Create a BARF nutrition plan: Step-by-step guide

A well-thought-out BARF diet plan is the foundation for feeding your dog a healthy raw diet. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the basics of BARF feeding, it's time to develop an individual nutrition plan. In this guide, you will learn how to create a balanced BARF plan step by step that covers all of your four-legged friend's nutritional needs.

Creating a BARF diet plan requires care and an understanding of your dog's needs. A well-structured plan takes into account age, weight, activity level and health conditions. With the right approach, you can create the basis for a long, healthy dog life through species-appropriate raw feeding.

The basics of BARF nutrition planning

The BARF diet is based on the principle of feeding dogs raw, natural ingredients that correspond to their original diet as carnivores. A balanced BARF plan consists of various components that must be combined in certain proportions.

The basic formula for a BARF diet is as follows: 70-80% animal components and 20-30% plant components. This division is based on the natural prey principle and ensures a balanced supply of nutrients.

Animal components include muscle meat, offal, bones and possibly fish. Vegetable components consist of vegetables, fruit, herbs and occasionally cereals or pseudo-cereals. Each component fulfills specific functions in the diet and contributes to meeting different nutritional needs.

Step 1: Determining your dog's needs

Before you start creating a plan, you need to determine your dog's individual requirements. Various factors significantly influence the amount and composition of food required.

Body weight is the starting point for calculating the daily amount of food. As a rule of thumb, 2-3% of body weight is the daily amount of food. A 20 kg dog therefore needs 400-600 grams of food per day. Active dogs or growing dogs need more, while older or less active animals need less.

Age plays a decisive role in nutritional planning. Puppies require different nutrient ratios than adult dogs or seniors. The activity level has a significant influence on energy requirements. Working dogs or very active dogs need more calories than couch potatoes.

Health issues such as allergies, intolerances or chronic illnesses require special adjustments to the diet plan. Advice from a vet or nutritionist is often useful here.

Step 2: Plan the breakdown of components

The correct distribution of the various BARF components is crucial for a balanced diet. Each component has specific functions and nutrient profiles that need to complement each other.

Muscle meat should make up around 50-60% of the total amount of food. It provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Different types of meat provide variety and different nutrient profiles. Beef, poultry, lamb, game and fish can be rotated.

Offal makes up around 15-20% and is a real nutrient bomb. Liver is particularly important because of its high vitamin A content, but should not be fed daily. Heart, kidney, spleen and other organs complete the nutrient spectrum.

Raw meaty bones (RFK) should make up 10-15% of the feed. They provide calcium, phosphorus and other minerals. Chicken necks, veal ribs or lamb bones are suitable options, depending on the size of the dog.

Vegetables and fruit make up 20-30% and provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. Carrots, broccoli, spinach, apples and berries are popular ingredients. Vegetables should be pureed or steamed to improve digestibility.

Step 3: Create a weekly plan

A structured weekly plan helps to ensure variety and cover all nutrients. Planning for an entire week allows you to rotate different components and optimize purchases.

Start by planning the main meals. Most adult dogs do well with two meals a day. Divide the daily amount of food between morning and evening meals accordingly.

Plan different types of meat for the week. Monday could be beef, Tuesday chicken, Wednesday lamb. This rotation ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients and prevents one-sidedness.

Offal should not be fed daily. Plan small amounts of different organs 2-3 times a week. Liver a maximum of once a week, other offal can be given more frequently.

Raw meaty bones can be fed daily in small quantities or 2-3 times a week in larger quantities. Pay attention to the digestibility and adjust the amount accordingly.

Vegetables and fruit can be varied daily. Prepare larger quantities and portion them out for several days. This will save you time and ensure variety.

Step 4: Check your nutrient balance

Checking the nutrient balance is a critical step in BARF planning. Even if you stick to the basic principles, imbalances can occur that need to be corrected.

Protein is usually sufficient if enough muscle meat is fed. Ensure a good amino acid composition with different types of meat. Fish once a week optimally supplements the amino acid profile.

The calcium-phosphorus ratio is particularly important and should be around 1.2:1. Raw meaty bones provide both minerals in the right ratio. Too much lean meat without bones can lead to an excess of phosphorus.

Vitamins are often sufficiently available if offal and vegetables are fed regularly. Vitamin D can become scarce in northern latitudes, especially in dogs with little sunlight. Cod liver oil can help here.

Critical nutrients in the BARF diet:

• Vitamin B12: Mainly contained in offal
• Vitamin D: In oily fish and cod liver oil
• Iodine: In sea fish and seaweed
• Zinc: In meat and offal
• Omega-3 fatty acids: In fish and linseed oil

Step 5: Prepare meals

The practical implementation of the nutrition plan requires good organization and preparation. Meal Prep for dogs saves time and ensures a constant supply of balanced meals.

Prepare vegetables and fruit in large quantities. Puree or steam the vegetables and portion them into daily rations. They will keep for several weeks if frozen and can be defrosted quickly.

