B.A.R.F Guidelines

General B.A.R.F. Diet Information and Guideline

We strongly believe this diet is biologically appropriate for our dogs and the puppies we raise. Please note that we are not veterinarians nor professional dieticians. We highly suggest that you do your own research and decide if this fresh raw food diet is right for you and your dog.

Feeding a B.A.R.F diet is very rewarding for both owner and dog, but it is a decision that requires research and commitment to be successful. Time should be spent researching the type of diet that you think is right for you and which methodology fits your comfort level. There are quite a few variations on this diet but they are one of the same. You should speak with a number of breeder and/or dog owners who have had success feeding a raw diet.

Moreover, you should spend time finding resources for the different parts of the diet; raw meaty bones (RMB), offal (organ meat), vegetables, etc. There are many companies that make good quality prepared BA.R.F meals but you will need to find good sources at reasonable prices to make it affordable. Check with your local butcher, slaughter houses and small/large chain grocery stores as they usually have clearance items. Adjust the meals based on what’s in season as it’ll be cheaper for certain vegetables, meats, fish, etc. Stocking up is also highly recommended.

What we Feed

As a general rule, what’s good for our consumption will be good for our dog. Although there are some exceptions (raw tripe, certain organs, etc); these I would not consume but our dogs devour them with vigor. Meals may consist of, but not limited to, the following 3 main categories of ingredients

60-70% Raw Meaty Bones
20-30% Vegetable & Fruit, most of this comes the left over pulp from our morning juicing
10% Organ meat

1) Raw Meaty Bones

Chicken backs and necks or minced Chicken with bone
Turkey necks
Beef knuckle bones for recreational chewing

We also add red meat a few times per week beef, lamb, venison, moose, etc. Fish that is in season is a great addition.

2) Vegetables and Fruit mix

We use a variety of veggies and fruit, any that are in season will help keep the costs down. Green/Red leafy vegetables will make up about 75% of this mix. In to this mix we also add eggs, yogurt, red meat (organ meat, ground meat, fish). Garlic cloves are given every day as this will help with flea control. We have stopped using flea medication for years now and use garlic as a natural deterrent. It absolutely works!

The only vegetables to use sparingly in the veggie mix are those classified as “nightshade vegetables”. The only reason is that these vegetables may cause an increase in the inflammatory response which has a negative effect for a dog with arthritis. These include, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, tomatoes and similar types of vegetables. Except for onions, there are very few that we won’t use in our veggie mix

Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, silver beet, spinach, swiss chard, kale, celery, members of the cabbage family, etc
Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, etc.
Seasonal fruit; apples, oranges, pears, mangoes, bananas, etc

3) Organ Meat (Offal)

Include a few meals with a variety of organ meat from different animals. Make sure to check out the local grocery store for packs that you can usually find at reduced prices.

Beef; liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, tripe
Pork; liver, kidney, heart
Chicken; liver. kidney. gizzard, heart
Raw unbleached tripe; beef or lamb

Supplements

On occasion we add following supplements

Salmon Oil
Cod liver Oil
Kelp
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Raw eggs
Yogurt
Cottage

In Conclusion

Raw diets can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. There are many ways to feed a raw diet from pre-made B.A.R.F meals to making it yourself. The biggest advice is not to be fixated about making sure your dog is fed a completely balanced diet every single day…it really is about the overall complete diet over a long period. Don’t forget to have fun!