BARF for beginners: Complete beginner's guide to raw feeding

BARF for beginners may seem overwhelming at first, but feeding dogs raw food is a natural and species-appropriate diet that more and more Swiss dog owners are discovering for themselves. BARF stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones and Raw Food" and is based on the original diet of wolves and wild dogs. This feeding method offers numerous health benefits and allows you to individually control and adapt your dog's diet.

In contrast to problematic diets such as vegan dog food, which is scientifically considered unsuitable and harmful to health, BARF respects the biological needs of dogs as carnivores. Raw feeding is based on scientific findings about the evolutionary development and digestive physiology of dogs. Studies from 2024 show that BARF-fed dogs often have better dental health, shinier coats and more stable digestion than dogs fed exclusively on commercial ready-made food.

What is BARF and what is the philosophy behind it?

BARF is based on the knowledge that despite thousands of years of domestication, dogs are still biologically carnivores whose digestive system is optimized for the utilization of raw animal food. The BARF philosophy is based on the natural prey of a wolf, which consists of muscle meat, offal, bones and small amounts of plant food from the stomach contents of the prey.

The basic idea is that industrially processed dog food, no matter how high quality, can never achieve the complexity and naturalness of a raw, balanced diet. Through processing and heating, important enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients that are important for the optimal health of the dog are lost.

However, BARF nutrition is not simply the indiscriminate feeding of raw meat. It requires in-depth knowledge of the nutritional needs of dogs and careful planning to avoid deficiencies or oversupply. The right BARF diet should contain all essential nutrients in the right proportions.

Important note: BARF is not the same as raw meat. A balanced BARF diet consists of various components that together cover all your dog's nutritional needs.

The basic components of a BARF diet

A balanced BARF meal is made up of various components, each of which provides important nutrients. The classic BARF rule states that around 70-80% of the diet should consist of animal components and 20-30% of plant components, although these ratios can be adjusted depending on the individual dog.

Muscle meat forms the main part of the BARF diet and should make up around 50-60% of the total ration. Beef, lamb, venison, poultry, fish and other types of meat are suitable. Variety is important to ensure a wide range of amino acids and nutrients. The meat should be of good quality and ideally come from species-appropriate husbandry.

Offal is a nutrient-rich organ that should make up around 15-20% of the BARF ration. Liver is particularly important as it is rich in vitamin A, B vitamins and iron. Other suitable offal are heart, kidney, lung and spleen. However, liver should not be fed daily, as an oversupply of vitamin A can be harmful.

Raw meaty bones (RMBs) provide calcium, phosphorus and other minerals and should make up around 15-20% of the ration. Chicken necks, lamb ribs, veal breast or other soft, meaty bones are suitable. Carrying bones from large animals are too hard for most dogs and can cause tooth damage.

Benefits of the BARF diet for dog health

The benefits of a BARF diet are many and scientifically well documented. One of the most noticeable improvements is often seen in dental health. Chewing on raw, meaty bones acts like a natural toothbrush and significantly reduces tartar and bad breath. Studies conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in 2024 show a 60% reduction in tartar formation in BARF-fed dogs compared to dogs on a purely dry food diet.

Digestive health also benefits considerably from raw feeding. BARF dogs often have firmer, smaller stools with less odor because raw food is easier to digest and contains fewer indigestible fillers. The natural enzymes in raw meat aid digestion and can be helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

The coat often becomes shinier and healthier with a BARF diet, as the high-quality fatty acids and proteins are more readily available in raw form. Skin problems, which are often caused by food allergies or inferior ingredients in commercial food, often improve significantly on a BARF diet.

The energy and vitality of many dogs increases on a BARF diet, as the body has to expend less energy on digesting carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. Many owners report more active, more balanced dogs with better condition and muscle development.

Step-by-step introduction to the BARF diet

The introduction to BARF should be gradual so as not to overload your dog's digestive tract. Start with a one-week preparation phase in which you supplement the existing food with small amounts of raw muscle meat. Observe your dog's reaction and slowly get him used to the new consistency and taste.

In the second week, you can increase the proportion of raw food and replace one meal completely with BARF. Pay attention to your dog's digestion - soft stools or diarrhea can be a sign of too rapid a changeover. In this case, slow down the pace and give the digestive system more time to adjust.

From the third week onwards, you can gradually introduce more ingredients: meaty bones, small amounts of offal and plant-based ingredients. Each new ingredient should be introduced individually so that any intolerances can be identified. Make a note of what you feed and how your dog reacts to it.

The changeover should be complete after about four to six weeks. Your dog will now only receive BARF meals with all the necessary components. The amount depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level and individual needs. As a rule of thumb, the daily ration for adult dogs is around 2-3% of their body weight.

Common mistakes made by beginners and how to avoid them

One of the most common mistakes made by BARF beginners is feeding too many different proteins at the same time. Start with one source of protein and only introduce new types of meat once your dog has become accustomed to them. This makes it easier to identify intolerances and is easier on the digestive tract.

Another critical mistake is the wrong calcium-phosphorus balance. Without meaty bones or suitable supplements, a calcium deficiency quickly develops, which can have serious consequences, especially in puppies. Make sure that about 15-20% of the ration consists of meaty bones or supplement accordingly.

Overfeeding offal, especially liver, is another common mistake. Liver is very nutritious and should not be fed daily. An overdose can lead to vitamin A poisoning. Stick to the recommendation of a maximum of 5% liver in the total ration.

Many beginners also underestimate the importance of hygiene. Raw meat can contain bacteria that are dangerous to humans. Use separate cutting boards, wash your hands thoroughly and clean all surfaces with hot water and disinfectant after preparing food.

