The B.A.R.F diet, an acronym for 'Biologically Appropriate Raw Food' or 'Bones and Raw Food,' was pioneered by veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Ian Billinghurst. The core principle revolves around providing dogs with a diet that aligns with their evolutionary needs – a raw, unprocessed mix of meats and greens.
Your dog's dentition distinctly mirrors that of a carnivore, tailored for a diet centered around raw foods. Canine teeth are designed for catching prey, incisors for shearing meat, and powerful jaw muscles for efficient chewing. Unlike herbivores with grinding teeth for plant material, carnivores lack this mechanism, making a raw diet more biologically suited.
Feeding dogs a plant-based diet can lead to inflammation, as their digestive systems aren't equipped for efficient processing of plant matter. Carbohydrates, especially from processed grains, legumes, and potatoes, can elevate blood glucose and insulin levels. Notably, wheat, corn, and soy are often genetically modified, and crops may be exposed to glyphosate, a potential concern for peas, lentils, and beans. The B.A.R.F diet addresses these concerns, prioritizing the evolutionary needs of dogs for optimal health and wellness.
• May contain less meat content
• Meat is often replaced with lower quality meat by products that are not healthy
• Dogs may develop more allergies depending on ingredient content (wheat, corn, soy, and other grains)
• Dry food can be difficult or impossible for older or unhealthy dogs with dental problems to eat
• High preservatives, additives, and fillers
• Might cause diarrhea and digestion issues
• Longer shelf-life coincides with high preservatives
• Increased BPA health risks even with brands labeled BPA-free
• Strong odor when can is opened, can also be smelly to store leftovers
• This diet is not as “natural”
• It removes some vital amino acids (such as Taurine) from the meat. Synthetic versions must be added, and we cannot be sure if these are absorbed properly.
• It makes it less palatable, so synthetic flavors must be added to enhance the taste.
• It is less digestible than raw (or lightly cooked) food.
• Better weight control
• Shinier, healthier skin and coat
• Reduction of allergy symptoms
• Harder, smaller, less smelly stools
• Increased mobility in older animals
• More energy and stamina
• Strengthened immune system
• Improved liver, pancreatic and bowel health
• Raw diet has been used to treat IBS syndrome, colitis, atopy, and dental problems.
• Savings due to less trips to the vet
Canid Roots 2024 All Rights Reserved