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BARF: the diet that scares many

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) means raw meat-based diet.

It scares many:

  • "I have to be a nutritionist."
  • "It's too expensive."
  • "Salmonella risk."
  • "Unbalanced."

Reality:

  • With the "easy" version, it is accessible to everyone.
  • Few ingredients, simple rules.
  • Healthier than cheap kibble.

Let's see how to get started.

The principles of BARF

Typical composition

80% meat (muscle + organs).
10% meaty bones.
10% vegetables/fruits.

Types of BARF

1. Traditional BARF:

  • Raw muscle meat.
  • Meaty bones.
  • Offal.
  • Vegetables.

2. PMR (Prey Model Raw):

  • 80% muscle + 10% bones + 10% organs.
  • No vegetables.
  • "Imitation of whole prey."

3. "Easy" BARF (this article):

  • Simplified version.
  • For beginners.
  • Readily available ingredients.

The "Easy" BARF in 5 ingredients

Ingredient 1: muscle (60-70%)

Best:

  • Chicken (thighs, breasts).
  • Turkey.
  • Beef (lean).
  • Rabbit.

Amount: 60-70% of the meal.

Ingredient 2: meaty bones (10-15%)

Best:

  • Chicken necks (excellent for small/medium dogs).
  • Chicken wings.
  • Lamb ribs.

Never:

  • Cooked bones.
  • "Weight-bearing" bones (femurs, tibias).

Amount: 10-15%.

Ingredient 3: offal (5-10%)

Best:

  • Chicken or beef liver (max 5% - rich in vitamin A).
  • Heart (excellent, consider it muscle).
  • Kidney (max 5%).

Amount: 5-10%.

Ingredient 4: vegetables (10-15%)

Best (cooked and chopped):

  • Zucchini.
  • Carrots.
  • Squash.
  • Spinach (little).
  • Cabbage.

Never:

  • Onion, garlic.
  • Green potatoes.

Amount: 10-15%.

Ingredient 5: additions (optional)

  • Fish oil: 1 teaspoon/10kg (omega-3).
  • Raw or cooked egg: 1-2 times a week.
  • Natural yogurt: 1 occasional tablespoon.
  • Apple (little, without seeds).

Portion calculation

Basic formula

Healthy adult dog:

  • 2-3% of body weight per day.

Example:

  • Dog of 10 kg: 200-300 g/day.
  • Dog of 20 kg: 400-600 g/day.
  • Dog of 30 kg: 600-900 g/day.

For specific cases

Puppies growing:

  • 5-10% of body weight (higher demand).

Very active dogs:

  • 3-4% of body weight.

Sedentary/overweight dogs:

  • 1.5-2% of target weight.

Seniors:

  • 2-2.5% of body weight.

Daily distribution

2 meals per day (standard).

Example dog 20 kg, 500 g total:

  • Morning: 250 g.
  • Evening: 250 g.

Meal example

Dog 20 kg - meal of 250 g:

  • 170 g ground chicken (muscle).
  • 30 g chicken neck (meaty bone).
  • 15 g liver (offal).
  • 35 g cooked chopped zucchini (vegetable).
  • 2 ml fish oil.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Preparation

Step 1: purchase

Trusted butcher:

  • Fresh meat.
  • "For human use" (greater safety).

Supermarket:

  • Okay but check freshness.
  • Cheap whole chicken often.

Average cost:

  • 5-8 €/kg for chicken.
  • 8-15 €/kg for lean beef.

Step 2: freezing

Safety:

  • Freeze at -20°C for at least 7 days.
  • Kills most parasites.

Storage:

  • 1-3 months in freezer.
  • Small portions.

Step 3: thawing

Always in the fridge:

  • 12-24 hours before the meal.
  • Never at room temperature.
  • Never microwave.

Step 4: portion

Weigh each meal:

  • Kitchen scale (10 €).
  • Accuracy is important.

Step 5: serving

Room temperature (not cold):

  • 30 minutes outside the fridge.

