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Natural raw feeding for dogs

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) for dogs – a healthy and balanced way to feed

Dog nutrition is increasingly becoming a focus for responsible pet owners. Whereas in the past, meals often consisted of table scraps or basic dry or wet food, many dog owners today place great importance on natural, high-quality nutrition. Raw feeding, also known as BARF, is therefore growing in popularity.

Whether you choose a raw feeding diet for health reasons- such as food intolerances - or out of personal conviction, it is important that your dog receives all the necessary nutrients. This is the only way to ensure vitality and good health. A sufficient supply of calcium is particularly important.

Since not every dog can tolerate bones without any problems, calcium should be provided through dietary supplements if necessary. A deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, or trace elements can lead to health problems over time.

A balanced BARF ration ideally consists of approximately 60 - 80% animal-based ingredients - divided into muscle meat, organ meats, tripe, bones, as well as fatty meat and high-quality oils. The remainder consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplements tailored to the dog’s needs to ensure a supply of all essential nutrients, including iodine, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

BARF – species-appropriate raw feeding for dogs

The term “BARF” originally comes from English and stands for “Bones and Raw Food.” In German, this is often referred to as “biologically appropriate raw feeding.” The goal is to adapt a dog’s diet to the natural eating habits of its wild relatives. Wolves and other wild dogs consume the entire prey animal - meat, organs, bones, and, in some cases, plant matter as well.

So, BARF feeding isn't just about feeding raw meat. To keep a dog healthy in the long term, non-meat components - such as fruits, vegetables, or high-quality supplements - must also be included in the diet. This ensures that all necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are provided.

Quick Overview – BARF for Dogs

Origin: B.A.R.F. stands for “Bones And Raw Food” and is referred to in German as “biologically appropriate raw feeding.” It is based on the natural diet of carnivores such as wolves.

Transition: The switch from commercial dog food to a raw diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive problems

Nutrient supply: A balanced BARF diet requires an adequate supply of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. This is achieved by incorporating non-meat components and targeted supplements.

How healthy is a raw food diet for dogs?

Dogs - much like their wild ancestors, wolves - are not strict carnivores, but rather scavengers. In the wild, wolves do not feed solely on muscle meat; they also consume the blood, bones, organs, and intestinal contents of their prey.

  • Bones provide important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and magnesium
  • Blood contains iron and sodium.
  • Offal meets the need for fat-soluble vitamins and trace elements.
  • Fat tissue from prey provides essential fatty acids, which serve, among other things, as a source of energy.

When dogs on a BARF diet receive a balanced mix of all these components, this feeding method can provide a species-appropriate, healthy, and individually tailored diet.

Pros and cons of a BARF diet

It’s important to ask yourself early on: What kind of food is best for my dog? Can I put together a balanced diet myself, or is commercial dog food the more practical solution?

It’s helpful to weigh the pros and cons of the different feeding methods in order to make an informed decision.

Pros of raw feeding

  • A nature-based diet: BARF feeding is modeled after the natural eating habits of dogs and their wild ancestors.
  • Precise nutrient control: It allows you to determine exactly which vitamins, minerals, and trace elements your dog receives.
  • High-quality ingredients: Fresh meat, organs, bones, and vegetables can be carefully selected and checked for quality.
  • Individual customization: The diet can be optimally tailored to the dog’s tolerance, allergies, or personal preferences.
  • Varied meal plan: Different ingredients provide variety and encourage the dog to accept the food.
  • Flexibility: If the dog refuses food or has appetite issues, you can react quickly and adjust the composition.
  • Diagnostic benefits: If intolerances or allergies are suspected, targeted elimination diets make it easier to identify the cause.

Cons of raw feeding

  • Time-consuming preparation: Putting together a balanced BARF diet requires more time and care than feeding commercial pet food.
  • Limited shelf life: Fresh ingredients don’t last long, which requires planning and refrigeration.
  • Time-consuming: Shopping, portioning, and preparation take significantly more effort.
  • Hygiene risks: Inadequate cleanliness during storage or preparation can lead to bacterial growth and cause health problems.
  • Risk of nutritional imbalances: An improperly formulated diet can lead to a deficiency or excess of essential nutrients and cause long-term health problems in dogs.

However, with proper planning and care, BARF can be a healthy, fresh, and individually tailored feeding method for dogs.

BARF for Beginners

If you want to feed your dog a BARF diet, you should first determine its individual nutritional needs. Factors such as breed, size, living conditions, and activity level play a key role here. It’s equally important to find out which types of meat, organ meats, or plant-based ingredients your dog enjoys - careful calculation is of little use if the meals are ignored.

