What is BARF?
The BARF diet is designed to adapt the natural feeding habits of predators to meet the needs of domestic dogs and cats. BARF meals include raw meat, bones, organs, as well as small amounts of vegetables, fruits, oils, herbs, eggs, and dairy products. The main goal of BARF is to replicate the diet that pets would follow in the wild as closely as possible. This approach is believed to meet the biological needs of animals, support their health, and improve their quality of life.

The BARF diet is based on raw meat with bones and fresh vegetables. This type of diet helps dogs reconnect with their primal instincts and provides them with all the nutrients necessary for health and energy.

What’s Included in the BARF Diet:

Raw Meat with Cartilage
Examples: chicken necks, wings, turkey backs, beef, lamb, rabbit, horse meat. The meat must contain cartilage, tendons, and membranes.
Raw meat with bones forms the foundation of the BARF diet as it closely resembles the natural food of predators like dogs. This food provides proteins, fats, and essential minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for strong bones and teeth.

Organ Meats (Liver, Heart)
Organ meats are a crucial part of the diet and include raw tripe, offal, trachea, lungs, heart, liver, and beef trimmings. Although nutrient-rich, organ meats should not be fed daily due to their high concentration of enzymes and nutrients.

Ocean Fish (Including Spine and Fins)
Fish is an excellent source of essential amino acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as phosphorus. Fish oil has a strengthening effect on the immune system. BARF proponents often recommend feeding raw fish.

Pureed Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Greens)
Vegetables are a necessary component of the BARF diet and should be served raw and diverse, including both leafy greens and root vegetables. Examples include carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, and cucumbers. In moderation, cabbage, tomatoes, and green beans can also be included.
It’s essential to puree vegetables because dogs cannot digest fiber effectively. This mimics how wild dogs consume plant matter that has been pre-digested by herbivorous prey.

Fruits and Berries
Fruits are not a mandatory part of the BARF diet but add variety, provide beneficial micronutrients, and are a tasty treat for your pet.

Fermented Dairy Products (Kefir, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese)
Fermented dairy products like kefir, yogurt, and cottage cheese are important in the BARF diet. They promote a healthy gut microbiome, strengthen immunity, and provide calcium and protein. These are easily digestible and improve overall digestion and well-being.

Raw Eggs or Egg Yolks
Raw eggs are recommended 1-2 times per week. For quail eggs, two can be given at once. For chicken eggs, one yolk is preferable. Eggshells, especially from quail eggs, are highly beneficial as they are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur. These nutrients support joints, bones, and coat health.

Vegetable Oils (Flaxseed, Olive), Fish Oil, and Vitamins
Dr. Billinghurst also suggests incorporating oils like olive, flaxseed, or burdock oil, as well as cod liver oil or plain fish oil. Seaweed (without additives) and vitamins B, C, and E, along with bran, are also beneficial.

"BARF does not require you to provide all the listed components daily. The goal is to create a varied weekly diet by alternating different foods"

Dr. Billinghurst advises against being overly meticulous with your dog’s daily diet, measuring every portion and ingredient to the gram. It's not necessary for every meal to be perfectly balanced or include all essential nutrients. What matters is that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients over time.

In percentage terms, an adult dog’s daily diet should consist of:

• 60-70% meat (with 15% of that being organ meats),
• 15-20% vegetables and greens,
• 15-20% eggs and fermented dairy products.

The daily feeding amount according to the BARF system should be 2-3% of the adult dog’s body weight.