IS THE BARF DIET the Best Alternative for Your DOG?

IS THE BARF DIET the Best Alternative for Your DOG?

It is commonly thought that dogs are naturally carnivorous. If the domesticated dogs of today are direct descendants of wolves, which are biologically designed to eat raw foods, why are many dog foods loaded with cereal?  Don’t you think they should they be offered a nutritional plan that resembles the diet that their ancestors ate in the wild?

A popular alternative to commercially prepared dog food is the raw foods diet, commonly known as the BARF diet, which is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw food or Bones and Raw Food.

There are complaints that a raw diet is too inconvenient to maintain due to our hectic lifestyles.  Premade raw food often in the form of patties can be purchased for convenience or for those traveling with their dogs.
The BARF DIET is controversial. But proponents argue it means feeding your dog the raw food that they were designed to eat when they lived in the wild. The philosophy behind a BARF diet is that dogs should be offered a dietary plan that resembles the diet that their ancestors ate in the wild: uncooked meat, edible bones, organs, and plants.

Advocates claim the BARF DIET has the highest percentage of essential nutrients and has shown a number of authenticated benefits. One of the first things many notice in dogs that are fed the BARF Diet is a better quality of life.

Healthier and brighter coats and skins.

Brighter and healthier skin and coats can be one of the most important changes observed when starting the BARF DIET. In a short time, advocates report persistent skin problems improving and require less veterinary visits, antibiotics, medicinal washes, cortisone injections or cortisone tablets, implying that the natural, healthy and raw diet is providing nutrients that other diets are missing.

Best Immune System.

There are claims that the BARF DIET regulates and strengthens the immune system. The immune system is meant to defend the body from disease-causing microorganisms. It must be able to detect the disease-causing agents and distinguish them from it’s own healthy tissue. Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases and even cancer. Since the BARF DIET contains a decent balance of essential fatty acids and other immune regulating and strengthening nutrients, it is thought to decrease inflammatory conditions and prevent many diseases.

 Degenerative illness

Dog owners who switch their dogs to a BARF DIET claim that any degenerative illness their dog has developed becomes less of a problem. Although the BARF DIET is not a wonder drug, followers say it has turned around many irritating degenerative conditions and has given relief to different types of diseases. Not all veterinarians agree but supporters testify that they see the dramatic changes after switching to a BARF DIET. Many noting the conditions of the joints are improving and observing more flexibility in the dogs . This is one of the reasons why numerous dog owners are switching to the BARF DIET these days.

Less stool volume and odor.

Lesser stool volume and odor is an indication of an improved and healthy digestion. BARF DIET is more easily absorbed than grain fed diets in the digestive system and the outcome is less stool volume and smell. Odorous stools are the consequence of incomplete digestion of nutrients. The digestive rate for dry processed food is much longer than for raw foods, which often can cause digestive disturbances.

 Healthy, Lean Body Mass. 

Supporters claim that by giving your dog the BARF DIET, your dog will lose the extra fat and gain much muscle mass. This gives your dog a lean look, and also increases your dog’s metabolic rate, its activity levels and a healthier life span according to followers. The combination of the BARF DIET with some normal exercise has been noted to bring about favorable results for dogs needing to shed excess weight.

Not for all Dogs

The diets are typically high in protein and aren’t appropriate for dogs with late-stage kidney or severe liver failure. Dogs with cancer, on chemotherapy, or dogs with other immunosuppressive diseases also should not eat raw food. And puppies aren’t good candidates, either. One veterinarian suggests that dogs with digestive issues start with a cooked, homemade diet and clear up problems before switching to raw.

Are you convinced? If you are thinking the BARF diet may be right for your dog, check with your veterinarian on the best way to convert. Usually, it is desirable to transition their diet gradually as they might not tolerate a rapid change in diet. NOTE: Any change in appetite, vomiting or bloody stool should be reported to a veterinarian right away. Here's to your pet's healthy meals!