To simplify the selection process, you can create a list of your dog’s favorite ingredients. Frozen ready-made meals can also make the transition easier: they can be fed as a complete meal or combined with fruits, vegetables, and supplements. However, it’s important to note that not every ready-made BARF meal automatically meets all nutritional needs. You should therefore always check whether all necessary vitamins and minerals are included or if a targeted supplement is required.

For dogs that have previously only been fed commercial dog food, a direct switch or a gradual transition—for example, using easily digestible bland food - is usually advisable. In the initial phase, whole bones should be avoided. Vegetables, grains, and meat should be divided among the day’s meals. Sensitive dogs often benefit from several small meals rather than a few large portions. During this adjustment period, the dog’s condition should be closely monitored, and the portion size adjusted as needed.

BARF food for puppies

Puppies can be fed a BARF diet, but they require a carefully balanced diet, as nutritional deficiencies can directly affect their growth. Their nutritional needs depend on their age, breed, and expected adult weight.

The daily food intake for puppies is generally about 5–8% of their current body weight, spread over several meals. During growth spurts, requirements may be higher and should be adjusted individually.

The composition of the diet is crucial. A proven guideline is:

  • approx. 70–80% animal components, of which approximately:
    • 50–60% muscle meat
    • 10–20% raw meaty bones (or a source of calcium)
    • 10–15% organ meats (including some liver)
  • approx. 20–30% plant-based components (vegetables, some fruit)

It is important that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is balanced, as this plays a key role in bone development. At first, bones should be ground or replaced with a dietary supplement.

The daily ration should be divided into 3–4 meals. Meat can be ground or offered in small, easily chewable pieces. Plant-based ingredients should be pureed or cooked to improve digestibility.

In addition, essential fatty acids (e.g., from salmon oil) and, depending on the ration calculation, important micronutrients such as iodine and vitamin D should be supplemented.

During growth, it is particularly important to regularly monitor weight, body condition, and stool consistency and adjust the diet accordingly.

The right BARF diet for dogs

To ensure that a raw diet is balanced and healthy, the meal should include not only muscle meat but also organ meats, fruits, vegetables, oils, and bones. Since it is often difficult in everyday life to provide all these components in the right amounts, targeted supplements can help ensure an adequate supply of nutrients.

A high-quality dietary supplement ensures the supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, which are often not present in sufficient quantities in a diet consisting solely of raw meat and vegetables. This targeted supplement compensates for deficiencies in vital nutrients, such as iodine, vitamin D, or zinc, thereby strengthening the immune system, coat quality, and bones and joints. CANIPUR barf, for example, offers a practical way to easily supplement daily meals and ensure a balanced diet. High-quality oils, such as flaxseed or salmon oil, provide essential fatty acids that are important for energy, skin health, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Even though implementing a BARF diet daily can be challenging, these supplements make it possible to create a balanced and needs-based diet. This allows raw feeding to be meaningfully integrated into daily life and, if necessary, can partially replace conventional dog food.

A brief overview of the essentials: BARF for dogs

  • Definition: BARF = “biologically appropriate raw feeding” (raw meat, bones, plant-based components)
  • Goal: To mimic the natural diet of carnivorous animals
  • Composition:
    • Approx. 60–80 % meat (muscle meat, offal, tripe, fat)
    • Remainder: fruit, vegetables & supplements
    • Oils for essential fatty acids
  • Important:
    • Balanced supply of vitamins, minerals & trace elements
    • Calcium is particularly important (replace if necessary if no bones are fed)
  • Pros:
    • Natural & customizable diet
    • Control over ingredients & nutrients
    • Suitable for intolerances/allergies
  • Cons:
    • Time-consuming (shopping, preparation, planning)
    • Hygiene is important (risk of bacteria in raw meat)
    • Requires knowledge of nutritional needs
  • Transition:
    • Make the change slowly to ease digestion
    • Monitor your dog closely and adjust the portion size
  • For beginners:
    • Needs depend on age, size, and activity level
    • Frozen portions can be helpful
    • Several small meals are often advisable
  • Puppies:
    • Higher nutritional needs (especially protein, calcium, vitamin D)
    • Feed in small portions
    • Bones are simply adjusted or replaced
  • Practical tip:
    • Supplementary feed can help fill nutritional gaps
  • Conclusion:
    • BARF feeding can be very healthy if it is well-planned and implemented in a balanced way