones or the vegetables themselves. Nutritional supplements give a dog essential fatty acids, natural vitamins, trace elements and other nutrients that support the health of the heart, the skin, the digestion and the immune system.

The supplements most often used in BARF:

• Fish or salmon oil – a rich source of omega-3, supports the coat, the eyesight and anti-inflammatory processes.

• Eggs (raw or lightly cooked) – a complete source of protein, containing biotin, iron and vitamin B12.

• Kelp (seaweed) – a natural source of iodine and minerals.

• Apple cider vinegar – mildly antibacterial, supports digestion and the pH balance.

How much of a supplement to give depends on the size of the dog, on the ingredients in the basic menu and on the dog’s current needs. By including them you create a nutritionally complete diet that will keep a dog in excellent condition all its life.

How to start with a BARF diet?

Switching to BARF nutrition calls for patience, preparation and an understanding of the basic principles. Dogs are used to commercial food and their digestive system needs time to adapt to a new type of diet. The right timing and a gradual changeover are the key to a dog accepting a raw diet without digestive problems.

Before you begin, it is a good idea to talk to your vet. Put together a list of suitable ingredients, plan the menu and arrange somewhere hygienic to store the meat.

A gradual switch from commercial food

A sudden change of diet can cause diarrhoea, bloating or a refusal to eat. That is why it is important to move to BARF slowly – ideally over 7 to 10 days. At the start, mix a small amount of raw food into the usual food and gradually increase the share of BARF, until it replaces the original diet completely.

The recommended changeover schedule:

• Days 1–3: 25 % BARF, 75 % the original food

• Days 4–6: 50 % BARF, 50 % the original food

• Days 7–9: 75 % BARF, 25 % the original food

• Day 10 onwards: 100 % BARF

During the changeover, watch your dog’s behaviour, its appetite, the quality of the stool and its energy. The first reaction of the digestive system is natural and settles within a few days. What matters is to stay calm, regular and consistent.

Working out the daily ration

A correctly set daily ration is the key to keeping an ideal weight and good health. In a BARF diet the amount of food is calculated from the weight, age, activity level and state of health of the dog. There is no universal portion – every dog is unique and its needs can differ.

Split the daily ration into one or two meals a day, depending on your dog’s routine. For puppies and small breeds, 3 to 4 smaller portions a day are recommended.

Practical tip: The ration can change over time – weigh your dog regularly and watch its condition. If it is losing weight, increase the ration. If it is gaining, reduce it. BARF nutrition lets you respond to your dog’s needs precisely and in real time.

Preparing and storing the ingredients

In BARF nutrition, hygiene and the correct storage of the ingredients play a decisive role. You are working with raw meat, offal and bone, all of which are sensitive to temperature, moisture and contamination. To keep the food good and your dog healthy, it is important to follow a few simple but strict rules.

The rules of hygienic preparation:

• Use a separate board and knife for meat.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the ingredients.

• Clean bowls, containers and the work surface after every use.

• Do not leave meat out of the fridge for long.

How to store the ingredients:

• Keep them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days at most.

• Airtight containers or bags are best, as they prevent contamination and stop smells from spreading.

The most common mistakes in BARF feeding

Although BARF nutrition brings a great many benefits, set up badly it can do a dog more harm than good. The most common mistakes come from not knowing the ratios, from a lack of variety or from poor hygiene. For the menu to work and to be safe, it is important to avoid these mistakes deliberately.

The riskiest mistakes are:

• an unbalanced ratio of ingredients,

• serving unsuitable foods,

• poor hygiene when handling the food,

• nutritional supplements missing over a long period,

• too sudden a changeover, without letting the digestive system adapt.

A BARF diet has great potential, but it only works when it is put together expertly and responsibly.

The wrong ratios of ingredients

One of the biggest mistakes in BARF is an imbalance between meat, bones, offal and the plant part. Too many bones can cause constipation and an excess of calcium, while too much liver leads to an excessive intake of vitamin A.

A menu that stays unbalanced over a long period leads to nutritional deficiencies or excesses, which can show as tiredness, problems with the skin or trouble with the digestive system. With BARF, balance is the absolute foundation.

Serving unsuitable foods

Not every ingredient that is safe for a person is also suitable for a dog. Some foods can be toxic for dogs or can cause digestive trouble, allergies or long-term health problems. With BARF nutrition it is important to know what to avoid, even when the ingredient looks “healthy”.

The foods most often unsuitable or dangerous for dogs:

Practical tip: If you are not sure about a particular food, it is better not to offer it at all. If any symptoms appear after your dog has eaten something suspicious, contact your vet.

A healthy BARF diet is built on quality, safe ingredients, not on improvising with whatever is in the fridge.

Poor hygiene when preparing the food

With a raw diet, keeping to the hygiene rules is absolutely essential; otherwise you risk contaminating the food with bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria. They need not harm the dog straight away, but they can endanger you, your household and above all children or older people. Safe BARF preparation rests on a clean environment, correct handling and a check on the ingredients.

The rules of good hygiene when preparing BARF:

• Always wash your hands before and after handling the ingredients.

• Use separate work surfaces and utensils for meat only.