Safety aspects and hygiene when feeding raw food

Hygiene is crucial when feeding BARF, both for the health of your dog and your family. Raw meat can contain salmonella, E.coli and other pathogenic bacteria, which can lead to illness if not handled properly. Therefore, always observe the basic rules of food hygiene.

Always store raw meat at temperatures below 4°C and use it within 2-3 days of defrosting. Frozen BARF meat can be stored for several months, but should be frozen in portions to avoid repeated thawing and freezing. Defrost meat gently in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.

Food should be prepared on separate trays and with separate knives. Clean all utensils thoroughly with hot water and washing-up liquid. Disinfect work surfaces after food preparation. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after preparing food.

Safety tip: Children and immunocompromised persons should not come into contact with BARF preparation. Do not allow your dog to lick faces immediately after eating, as bacteria can be transmitted.

Also pay attention to the quality of the meat. Only buy from trustworthy dealers and make sure it looks fresh and has a neutral smell. Meat for raw feeding does not have to be of food quality, but should be approved for animal feed and declared accordingly.

Costs and budget planning for BARF nutrition

The cost of a BARF diet varies considerably depending on the quality of the meat, the size of the dog and regional price differences. In Switzerland, you can expect monthly costs of between 80 and 150 francs for a 25 kg dog, depending on whether you use cheap cuts or premium meat.

Bulk packs and buying directly from the butcher or abattoir can reduce costs considerably. Many BARF stores also offer mixed packages that already contain all the necessary components in the right proportions. Although these are more expensive than self-preparation, they are a safe option, especially for beginners.

Plan for additional costs for a freezer if you want to buy larger quantities. The investment usually pays for itself quickly through cheaper bulk purchases. Also factor in the cost of food supplements if these are necessary.

Compared to high-quality dry food, BARF is often not more expensive, but offers significantly more control over the quality of the ingredients. Also consider potential savings in veterinary costs due to better health of your dog, even if these are difficult to calculate.

TL;DR - The most important BARF basics for beginners

• BARF respects the biological needs of dogs as carnivores and provides species-appropriate nutrition
• Balanced BARF diet: 50-60% muscle meat, 15-20% offal, 15-20% meaty bones, 20-30% plant-based components
• Gradual changeover over 4-6 weeks prevents digestive problems and makes it easier to get used to the food
• Common mistakes made by beginners: switching too quickly, incorrect calcium-phosphorus balance, overfeeding with offal
• Strict hygiene is essential: separate utensils, cool storage, thorough cleaning of all surfaces
• Costs: CHF 80-150 per month for 25 kg of dog, depending on meat quality and purchasing strategy
• Health benefits: better dental health, shinier coat, more stable digestion and increased vitality

Frequently asked questions about BARF for beginners

Is BARF suitable for all dogs? BARF is generally suitable for healthy dogs of all breeds and ages. However, for puppies, pregnant bitches, sick or immunocompromised dogs, you should always seek veterinary advice beforehand and adjust the diet accordingly.

How can I tell if my dog tolerates BARF well? Positive signs are firm, odorless stools, a shiny coat, clean teeth and increased vitality. Persistent diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy may indicate problems and should be checked out by a vet.

Do I need to give food supplements? With a balanced BARF diet, only a few supplements are usually necessary. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and occasionally vitamin E are often useful. Calcium supplements are only necessary if you cannot feed meaty bones.

Can puppies be fed BARF straight away? Yes, but the composition must be adapted to the needs of puppies. They need more calories, calcium and protein. Ask a vet or nutritionist experienced in BARF to draw up an age-appropriate plan.

How long can I prepare BARF portions? Freshly prepared BARF portions will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also prepare larger quantities and freeze them in portions. Frozen BARF portions can be kept for several months.

What do I do if my dog refuses certain ingredients? Start with small quantities and mix new components with the usual ingredients. Some dogs need time to get used to new flavors. You can fry liver, for example, to make it more palatable.

Is the risk of bacteria really that high with BARF? Healthy dogs have a very acidic stomach environment that kills most bacteria. Problems usually only arise with improper storage or hygiene. Observe hygiene rules and buy high-quality meat.

Can I combine BARF with ready-to-eat food? Basically yes, but not in the same meal, as the digestion times are different. You can give BARF in the morning and dry food in the evening or use ready-made food on certain days.

How can I find a BARF store in Switzerland? Many pet stores now stock BARF products. Online stores often offer a larger selection and delivery service. Look out for certifications and recommendations from other BARF feeders.

What should I do if I have digestive problems during the transition? Slow down the changeover and temporarily return to smaller portions of BARF. It often helps to give up offal for a few days. If problems persist, consult a vet.

Conclusion: BARF as a natural way to optimal dog health

Although BARF for beginners requires a learning phase and careful planning, it offers the opportunity to provide your dog with a species-appropriate, natural diet that meets its biological needs as a carnivore. Unlike unsuitable diets, BARF respects the dog's evolutionary adaptations and can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life.

The key to successful BARF lies in gradual conversion, observing the correct proportions and adhering to strict hygiene rules. While the first few weeks can be challenging, you will soon find that BARF becomes routine and the positive effects on your dog will more than justify the effort.

Don't be put off by initial uncertainties. Many Swiss dog owners have successfully switched to BARF and report healthier, more vital dogs. With the right preparation, a gradual changeover and continuous observation of your dog, nothing stands in the way of a successful BARF diet. Your dog will thank you with better health, more energy and a zest for life.