Loading...
Loading...
Two schools dominate raw feeding: Dr. Billinghurst's BARF (with vegetables) and Prey Model Raw inspired by whole prey (no vegetables). This page compares everything — ratios, philosophy, cost, difficulty — and helps you pick the right one for your dog.
Both methods share a common base (meat + bone + organs) but diverge on the role of plant matter and feeding philosophy.
| Criterion | BARF Classic | Prey Model Raw |
|---|---|---|
| Ratios | 70/10/5/5/10 | 80/10/5/5 |
| Muscle meat | 70% | 80% |
| Raw meaty bones | 10% | 10% |
| Liver | 5% | 5% |
| Other organs | 5% | 5% |
| Vegetables & fruits | 10% | 0% |
| Philosophy | Facultative omnivore | Strict carnivore |
| Fiber source | Vegetables | Cartilage and skin |
| Creator | Dr. Ian Billinghurst (1993) | Raw community / Tom Lonsdale |
| Food diversity | Very high | High (varied prey) |
| Allergy risk | Higher (plant proteins) | Lower |
| Estimated cost | Medium | Medium to high |
| Beginner-friendly | Accessible | More demanding |
| Supplementation need | Low if varied | Fish oil recommended (EPA+DHA) |
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Three profiles, three clear recommendations. Which one matches your dog?
Sensitive dog, allergies, fragile digestion
Recommended: BARF Classic
BARF lets you add digestible fibers (pumpkin, zucchini) that stabilize transit. Start with a hypoallergenic protein (rabbit, turkey).
Athlete, working, hunting, sport dog
Recommended: Prey Model Raw
PMR delivers a higher protein ratio (80% meat) ideal for sustained energy demands. Supplement with salmon oil for EPA+DHA.
Raw feeding beginner, first switch
Recommended: BARF Classic
Most documented and forgiving model. Ratio mistakes are better tolerated thanks to fibers regulating transit.
Yes, the transition is usually simple. Gradually lower the vegetable share over 2 to 3 weeks (to move to PMR) or raise it progressively for the reverse. Monitor stools and overall condition.
Not naturally. Land prey is low in EPA+DHA. NRC 2006 recommends approximately 50–75 mg per kg of body weight per day. In PMR you must supplement with fish oil or add 1–2 oily-fish meals per week.
Wolves consume the stomach contents of their herbivore prey, which contain pre-digested plant matter. Dr. Billinghurst drew on this observation to include 10% blended vegetables, replicating that nutritional role.
BARF is usually slightly cheaper because the 10% vegetables replace meat. PMR, at 80% meat, costs a bit more per kilo, especially if you favor whole prey (rabbit, quail).
Absolutely. Many owners alternate: PMR on weekdays for simplicity, BARF on weekends with vegetables and fruit. What matters is weekly balance and protein variety.
Our free calculator offers both methods. Pick BARF Classic or PMR, enter your dog's weight and activity, and get a detailed ration.