Introduction
When it comes to raw dog food and BARF diets (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), vegetables are a common ingredient. Brands often promote veggies as essential for a balanced diet, but are they really necessary for your dog’s health—or just padding company profits? The truth is, many companies use vegetables as filler to reduce meat content, making production cheaper while charging premium prices.
Dogs are primarily carnivores, with digestive systems optimised for meat, bone, and offal. So, are vegetables truly beneficial in raw dog food? Let’s look at the science, separate fact from marketing, and see what experts and studies, including insights from The Forever Dog, have to say about whether dogs need vegetables in their BARF diet.
Any plant matter they consume is incidental—a small amount from prey stomach contents.
Scientific studies on canine digestive enzymes show that dogs produce very low levels of amylase, an enzyme needed to break down starches and fibrous plants. This suggests dogs are not well-suited for diets high in carbohydrates or plant matter, reinforcing the argument that a BARF diet, which centres on raw meat, bones, and organs, is ideal.
The Difference Between “Can” and “Should” in Raw Dog Food
The biggest misconception about vegetables in raw dog food is that while dogs can eat veggies, it doesn’t mean they should. Many raw dog food companies imply that veggies are essential, but this isn’t entirely accurate.
Research has shown that although dogs can digest and absorb some nutrients from vegetables, they don’t process plant-based nutrients as efficiently as animal-based ones. So, while dogs might be okay with vegetables in their diet, it doesn’t mean they’re beneficial or essential, especially for those following a true BARF diet.
In The Forever Dog, authors Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib focus on the importance of a biologically appropriate diet, emphasizing raw dog food that’s primarily meat-based. They suggest that while certain vegetables can have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, the foundation of a dog’s diet should be raw meat and organs.
Vegetables, they argue, are helpful as supplements in specific health cases, such as supporting aging or immune-compromised dogs. But for healthy dogs, they recommend a diet rich in high-quality animal protein, fats, and bone—the core elements of a BARF diet.
Studies and Expert Opinions Supporting Meat-Based Raw Diets
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that dogs on meat-heavy, vegetable-free raw diets had improved coat condition, dental health, and energy levels compared to those on kibble or plant-heavy diets. These results support the BARF diet, which prioritises animal protein, bone, and organs to meet dogs’ biological needs.
Holistic veterinarians, like Dr. Ian Billinghurst, who pioneered the BARF diet, stress that dog food should mimic a wolf’s ancestral diet. Billinghurst sees vegetables as a possible supplement for fibre, but insists that animal-based ingredients should make up the majority of a dog’s raw diet.
Why Companies Add Vegetables to Raw Dog Food
Including vegetables in raw dog food products is often about cost reduction. Meat and organs are more expensive, so by adding veggies like carrots, peas, and pumpkin, brands can stretch the product while keeping prices high. Unfortunately, this practice leads consumers to believe vegetables are essential for a balanced BARF diet, when in reality, they’re often filler ingredients.
What Should an Ideal BARF Diet Look Like?
For a balanced BARF diet, aim for an 80/10/10 ratio: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. This mirrors the nutritional profile of prey animals and ensures a diet rich in essential amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to remember that this ratio is a guideline, not a strict rule. Variety is key in a dog’s diet, so instead of aiming to meet the 80/10/10 exactly every day, think of it as a target to achieve over time. Strictly adhering to this ratio daily can actually limit the nutritional diversity your dog needs.
In addition, we advise caution with pre-made 80/10/10 raw dog food products, as many companies add lower quality by-products waste items from the head, tail, and other parts of the animal in order to cut costs. This further supports our earlier point that companies use fillers to stretch profits while charging premium prices.
Instead, we recommend using high quality products like those we stock, which are rich in real meat and free from unnecessary fillers. You can then add variety by sourcing offal and other components yourself, allowing for a more nutritious and diverse BARF diet. We also plan to offer a range of premium offals in the near future to help you provide your dog with a complete, balanced, and naturally varied raw diet.
Conclusion
The trend of adding vegetables to raw dog food often serves marketing goals more than a dog’s health. While vegetables may be okay occasionally, they’re not essential in a BARF diet that’s rooted in high quality raw meat, organs, and bone. By focusing on a meat based raw diet, you can provide a species-appropriate, nutrient-dense meal that aligns with your dog’s natural carnivorous needs and promotes optimal well-being.