Meat can also be pre-portioned. Divide larger pieces of meat into daily rations and freeze them individually. This way you always have the right amount to hand and can store different types.

Offal should be used fresh or frozen quickly. Portion small amounts here too, as offal is only fed in small quantities.

Raw meaty bones can be fed fresh or frozen. Frozen bones should be defrosted before feeding to prevent tooth damage.

Tip: Invest in a separate freezer for the dog food. This way you always have enough space for supplies and can buy larger quantities when on offer.

Adjusting and optimizing the plan

A BARF diet plan is not a rigid construct, but must be regularly reviewed and adapted. Various factors can make changes necessary.

Keep a close eye on your dog. Changes in weight, coat quality, energy levels and the condition of the faeces provide an indication of the quality of the diet. A shiny coat, stable weight and well-formed droppings are signs of a good diet.

Seasonal adjustments can be useful. In winter, dogs that spend a lot of time outside may need more energy. In summer, cooling ingredients such as cucumber or watermelon may be welcome.

Changes in health often require adjustments to the diet. Kidney problems, allergies or digestive disorders may require special diets. In such cases, work together with a vet.

The age of the dog requires continuous adjustments. Young dogs grow quickly and require different nutrient ratios than adult animals. Seniors often have different needs than active adult dogs.

Avoid common mistakes

When creating BARF nutrition plans, mistakes are often made that can cause health problems. Being aware of these mistakes helps to avoid them in the first place.

Feeding too much one-sided food is one of the most common mistakes. Always feeding the same meat or vegetables can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Variety is the be-all and end-all of a balanced BARF diet.

An incorrect calcium-phosphorus balance is often caused by too little bone or too much muscle meat. This imbalance can lead to bone problems, especially in growing dogs.

Neglecting offal is another common mistake. Many dog owners shy away from offal, but it is essential for a complete BARF diet. Without offal, serious nutritional deficiencies can occur.

Excessively large portions or irregular feeding can cause digestive problems. It is particularly important to adjust portions and maintain regular feeding times when switching from ready-made food to BARF.

Ignoring individual needs is problematic. Every dog is unique and may require adjustments to the standard plan. Age, activity level, health status and breed all play important roles.

TL;DR - The most important points at a glance

• Determination of requirements: 2-3% of body weight as a daily amount of food, adapted to age and activity level
• Component distribution: 70-80% animal (meat, offal, bones), 20-30% plant-based
• Weekly planning: Structured planning with rotation of different types of meat and components
• Nutrient balance: Special attention to calcium-phosphorus ratio and critical nutrients
• Meal prep: preparation in larger quantities saves time and ensures continuity
• Adjustment: Regular review and adjustment based on observations
• Avoid mistakes: Consider variety, correct proportions and individual needs

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How often should I change my dog's BARF plan? Small adjustments can be made at any time. A basic review should be carried out every 3-6 months, more frequently for puppies due to their growth.

Can I create the plan for several dogs at the same time? Yes, but each dog has individual needs. Basic ingredients can be prepared together, but portions and special supplements should be adjusted individually.

How long does it take to create a BARF plan? The first plan preparation takes about 2-3 hours. With experience, this can be reduced to 30-60 minutes per week.

Do I have to cover all nutrients daily? No, the important thing is the balance over a week. Individual meals do not have to contain all the nutrients as long as the weekly balance is correct.

How do I know if my plan is working? Good indicators are stable weight, shiny coat, formed feces, good energy and general well-being of the dog.

Can I set up the plan without veterinary advice? For healthy adult dogs, yes. For puppies, seniors or dogs with health problems, a consultation is recommended.

How do I deal with food allergies? Identify the allergens and exclude them from the plan. Work with exclusion diets and introduce new ingredients gradually.

Is a BARF plan more expensive than ready-made food? The costs vary depending on the quality and type of meat. BARF is often not more expensive in the long term, especially if you buy larger quantities and prepare them yourself.

How do I store the prepared portions? Fresh portions will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. Frozen portions can be kept for several months. Use suitable containers and label them with the date.

What do I do if my dog doesn't like certain ingredients? Introduce new ingredients gradually and mix them with known favorite ingredients. Sometimes a different preparation or consistency can also help.

Conclusion: Your path to the optimal BARF diet plan

Creating a BARF diet plan is a process that requires patience, observation and continuous adjustment. With the right approach and the basics from our BARF beginner's guide, you can create the best foundation for your dog's health.

Start with a simple plan and refine it as you gain experience. Watch your dog closely and don't be afraid to make adjustments. A well-thought-out BARF plan is an investment in the health and well-being of your four-legged family member.

Remember that BARF feeding is more than just raw meat. It's a holistic approach to dog nutrition that respects your dog's natural needs. Over time, you will develop a feel for your dog's needs and be able to intuitively optimize the diet plan. The reward for your efforts is a healthy, vital dog with a shiny coat and full of zest for life.