Have you heard of raw feeding , but aren't quite sure what it is or how to get started? We'll give you an overview – explained simply and understandably, with plenty of tips for everyday life.
What does BARF actually mean?
BARF stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food." The term is originally derived from the English term "bones and raw food ." The idea behind it is that dogs should be fed as close to nature and as appropriate to their species as possible – just like their wild ancestors, the wolves.
Specifically, this means: raw meat, bones, vegetables, fruit, and oils – no industrially processed feed , no artificial additives. Sounds complicated? But it isn't!
Why raw feeding? – The advantages at a glance
- Know exactly what ends up in the bowl
- Relief of health problems (e.g. allergies, gastrointestinal problems)
- Natural nutrition
- Positive side effects such as shiny coat and clean teeth
- Less excrement – the less excrement, the better the utilization
What should be included in the BARF menu?
A good raw food diet is balanced and varied . The basic rule is:
80% animal ingredients:
-
Muscle meat
(e.g., beef, chicken, lamb, horse – forms the main component in the bowl. It provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. Variety is also important here to cover a broad spectrum of nutrients.) -
Rumen or omasum
(Green tripe is particularly valuable: it contains pre-digested plant residues and a natural diversity of microorganisms – great for your dog's intestinal flora.) -
offal
(Liver, heart, kidney, spleen – provide essential vitamins such as A, D, B12, as well as trace elements such as copper and iron. Important: Feed liver only in small amounts to avoid an excess of vitamin A.) -
Meaty bones
(e.g., chicken necks, veal breastbone, lamb ribs – these are the main source of calcium and phosphorus . They also promote dental health and ensure species-appropriate chewing behavior. If you don't want to feed bones, you must definitely supplement calcium.)
⚠️ Important: Always feed raw bones , never cooked bones! Cooked bones can splinter and cause dangerous internal injuries.
20% plant ingredients:
- Vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, pumpkin – ideally cooked or finely pureed so your dog can absorb the nutrients well. Raw, unpureed vegetables often pass through the intestines undigested.)
- Fruit (e.g., apple, banana – in moderation and preferably pureed or well chopped. Be careful not to feed too many high-sugar varieties.)
- High-quality oils (e.g. salmon oil, hemp oil – provide essential fatty acids and also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables and offal)
✅ Tip: You can puree a small portion of the fruit and vegetable mix and freeze it in portions. This saves time and provides variety.
Important additives for raw feeding – what your dog needs in addition
Even though BARF is fundamentally based on natural ingredients, a pure meat and vegetable mix is n't enough to provide your dog with optimal nutrition. This is where important supplements come into play that you should be aware of:
1. Calcium (if no bones are fed)
If your dog can't tolerate raw bones, or you prefer to avoid them, you must definitely supplement with calcium. Suitable options include:
- Eggshell powder
- Calcium citrate
- Algal lime
Calcium is crucial for bones, teeth and the entire musculoskeletal system.
2. Iodine (for the thyroid)
BARF often lacks sufficient iodine , so seaweed meal (Ascophyllum nodosum) is a common and natural source of iodine. Dosage is important – it is recommended to dose according to body weight and manufacturer's instructions.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids (for skin, coat, anti-inflammatory)
Not all fats are created equal. High-quality omega-3 fatty acids are essential and are best obtained through:
- Salmon oil
- Cod liver oil (plus vitamins A & D)
- Krill oil or linseed oil (for sensitive dogs)
4. Vitamin D
Often underestimated in raw feeding – because dogs cannot or hardly can produce it through the sun like humans can.
- Cod liver oil
- targeted supplementation with vitamin D preparations
5. Fiber & Digestive Aids
To support digestion and intestinal flora, you can also give:
- Psyllium husks
- Flaxseed (ground)
- Brewer's yeast (for B vitamins & coat health)
How to start with BARF – step by step
1. Calculate requirements
An adult, healthy dog receives approximately 2–3% of its body weight per day as food.
👉 Example: A 20 kg dog gets about 400-600 g of food daily.
2. Gather ingredients
Create a BARF plan or start with complete BARF menus from the store – these are already coordinated and will help you get started.
3. Change slowly
Transition your dog slowly and gradually . Start with easily digestible muscle meat and a vegetable puree, then increase the variety and raw bone content.
4. Don't forget the additives
Not just meat and vegetables – the supplements mentioned are essential to ensure your dog stays healthy in the long term.
Barfing: yes or no?
Raw feeding isn't magic—but it's not for everyone either. You should be prepared to engage with the topic, do a bit of planning, and keep an eye on your feeding.
However, if you:
- want to do something good for your dog
- Want transparency in food
- are willing to put in some training
…then raw feeding can be a great, natural and healthy alternative to ready-made food!
💡 Note:
This article provides a clear overview of raw feeding—ideal for beginners. Please note, however: raw feeding is more than just meat and vegetables. To ensure your dog stays healthy in the long run, you should pay close attention to the composition of the rations. Especially when it comes to nutrients and supplements, mistakes can easily creep in that can be problematic in the long run. If you're unsure, it's best to seek support from an experienced dog nutritionist —this way, you'll be on the safe side and your four-legged friend will get exactly what he needs. 🐾
