Many owners have transitioned to feeding their dogs a natural raw food diet. For many dogs, this type of holistic raw diet, often referred to as BARF feeding, works optimally, but it does not suit every dog. For some individuals, commercial ready-made foods are a better fit, while for others the best results are achieved through a combination of both approaches. But what does raw feeding actually mean, and how can it be implemented successfully?
Raw feeding refers to a diet similar to what the ancestors of our dogs consumed in the wild. In nature, wild animals do not necessarily receive all the nutrients they require at all times. For this reason, raw feeding for dogs is often complemented by adding ingredients that help meet nutritional needs and address possible deficiencies. The guiding principle behind raw feeding is to provide the dog with nutrients in their natural form and from natural sources. The foundation of the diet consists of raw meat, fats, organs, fish, meaty bones and cartilage, as well as ground vegetables, berries, and other supplements as needed. Raw products, such as minced meats, can also be used as additions to other feeding methods.
According to current recommendations, clearly less than half of the diet should consist of raw meaty bones (20–50%), while the majority should consist of various meats, organs, fats, vegetables, and other animal-based ingredients (50–80%). For dogs with sensitive stomachs, as well as those suffering from liver or kidney issues and dogs that are active and/or highly exercised, high-quality soaked flakes, groats, or seed meals may work well as part of the diet to support digestion. Dogs requiring less protein may also benefit from the inclusion of easily digestible carbohydrates to replace part of the meat portion. Suitable options include well-cooked oats, barley, millet, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa, as well as fiber-, fatty acid-, and protein-rich hemp and chia. Vegetables can include almost anything, with particularly good and practical choices being nettle, beetroot, carrot, and various berries. Many of these are also suitable for dogs with allergies. Fats are also important for dogs, but both the dog's activity level and body condition influence how much fat should be included. Increasing the fat content also raises the body's requirement for vitamin E.
An Individualized Feeding Model and Stool Monitoring
A diet composed of unprocessed raw ingredients allows excellent flexibility in addressing a pet's individual needs. Raw food is highly palatable for many dogs and may help, for example, in managing food allergies or resolving gastrointestinal issues. Whether a dietary transition should occur abruptly or gradually depends on factors such as how sensitive the dog's stomach is to dietary changes and how varied the previous diet has been.
When planning a raw diet, it is essential to consider the dog's individual requirements, but also its age, activity level, nutritional status, and intended use. Feeding quantities must always account for factors such as energy requirements, exercise levels, potential illnesses, and overall condition.
The functioning of a dog's digestive system reveals a great deal about the balance of the diet, particularly in relation to meat and bone content. Stool should be firm and dark or fairly dark, moderate in quantity, and easy to pass. Constipation indicates an imbalance between diet and digestion. Loose stool or diarrhea, as well as pale, powdery, or crumbly feces, signal the same issue. A well-functioning digestive system is a crucial component of overall wellbeing, as nutrient absorption directly affects the body's performance and vitality. Digestive health is also influenced by factors such as fluid intake, exercise, and stress responses. A dog's nutritional needs may change with age, hormonal fluctuations, stress, or even seasonal variation. For this reason, the dog's condition and wellbeing should be monitored regularly.
Read more about supplements used alongside a raw feeding diet…
