BARF & Raw Feeding FAQBARF & Raw Feeding FAQ

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a raw feeding diet for dogs formalized by Dr. Ian Billinghurst in 1993. It mimics the dog's ancestral diet with 70% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, 10% vegetables/fruits, 5% liver, and 5% other organs.

Start with a single protein source (chicken or turkey), boneless at first, then gradually introduce raw meaty bones, liver, other organs, and pureed vegetables over 3-4 weeks. Monitor stools and energy levels.

Yes — a dog's digestive system (stomach pH ~1.5, short transit) is built for raw meat. Most healthy adult dogs tolerate BARF perfectly. Consult your vet if your dog has a chronic condition.

Yes, from weaning (7-8 weeks). Puppies need larger rations (up to 8% of current body weight at 2-4 months) and strict calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bone growth. Use our puppy mode in the calculator.

Cats are obligate carnivores and tolerate raw very well, but their needs differ (taurine, arachidonic acid, preformed vitamin A). BarfCalc is dog-specific — for cats, consult a feline nutritionist.

An adult dog eats 2-3% of its body weight per day. A 20 kg dog at normal activity (2.5%) needs 500g/day split into 2 meals. Neutered: multiply by 0.85.

Classic BARF ratios: 70% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, 5% liver, 5% other organs (spleen, kidney, brain), 10% pureed vegetables and fruits. PMR model: 80/10/5/5 with no plant matter.

Neutering reduces energy needs by roughly 15-25%. Multiply the base ration by 0.85 and watch body condition (ribs palpable but not visible).

Puppy 2-4 months: 8% of current weight. 4-6 months: 6%. 6-8 months: 5%. 8-12 months: 4%. Beyond 12 months (large breeds: 18-24 months), transition to the 2-3% adult ration.

Healthy dogs tolerate bacterial loads that would make a human sick. Real risk is cross-contamination in the kitchen: wash surfaces, utensils, and hands after handling raw, just like with human meat.

Cooked bones splinter into sharp fragments that can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Feed only raw, meaty, non-weight-bearing bones (avoid beef femur, tibia).

Yes. Raw pork must be frozen at -20°C (-4°F) for at least 3 weeks to destroy Aujeszky's disease virus (fatal to dogs) and Trichinella parasites before feeding.

Yes if not frozen. Pacific salmon can carry the Nanophyetus salmincola fluke, vector of Neorickettsia helminthoeca (Salmon Poisoning Disease — fatal without treatment). Freeze at -20°C for at least 7 days.

Chocolate (theobromine), grapes and raisins (nephrotoxic), xylitol (rapid hypoglycemia), onion/garlic/leek/chives (hemolytic anemia, cumulative effect), avocado, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, alcohol and caffeine. Keep these well out of reach.

Usually 2-4 weeks. Two methods: gradual (increasing BARF/kibble mix) or clean break (24h fast then BARF only) — the latter is often better tolerated digestively.

Positive: smaller firmer stools, cleaner teeth, shinier coat, less scratching. Red flags: repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea beyond 48h, lethargy. See your vet.

Long-term, not recommended: digestion times differ (raw ~4-6h, kibble ~8-12h). If occasionally needed, space meals apart (one raw meal, one kibble meal).

Yes, dogs adapt. Do a reverse transition over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Many owners switch to BARF for good once they see the benefits.

Yes — often the solution: grains, additives, and industrial proteins are removed. Use a single novel protein (duck, horse, rabbit) for 6-8 weeks as an elimination diet to identify the allergen.

Yes, with adaptation: renal method (roughly 50% lean meat, 30% vegetables, 10% carbs, 10% limited organs), restricted phosphorus, higher omega-3. Veterinary follow-up and IRIS staging are essential.

Strict rigor on calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1.2-1.4:1) and calorie intake (avoid overly fast growth). Do not exceed 5% of current weight between 4-12 months. Weekly weighing recommended.

Only after vet approval and in a low-calorie, low-fat ration: lean meats (turkey, skinless chicken, rabbit), no added fat, temporary exclusion of fatty liver. Strict monitoring for flare-ups.

Expect 60-120EUR/month for a 20 kg dog depending on sourcing (wholesaler vs supermarket) and proteins (chicken = cheap, lamb = expensive). