Did you Say "BARF"?

Yes, you read the title of this story correctly. There is a growing contingent of loving pet owners who are feeding their dog a B.A.R.F. diet. Fortunately for both pets and their owners, BARF is an acronym for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”. There exists a common misconception that a BARF diet consists exclusively of meat. In reality, what is considered a proper BARF based dog food and dog treat plan includes not only uncooked meat but also certain bones, vegetables, fruits, offal (liver, kidneys, heart, etc), and whole eggs, as well as herbs and vitamins.

There exists an open debate in the scientific, veterinarian, and pet owner communities about the benefits and drawbacks of this type of diet. Proponents of BARF typically point out that dogs in the wild and throughout history, and without human interference, have essentially eaten a BARF diet. BARF proponents also point out that during the processing of preparing commercial pet foods, the ingredients are typically heated to high temperatures which in turn destroys or lessens the value of the nutrients in the dog food or dog treats. Many BARF adherents note the improved overall health of their pet as more than enough reason to continue a BARF diet. Commonly reported health improvements include better skin condition, reduced ear infections, and reduced instances of vomiting and diarrhea,

Those who do not endorse a BARF diet for their dog point out that the nutritional balance of a BARF diet can vary greatly depending upon the specific ingredients used and the ration of those respective ingredients. If incorrect ingredients or ratios are used then necessary nutrients may be unintentionally omitted. Other potential risks of BARF include dental injuries, digestive obstructions, and intestinal perforations. An additional consideration related to BARF is the risk of infection and illness due to bacteria and parasites that can proliferate if the raw ingredients are not properly stored and handled prior to feeding. These risks are not limited to your pet but also to the pet owner who is preparing these dog foods and dog treats. Therefore safe handling guidelines must be adhered to in order to help insure safety for the pet and it’s owner. For more information on safe handling of raw food visit www.meatsafety.org.

The debate on BARF is likely to continue on indefinitely although previously concluded and ongoing research studies can help the informed pet owner to make the most appropriate decision for their individual pet.

Dave@FidoDogTreats.com
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