The world of pet food is filled with acronyms: AAFCO guidelines, optimal PER, FDA-approved HPP. So what on earth is BARF, and why does it have to sound so unpleasant? The acronym itself has nothing to do with indigestion, and is in fact indicative of what many consider to be the most beneficial approach to feeding your dog.
BARF stands for “biologically appropriate raw foods,” or “bones and raw foods.” As the name implies, this diet is primarily made up of fresh, raw meat and bones, as well as any combination of the following:
- Fresh produce
- Dairy
- Whole grains
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
A diet based on raw animal proteins is meant to mimic the way a dog might eat in the wild, and contains higher protein levels than most standard commercial pet foods (especially dry formulas).
Since almost no part of a raw diet is processed, there are no unnecessary filler ingredients present — and therefore, there’s a far lower chance of your dog having an allergic reaction, developing a food intolerance or gaining weight from excess carbohydrates and fat.
BARF diets have been gaining popularity with dog parents since 1993, when veterinarian Ian Billinghurst published his book Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Common sense Way to Feed Dogs for a Long Healthy Life.
Billinghurst’s research, as well as the research of many other veterinarians and animal nutritionists, found that a raw diet can result in improved canine health, better weight management and fewer digestive problems and allergies.