Raw feeding (BARF) is gaining popularity among dog owners who prefer a more natural approach to feeding their four-legged companions. Many dog owners believe that this feeding method can be particularly beneficial for puppies as it is based on fresh and unprocessed ingredients that can provide a variety of essential nutrients. Below, we explore the benefits, provide tips, and explain the nutritional basics for raw feeding puppies.
Where does the term BARF come from? Canadian Debbie Tripp coined the term BARF to refer to both a dog owner who feeds their animals according to this feeding method and the type of food itself. Over the years, the meaning of the acronym BARF has evolved: initially, it stood for "Born-Again Raw Feeders," emphasizing the ideological component of this dietary approach, and further developed into "Bones And Raw Foods." The term gained a new dimension with the publication of the book "Give Your Dog A Bone" by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in 1993, which redefined the acronym as "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food." In German, this is rendered as "Biologisches artgerechtes rohes Futter" or "Biologisch artgerechte Rohfütterung."
BARF is a feeding method primarily developed for carnivorous pets. The concept is based on the dietary preferences of wild dogs, especially wolves, and consists of a mixture of fresh meat, organs, bones, and fish. This food is served raw and supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and occasionally cereal products and supplements. Proper formulation requires knowledge of animal nutrition and feed science. BARF is not limited to dogs but is also applied to cats and ferrets.
Since puppies undergo a phase of rapid growth and development, the daily intake of all essential nutrients is crucial. Unlike adult dogs, they cannot regulate these nutrients and therefore require a balanced intake of all nutrients daily. Puppies have specific needs for macronutrients, including an increased demand for fat, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids compared to adult dogs.
Adequate supply of vitamins and essential minerals such as iodine, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium is essential, especially since phosphorus and calcium play a significant role in bone development. Phosphorus is important for energy metabolism and acid-base balance and is mainly found in raw meat. Calcium, on the other hand, is crucial for muscles, nerves, and blood clotting and is contained in bones or eggshells, for example.
The correct balance between calcium and phosphorus is essential to ensure healthy bone and tooth development. It is not only important to consider the right amount and ratio of calcium and phosphorus but also to ensure that the puppy is continuously and ideally daily supplied with the right nutrients.
The feeding amount for puppies depends on their age, activity level, breed, and metabolism.
Careful attention to these phases and tips helps successfully and safely transition puppies to raw feeding, promoting healthy development and a strong immune system.
According to information from the European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), there is a possibility that dogs may ingest parasites when eating raw meat. To minimize the risk of parasite infection and eliminate possible parasites, it is necessary to freeze the meat sufficiently before feeding: it should be frozen for at least one week at temperatures between -17 and -20 degrees Celsius. Special care must be taken when preparing raw meat, as it also poses a risk of contamination with Salmonella, which can cause Salmonella poisoning.
It is particularly important to note that pork meat or meat from wild boars must never be fed raw to pets under any circumstances, even after freezing. The reason for this is that certain parasites, such as Trichinella, can nest in the muscle meat of pigs and thus cause infection in pets.
For puppies, we have developed a range of products that support the needs-based nutrition of your little four-legged friend in a particularly digestible way. In addition to high-quality dry and wet food, we offer numerous supplements and snacks for puppies. We focus on a high proportion of meat and use natural ingredients, mostly sourced from the Münsterland region. All our ingredients are exclusively purchased from GMP-certified and regional feed suppliers. Our food is free from pollutants and is characterized by a high content of prebiotics as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. Careful processing ensures that minerals and vitamins are preserved as effectively as possible.
Instead of grains, we use alternatives such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, or vegetables to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sweet potatoes, in particular, are preferred for our grain-free puppy food because of their high mineral and vitamin content. Thanks to their complex starch, they ensure a moderate increase in blood sugar and thus avoid overloading the young organism.
If your dog suffers from a food allergy, this means that the four-legged friend does not tolerate certain components of his food and allergic reactions regularly occur as a result of eating it. ..
Proponents of raw food are convinced that this method of feeding is the only appropriate way to feed your dog, and that processed dog food, no matter its form, will harm your four-legged friend. In t..
A functioning digestive system is of vital importance for the health of a dog. Especially the intestines play an important role in this context. Because it not only takes over t..
Probiotics and prebiotics for the dog A functional digestive tract is very important for the health and well-being of the dog. Probiotics can help build a healthy intestinal flora. In this article ..
Treats play a crucial role in puppy training. They not only serve as simple rewards but also as effective tools to positively influence the behavior and skills of young dogs. This article will ..
