Have you heard of the BARF diet? Do you know what it involves? In today’s post we tell you all about this way of feeding pets that is generating so much discussion — as well as the kind of ingredients it includes. Keep reading!
What is the BARF diet?
It involves giving your pet a diet based on raw, natural foods, since these contain all the nutrients and proteins your four-legged friend needs for optimal growth and development.
Just as with people, a good diet isn’t one that prioritises processed and junk food, but one that includes fresh products such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Looking after our pets’ health deserves exactly the same care.
Does this mean kibble is bad? No — in fact, there are very good-quality kibbles that aren’t harmful. That said, you need to check the brand and always read the nutritional information carefully. There’s no better friend than knowledge.
What foods to include in the BARF diet
Essentially, it’s based on eating raw meats such as chicken, pork, beef, ox and so on. It also includes meaty bones — for example chicken wings — and organs such as beef heart or brains. As for fruit, the best options are those without pips or a core, such as banana or berries. And vegetables like pumpkin, broccoli, spinach and carrots.
Broadly speaking, it’s about giving your dog a diet very similar to the one it would have in complete freedom.
Is this diet safe?
This is a topic many people ask about. There is never zero risk, but dogs have a very strong gut microbiota that lets them eat raw meat. They are carnivores by nature, and their immune system reflects that.
Even so, to prevent infection from eating raw meat and fish, these should be frozen for several days beforehand — that way you avoid any risk.
What do you think of this kind of diet? Would you give it to your pet, or do you prefer feeding traditional kibble? Whichever you choose, if you want to look after your dog’s health, trust Petplan — your veterinary insurance.
