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Beyond Kibble:
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The Raw Diet for Dogs is really just that, raw food. Some people also include raw bones.
Raw Diet or B.A.R.F. Diet
Raw Diet?
The Raw Diet is also known as the B.A.R.F. Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or "Bones and Raw Food”)
Developed by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst.
In it's "purest" state it’s raw food, raw eggs, veggies, whole
fish (yes, raw) raw bones and meats—no
kibble/canned food, just raw “people food”.
Controversy
This is a controversial feeding practice (there are support groups) and several books have been written about it.
There’s a lot of concern about possible bacteria in the bones particularly, hence the controversy.
But those that love it, really love it!
Advocates say their dog has more energy, better health, arthritis and allergies are gone and more.
Naysayers say it’s too dangerous.
You be the judge.
Some of the potential benefits of the Raw Diet for dogs include getting your pet back to a more natural diet which reportedly helps to keep them young and free of degenerative diseases. The Raw Diet is more natural than a diet of processed kibble and canned dog foods.
Pros
Cons
Research is necessary,
Give Your Dog A Bone by Ian Billinghurst, the originator of the Raw Diet for dogs or B.A.R.F.
Three Types of Raw Meat Diets:
•Commercial frozen raw food diets, simple and convenient it is meant to be a complete and balanced raw diet. Just thaw and feed!
Northwest Naturals Raw Dog Food - Beef Nuggets 2.5 lbs.
•Homemade Raw Diet: 60% raw, meaty bones and 40% veggies, dairy and some organs like liver. Could be tricky to get the balance right.
•Combination: Raw meat mixed with store-bought grain and supplements.
Getting Started
If you’d like to get started with the raw diet, but don’t really know where to go and want convenience, you might try a frozen version available from Only Natural Pet Nature's Variety Raw Beef Medallions - 3 lbs
I've been feeding Baggins the frozen beef medallions mixed with his kibble with a little olive oil drizzled over it. I don't know if it's the combination or just luck but his coat has never been softer. And he LOVES the beef medallions.
Nature's Variety Raw Beef Medallions - 3 lbs
You can also order frozen raw bones
Frozen Turkey Bones
If you want to read up on the BARF diet,Ian Billinghurst, the vet who developed it has published two books about BARF: Give Your Dog a Bone and Grow Your Pups with Bones. There are other good resources available too.
Click Here more resources on dog diets.
Do You Feed a Raw Diet for Dogs? If so, Please Share Your Experience With Other Dog Lovers!
