Biologically Appropriate Raw Food

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food(BARF diet)

I have come across a number of dogs within our pet sitting services that are fed raw whole-food nutrition. I write briefly about the BARF diet sharing some of the advantages and disadvantages.I am a great believer in the fact that given the right nutrition our bodies (human and animal) can prevent and heal itself from diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, heart diseases, diabetes etc. The BARF diet was founded and written about by Dr Ian Billinghurst in 1993 with his first book “Give your dog a bone”. Billinghurst is an agronomist, nutritionist, veterinary surgeon and a Traditional Chinese medicine doctor. His experience with pet nutrition comes from his research within his own veterinary clinic. 

What is the raw food diet?

The principle of the BARF diet is to feed dogs and cats the diet they evolved to eat, which is a raw diet, composed of meats and greens that are fresh, uncooked and wild.

A 13yr old American Staffordshire Terrier fed a raw food diet and full of joy and energy. She has a sensitive stomach and can only eat the BARF diet.

What does a raw food diet typically consist of?

  • Muscle meat, often still on the bone
  • Bones, either whole or ground
  • Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
  • Raw eggs
  • Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
  • Apples or other fruit
  • Some dairy, such as yogurt

What are the potential benefits of the raw food diet?

  • Shinier coats
  • Healthier skin
  • Improved dental hygiene
  • Higher energy levels
  • Smaller less foul smelling stools
  • Healthier immune system
  • Improvement in general wellbeing and appetite
  • Reduction of digestive problems
  • Better weight control

According to Dr Billinghurst. “When our pets face health problems such as obesity, arthritis, allergies, autoimmune disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and so many more, including cancer, the first step on the path to health is to switch to the BARF diet.  This is the drug-free solution to the many health problems our pets face”.

​What is important to know about Raw Food Diet?

  • Thinking that raw food is all about throwing a kilo of mince meat in a bowl is a mistake that will cause health problems in the future, for your pet. This type of feeding does not provide complete nutrition.
  • Understand the basics of nutrition for your particular pet. Research thoroughly. I have included some of my references at the end of this blog to give a starting point.
  • Ensure that your unique animal’s food requirements are being met through a balanced nutrition with a variety of ingredients that include meat, vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals.
  • Be aware that nutritional requirements will vary according to age, reproductivity, health, exercise and environment.
  • Source a good outlet for Raw Food. I have experienced food from www.puromenu.es (in Madrid), the food is frozen and is delivered to Barcelona.
  • Discuss any dietary changes with your holistic vet
  • Never switch to a new diet quickly
  • When switching to a new diet (whatever diet) always monitor your pet’s health.
  • Store raw food appropriately refrigerated in airtight containers.
  • Store meal sized portions in containers and frozen.

What are the potential risks that are discussed?

  • Despite the many health benefits, one drawback associated with a raw diet is the risk of giving your dog an unbalanced diet. Many owners want to do it themselves, which is great. Unfortunately, most do not know how to properly balance all of the micronutrients dogs need, which can lead to deficiencies and future health problems.
  • Bones should only be given under supervision and at the right size for the dog as there is potential for whole bones to choke an animal, break teeth or cause an internal puncture.

What do the profesional associations say?

  • The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warns about potential risks of feeding and handling raw meats, as they can be contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. The concern is not only that animals will become ill from contaminated food, but, more importantly, humans will become ill from handling the food. 

However, these dangers might be exaggerated. Some vets say that with good handling practices, raw dog food diets are no more dangerous than handling raw hamburger meat before cooking it on the grill. Good hygiene, frequent hand washing, using food in a reasonable time period, cleaning dishes and disposing of uneaten food prevent human (and dog) illness.

  • The Professional Associations also discuss the the animals are at risk of being fed a home made diet which is inadequate in nutrients, minerals or vitamins.

Reference Sources

https://drianbillinghurst.com
Petmd.com
Veterinaryrecord.bmj.com (British veterinary Assoc)
Avma.org
FDA and CDC
​rawbistro.com

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