• Disinfect boards, knives and bowls thoroughly after every use.

• Do not leave meat at room temperature any longer than necessary.

Neglected hygiene can undo every benefit of BARF nutrition. Safe food starts with a clean work space.

BARF food for dogs with specific needs

Every dog has different nutritional demands, depending on its age, activity and state of health. BARF nutrition makes it possible to adapt the menu to individual needs – from puppies through seniors to dogs with allergies or digestive trouble. That is exactly where its great advantage over universal foods lies.

With specific needs it is important to watch the exact ratios of the ingredients and the right choice of meats and supplements, so that the diet is complete and safe.

Puppies and their nutritional needs

Growing puppies need more energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus than adult dogs. Bones, joints, muscles and immunity are all forming during growth, which is why the menu has to be put together with particular care.

Recommendations for BARF feeding of puppies:

• Daily ration: 5–10 % of the puppy’s body weight, split into 3–4 portions a day.

• A balanced ratio of meat, bones and offal.

• Use soft bones, such as chicken necks or carcass.

• Include supplements: salmon oil, egg yolk.

The right nutrition in the early months creates a solid foundation for healthy development. BARF lets you control exactly what a puppy eats, which is an advantage above all with food intolerances.

Older dogs and the special care they need

A dog’s senior years bring physiological changes that call for an adjustment of the menu. The metabolism slows down, activity decreases and problems with the joints, the digestion or the immune system often appear. BARF nutrition offers a way to support these changes naturally, with the right composition of the diet.

Adjustments to a BARF menu for older dogs:

• Reduce the overall calorie content of the food, so that the dog does not gain weight.

• Include meats that are easier to digest, such as rabbit, turkey or beef heart.

• Serve softer bones, or replace them with minced ones.

• Strengthen the nutritional supplements: glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin.

• Include fibre – grated courgette, spinach or psyllium, for example.

By feeding a quality BARF diet regularly you can help a senior keep good condition, strong immunity and pain-free movement. Because the diet can be tailored to the individual, BARF can respond effectively to the changing needs of an older dog.

Dogs with allergies and sensitive digestion

BARF nutrition is an ideal solution for dogs that suffer from food allergies, intolerances or chronic digestive problems. Because you know exactly what goes into your dog’s menu, you can easily identify and leave out the ingredients that cause trouble.

How to set up BARF for a sensitive dog:

• Start with a single-protein diet – with turkey or rabbit meat only, for example.

• Leave out the most common allergens: chicken, beef, dairy products, eggs.

• Do not add new ingredients all at once – test each one for at least 5 to 7 days.

• Use tripe, probiotics and fermented vegetables to support the gut microflora.

• Insist on strict hygiene and on fresh ingredients throughout.

The benefits of a BARF menu for dogs with allergies:

• Complete control over what the menu contains.

• The chance to adjust the diet quickly if the condition worsens.

• Support for the gut and the immune system from natural ingredients.

In sensitive dogs the condition often improves markedly after just a few weeks of BARF nutrition. The key is patience, consistency and careful observation of how the dog reacts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about BARF food

Is BARF suitable for every breed of dog?

Yes, a BARF diet suits every breed, from the small ones to the larger ones, from puppies to seniors. The differences lie only in the amount and the composition of the food – not in the principle. What matters is adapting the menu to the individual needs of the dog, to its age, weight and activity.

How often should a dog get BARF food?

Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day – morning and evening. Some dogs prefer one larger meal a day. Puppies need 3–4 portions a day and seniors smaller, easily digestible rations. Regularity matters more than the frequency itself.

What does a BARF diet cost?

The cost of BARF can be comparable to, or slightly higher than, that of quality kibble. It depends on the size of the dog, on the availability of the ingredients and on the supplements used. With larger dogs, and when buying in bulk, the price can be brought down.

Where can I get quality ingredients for BARF?

You will find the ingredients at a butcher’s, in specialised BARF shops or in an e-shop. Always choose fresh, unprocessed products without any additives.

How do I know whether my dog has a balanced diet?

A healthy dog has a glossy coat, firm stools, plenty of energy and a stable weight. Watch its overall behaviour, its appetite and the state of its skin. Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests will help confirm that the menu really is balanced.

Can a BARF diet cause health problems?

Yes, if it is put together badly or stored incorrectly. The most common risks are the wrong ratios of nutrients, contaminated meat or the serving of unsuitable foods. When the right procedures are followed, however, BARF is a safe and healthy way of feeding.

How does the switch to BARF work with older dogs?

Seniors can move to BARF in the same way as younger dogs, only more slowly and with more care. Start with simple proteins (turkey, for example) and add new ingredients gradually. Support the digestion with probiotics and take any health restrictions into account.

Do I need to discuss BARF with a vet?

Yes, especially if your dog has health problems or is on medication. A vet or a nutrition specialist will help you set the menu up so that it is safe and nutritionally balanced. Expert advice is always an advantage, never a weakness.

How should BARF food be stored?

Store BARF food in the freezer or in the fridge, as needed. Defrost only as much as your dog will eat within 1 to 2 days. Use resealable containers or bags and always keep to the hygiene rules when handling it. Never store the food at room temperature.