Introduction to Raw Diets

Jessie and Teresa eating raw chicken Updated 02-26-2010. I have been feeding raw food for over 10 years now. I have been on both sides of the fence and back over again. I have seen raw diet miracles and I have seen commercial diet miracles. I currently have six greyhounds. Four of them eat 2/3 raw food and 1/3 grain-free kibble. Two eat kibble exclusively. I no longer believe that the raw diet is best for every dog, but I do believe there are many benefits for many dogs. Also, commercial diets have improved significantly in the last 10 years. There are so many quality options now. Most recently, I am leaning towards a half and half diet for my own hounds.

What Is It?

BARF stands for "bones and raw food" or "biologically appropriate raw food". Not a lot of research has been conducted on canine nutrition and unfortunately most is done by pet food companies who have little incentive to promote raw food instead of their products. However, there are numerous commercial "raw food" diets on the market now. They are expensive, but for those concerned about feeding a balanced diet, a commercial raw food diet can ease your worries.

Much of our information about raw diets comes from our own experiences and the fact that dogs survived thousands of years eating this way before commercial pet food became available. BARF supporters believe that commercial dog food is responsible for many chronic, health problems our dogs suffer from today. Problems such as bad teeth, gum disease, skin problems, ear infections, urinary tract infections, allergies, loose stools, worms, early aging, and the list goes on. BARF supporters claim their dogs are living longer, healthier lives than their kibble-eating cousins.

BARF diets consist of raw, meaty bones and fruits and vegetables What Do BARF Dogs Eat?

The BARF diet attempts to mimic what nature intended. Wild dogs eat meat, bones, skin, organs, stomach contents, and all sorts of other parts. They also may feed on fruits, berries, plants, and grass. In a nutshell, the most common BARF diet consists primarily of raw, meaty chicken bones such as necks, backs, and wings. Then a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, muscle meat such as beef, lamb, and turkey, and organ meats such as heart, liver, and kidney balance it all out over time. The goal is not to create a well-balanced meal each day, but to create a balanced diet over a period of time.

Fruits and vegetables Many BARF opponents argue that our domestic dogs are not wild dogs and therefore should not be eating a wild dog’s diet. However, keep in mind that dogs and wolves are essentially the same species. A simple blood test cannot distinguish between the two. Kibble has existed for less than a century, not enough time for the digestive tracts of domestic dogs to evolve into needing a diet completely different from a wolf.

However, Dr. Susan Wynn, a leading researcher and author on alternative and complementary veterinary medicine, makes an excellent point. Typically, a good breeder breeds healthy dogs. Dogs who have constant digestive ailments will probably not enter into the breeding program. Therefore, she suggests that certain lines and certain breeds have been bred to thrive on a commercial pet food. It does make sense to me. However, when we come back to racing greyhounds, greyhounds are fed a raw meat based diet on the farms and at the track. Essentially, they have been bred to do well on a diet that includes raw meat. In my opinon, most greyhounds appear to thrive on a raw diet and if Dr. Wynn is right, her opinion suggests that they would as well.

Travis enjoying raw chicken Common Concerns

Typically, feeding bones is everyone’s first concern. We have heard all of our lives not to do it. Generally, dogs are well suited to digesting RAW bones. They clean teeth, massage gums, and offer an excellent source of calcium. Still some people never become comfortable with the idea and instead opt to grind down the raw, meaty bones before feeding them.

The second concern is bacteria such as salmonella or E.Coli. Most healthy dogs are uneffected because they have short digestive tracts designed for handling bacteria. Even pets fed commercially prepared foods receive their share of bacteria. For example, salmonella can be found on pig ears and for heaven's sake, they lick their rear ends! I recommend you do some research. There are many varieties of raw diets.

Teresa eating turkey neck

Time, Expense, and Mess Involved

Raw diets take extra time to prepare, but it really is not as bad as most think it is. The information is overwhelming at first and you tend to make it harder than it really is. Eventually you settle into a routine and learn to manage volume to save time. The expense of the diet ranges as wide as the brands of dog food do. If you purchase less desirable parts such a chicken backs or turkey necks in large quantities, you will get a good deal. If you purchase organic, hormone free chicken wings, you will pay a fortune.

Raw diets also can be messy. The easiest way to contain the mess and separate dogs is to use crates. If you take out the bedding before feeding, the dogs will lick the crates clean when they finish eating and there is no need for extra clean up on a daily basis. Other people feed outside. You can also teach your dog to eat over his bowl. At first, he will want to rush off with his special treat, but after a few days on leash, he will learn to stay over his bowl.

WARNINGS:

Do not ever feed COOKED bones. Cooking causes them to splinter easily.
Do not add raw meat to your dog’s commercial diet. Meat is high in phosphorus and without bone can alter the calcium/phosphorus ratio.
Do not start your dog on a raw food diet until you have done your research.

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