Barf is being used more and more by dog owners and professionals. This diet based on raw meat allows the dog to return to its original diet. However, choosing Barf is not without risks and the transition must be smooth.

What is Barf?

Barf is a form of food for dogs, and animals in general, which means: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (Bone and Raw Food), in French: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. He is a veterinarian who is at the origin of it and the aim is to get as close as possible to the dog's diet in the wild.

The Dog, This Carnivore

This diet in the wild was a diet mainly composed of raw meat. Barf assumes that its “natural” diet is the best diet. In fact, if the animal only ate meat, it was because it provided it with all the necessary nutrients. But this is not necessarily the case, dogs would have acquired the ability to digest cooked starch following contact with humans.

The dangers

Although it is true that Barf contains sources of protein and energy through the consumption of raw meat, the dog cannot be satisfied with that alone.

As explained above, Barf consists of raw meat and therefore bones. The risk for the dog is to have problems with intestinal obstruction and perforation due to good digestion. By eating raw meat, he can also ingest parasites (taenia among others). The animal may end up deficient or present an excess of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

In terms of logistics, Barf is also restrictive since you have to renew the stock of fresh meat very regularly and be very vigilant about the quality given to your dog.

If you want to move to Barf, a transition is obviously essential. A veterinarian will be able to advise you in your approach.