The abbreviation BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” and was influenced by the Australian veterinary physician Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s. The BARF method was developed for the natural diet of meat-eating pets, primarily for dogs and cats. The motive for many dog owners is, on the one hand, the desire to prevent diseases of civilisation in animals such as obesity, food intolerances and allergies as much as possible – even if these cannot be excluded in the BARF method. On the other hand, the use of additives for finished products such as wet and dry food is seen critically.
By feeding untreated raw components, the dog is guaranteed the most natural possible supply of food. Fresh or frozen meat, bones, offal and possibly fish are put together in portions and enriched with vegetables or cereals. This feed mixture is introduced to the dog without further processing. Feeding under the BARF method requires extensive knowledge of nutritional physiology and food science on the dog owner’s part. Please read up on the topic well and ask the veterinarian or better nutrition specialist to create an individual BARF plan for you before you make the changeover for your dog. This prevents malnutrition or oversupply with individual ingredients. BARF meets the dog’s need for chewing in particular. The composition of individual feed components can be regulated as needed.
