BARF
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Biologically Approved Raw Food, developed by Dr. Ian Billinghurst. Natural raw meat feeding (BARF) is a feeding method based on the eating habits of wolves and other wild carnivores. The animal is fed according to its dietary needs, with raw meat, bones, offal, vegetables and fruit in small proportions.
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Our menus are made up of an average of 85% meat/bone/offal and 15% vegetables and fruit.
Transition
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When switching to a raw diet, a gradual transition is often recommended. Many owners begin with poultry-based meals due to their mild nature. As every dog has different preferences, some may take more time to adjust to the new routine. Offering smaller, more frequent meals can help during this period. Once your dog is familiar with one protein source, you can gradually introduce others like beef.
If you're unsure about the transition or notice any unusual reactions, it's always best to consult your veterinarian for guidance.
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Feeding amounts can vary based on factors like age, size, activity level, and environment. As a general guideline, daily portions typically range from 2.5% to 3.5% of your dog's body weight.Small-breed puppies : 4.5%
Large-breed puppies : 3.25%
Adult Dogs : 2.5% to 3.25%
Old dogs : 2.5%
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Yes!
Some owners choose to start puppies on a BARF-style diet from a young age, aligning with their natural feeding instincts. This approach emphasizes raw, minimally processed ingredients and a gradual introduction of different protein sources. As with any feeding method, it’s important to monitor your puppy’s needs and adjust portions over time.
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Some owners choose to combine raw meals with other types of food. While this is a personal choice, it’s helpful to monitor your dog’s digestion and consistency during the transition. Mixing BARF and other foods can be done, especially if introduced gradually and thoughtfully. Portion size and timing can be adjusted based on your feeding routine.
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Yes! Feeding older dogs can follow the same basic principles as for younger dogs, with adjustments to portion size as activity levels change. A raw feeding approach like BARF allows for flexible meal planning, where quantities can be adapted to support your dog’s current lifestyle and energy needs.
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Yes, that’s quite normal. Meat and vegetables are largely composed of water, and their low salt content considerably reduces this need, which is much greater with dry food.
Feeding
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Yes and no. You should always monitor your dog’s reactions to the various supplements and, above all, never over-supply! It also always depends on the animal’s condition or life phase. A nursing bitch, for example, needs up to 3 times more energy than she would normally. Vitamin support, particularly vitamin C, is essential. In terms of minerals, calcium plays a very important role for the bitch. The high vitamin and mineral requirements of puppies must also be taken into account. As for sick or stressed dogs, food supplements can help and relieve them. Please contact your vet if you have any questions about supplements in general.
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Not only is fish a highly suitable food, it’s also particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil, also rich in omega-3, is a very good supplement!
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One type of bone widely recommended is marrow bone. Marrow is good for strengthening joints and cartilage, and bone can be gnawed for long periods without risk of fragmentation. Tubular bones should be avoided in favor of fleshy bones, ribs or cartilage. For poultry, wings, backs and necks are ideal. Fleshy bones are preferable to protect the stomach. If you don’t feel comfortable with certain bones, don’t give them away! We don’t want you to worry unnecessarily about your pet’s health.
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Some owners choose to combine raw meals with other types of food. While this is a personal choice, it’s helpful to monitor your dog’s digestion and consistency during the transition. Mixing BARF and other foods can be done, especially if introduced gradually and thoughtfully. Portion size and timing can be adjusted based on your feeding routine.
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Raw meals can be thawed either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For best results, allow the food to reach room temperature before serving, especially for sensitive dogs.
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Many people don’t think so, because raw egg white contains avidin, a substance that destroys vitamin H (biotin). Given that you’re feeding the whole egg, and that the high biotin content in the yolk exceeds the effect of avidin, there’s no need to worry. In addition, eggs are very rich in calcium if you give them in the shell. They’re also an additional source of protein.
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When a dog has been raised on industrial food, he may not immediately like the taste of raw meat. Some dogs may not recognize raw meat as food because the smell and consistency are unfamiliar to them. If your dog refuses to eat meat at first, you can supplement it with bone broth or kefir (or others) to give it new smells and arouse his interest.
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For road trips lasting up to a week, it’s a good idea to take frozen meat with you. Placed under cover in an icebox, thawing can take a few days. If your trip is longer, you can also buy dehydrated/lyophilized “BARF” portions.
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We recommend it! For wild canids, fasting for days on end is nothing out of the ordinary. They eat after catching prey, which is not the case every day.
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that if you introduce a fasting day every 7 to 14 days (theoretically quite bearable for any dog), many dogs will find it difficult to do without their daily meal. In such cases, you can lighten the fasting period by feeding small quantities of vegetables and fruit, or a marrow bone.
Digestion and Stools
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Seeing your pet swallow his meal in two mouthfuls can be frightening. The solution we recommend is to buy a “Lick Pad” type bowl, so that the dog doesn’t gobble up his rations.
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This is perfectly normal if you give your dog bones. On the other hand, if he’s pushing hard to relieve himself, or if his stools are constantly white, you should give him vegetables to avoid constipation.
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The transition is often accompanied by diarrhea. If the stools are simply soft, the situation will normalize once digestion has resumed its normal function. If the diarrhea is very watery and there’s no improvement after a few days, you should contact your vet, as it could be due to an illness, allergy, intolerance or parasitic infection.
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Dogs may vomit for different reasons.
Yellow bile can appear if the stomach is empty; white foam may follow after drinking water too quickly. Some dogs regurgitate food they’ve eaten too fast — a common behavior. During a diet change, gradual transition and smaller meals can help ease adjustment.If vomiting is frequent or accompanied by discomfort, consult your veterinarian.
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Some dogs may need time to get used to digesting bones, especially at the start of a raw feeding routine.
Adjusting bone quantities and feeding fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin is one approach some owners find helpful.
Offering a break between meals can also support digestion. If signs of discomfort or constipation persist, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
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If you only notice this phenomenon during transition, or from time to time, there’s no need to worry.
If it occurs frequently or constantly, you should call a vet and have it analyzed! It could be a gastrointestinal or parasitic infection.
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This is quite normal on a raw meat diet. A pleasant and ecological side-effect of BARF.