Clean bowl.

Water always available.

Never leave in the bowl for more than 30 minutes.

Weekly proportions

For a 20 kg dog, 500 g/day:

Typical week:

  • Mon-Wed: chicken + neck + liver + zucchini.
  • Thu-Sat: turkey + wings + heart + carrot.
  • Sun: rabbit + neck + liver + squash.

Variation = natural balancing.

Commercial "ready BARF" brands

For those who want BARF without preparation:

Frozen ready BARF:

  • Frostfutter (German): top quality.
  • Naturlich Wieselburger.
  • Doggies in Italy (Italian).

Advantages:

  • Balanced ingredients.
  • Safety.
  • Convenient.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost: 8-15 €/kg.
  • Limited availability.

Transitioning from kibble

Important:

  • NEVER abrupt change.
  • Causes diarrhea, vomiting.

10-day schedule:

Days 1-3: 75% kibble + 25% BARF.

Days 4-6: 50% / 50%.

Days 7-9: 25% kibble + 75% BARF.

Day 10+: 100% BARF.

Observe:

  • Stools.
  • Energy.
  • Coat.

Expected benefits

Weeks 1-4

Immediate changes:

  • Smaller stools (less waste).
  • Better breath.
  • Increased appetite.

Months 1-3

Significant changes:

  • Shinier coat.
  • Better energy.
  • Optimized weight.
  • Cleaner teeth (meaty bones).

Months 3-12

Transformation:

  • Improved overall health.
  • More mobile joints.
  • Less frequent veterinary visits.

Risks (manageable)

1. Imbalance

Solution:

  • Vary ingredients.
  • Weekly: various poultry, beef, rabbit.
  • Monthly: supplements (omega-3, vitamins).

2. Bacteria

Solution:

  • Freezing + good hygiene.
  • Kitchen hygiene.
  • Wash bowls.

3. Bone risk

Solution:

  • Only meaty bones.
  • Never cooked.
  • Supervise meals.

4. Cost

Solution:

  • Buy on sale.
  • Butchers with discounts for dogs.
  • Mix BARF + kibble (50/50).

Who it is NOT suitable for

  • ❌ Puppies under 6 months without consultation.
  • ❌ Families with immunocompromised individuals (very small children, frail elderly).
  • ❌ Dogs with specific health issues (consult veterinarian).
  • ❌ Owners without time.

Typical stories

Positive story:

  • Labrador dog 5 years old.
  • Switched to easy BARF.
  • 6 months later: super shiny coat, improved energy, ideal weight.

Story with difficulties:

  • Owner abrupt change.
  • Diarrhea for days.
  • Suspended, resumed gradually.
  • Result: positive after adjustments.

Myths to debunk

Myth 1: "BARF is impossible without a nutritionist".
False: the easy version is manageable.

Myth 2: "It costs too much".
Variable: similar or slightly more expensive than quality kibble.

Myth 3: "Raw meat is dangerous".
False with good hygiene + freezing.

Myth 4: "Dogs cannot digest bones".
False: raw meaty bones yes.

Myth 5: "BARF is just a trend".
False: based on biology.

Costs

For a 20 kg dog:

Homemade BARF:

  • 80-150 €/month.

Commercial frozen BARF:

  • 150-250 €/month.

Quality kibble:

  • 60-100 €/month.

Difference: 20-100 €/month for BARF.

The truth

The easy BARF is:

  • ✅ Possible for everyone.
  • ✅ Healthier than cheap kibble.
  • ✅ More appealing for the dog.
  • ✅ Naturally balanced with variation.
  • ❌ Requires time (preparation).
  • ❌ Requires attention (hygiene, freshness).

Investment:

  • Time: 30 min/week for preparation.
  • Money: slightly more than kibble.

Benefit:

  • Healthier dog.
  • Better coat.
  • Higher energy.
  • Improved life expectancy.

Start gradually. Experiment. Adapt.

In 3-6 months, you will see a significant difference. And your dog will thank you at every meal.

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