BARF stand for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or Bones and Raw Food. It was created by Dr Ian Billinghurst.
Dr Billinghurst is a vet, nutritionist, acupuncturist, agricultural scientist, author, lecturer, and nutritional consultant as well as the creator of BARF pet food. Following years of clinical research, he was shocked to discover the detrimental effects that commercial pet food has on dog’s health. He also realised that raw diets showed dramatically healing results in comparison.
What is the BARF Diet?
BARF is now the most popular raw diet for dogs and consists of providing a diet that is based on the core nutrients and vitamins that are thought to keep a dog healthy. Raw meat & bones as well a fruit & vegetables make up the diet, while all processed foods are cut out.
Dr Billinghurst points out that this method of feeding is by no means a radical change; in fact, it was used before the introduction of processed pet foods a mere 60/70 years ago.
BARF fed dogs are thought to have less dental issues, less skin & ear issues, less bowel problems, less kidney, pancreas, liver & heart issues, and less immune problems. It is also said they rarely develop cancer and their chance of catching or developing infectious and degenerative diseases is reduced.
As well as this, they are thought to have shinier coats and harder stools. They are said to pass stools less often too, and when they do it is less smelly.
What Does the BARF Diet Consist of?
The recommended guidelines for the BARF diet is:
- 70% muscle meat
- 10% raw edible bones
- 7% vegetables
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organs
- 2% seeds/nuts
- 1% fruit
If you want to know more about the BARF diet, you can read the book “Give Your Dog a Bone” by Dr Ian Billinghurst.
