Wolf Pack Inc

The term BARF was introduced by an Australian veterinarian named Ian Billinghurst. This acronym was initially used by those who fed their dogs raw, meaty bones. When first coined, the term stood for “bones and raw food.” The acronym morphed over time and came to stand for “biologically appropriate raw food.” Today, most owners who feed their dogs these foods simply refer to this diet as “raw.”

The idea of feeding fresh, varied raw foods to dogs was once considered radical, even though cooking them destroys or alters their nutrient content. This type of diet, however, has become an accepted and often preferred regime for many dog owners.

Since this diet is thought to be very healthy, many dog owners who are caring for ill animals will switch to a raw dog food regime. However, more and more are proactively feeding their dogs a BARF diet in order to prevent ill health in the future.

As healthy as many believe this diet to be, many vets are skeptical about the safety of these foods. Nonetheless, a growing number of manufacturers are creating packaged BARF diets that are frozen or freeze-dried and available in finer pet food stores.

If you consider the history of the canine, a diet of raw dog food quite logical. It is derived from the foods that a feral dog would consume in the wild. The nutrition that is natural for dogs is what this diet is all about. Uncooked bones, raw meat, and pulverized fruits and veggies are on the menu of the wild canine.

While this diet is healthy, it does contain its risks and the skepticism relayed by some veterinarians is warranted. For one, there is a risk of dietary imbalances if a proper combination of foods is not feed to the dog. It is important to be cautious of bacterial contamination when the foods are not handled in a hygienic manner. Plus, there is the risk of injuries resulting from inadequately chewed bones.

A balanced diet is vital to the good health of your canine. When they consume a diet lacking the proper nutrients, they may become prone to serious health issues. For example, inadequate amounts of calcium can cause severe orthopedic issues for a dog.

It is possible to feed your dog a safe BARF diet that is clean and nutritious. You just need to do your homework. When considering a product, be aware of the ingredients it contains and the manufacturer who makes it. Make sure that bones included in a packaged product have been pulverized in order to cut the risk of choking or injury.

With all of the benefits there are to feeding your dog raw dog food, there are drawbacks – the main one being the cost. When this diet is properly administered to your dog, as it should be, it can cost you as much or more as it costs to feed yourself! Obviously, this is prohibitive for many dog owners. But don’t despair! You can intermittently feed your dog a BARF diet. He will benefit from the natural nutrients even if it is on an occasional basis. The remainder of the time, feed your furry friend a quality dog food.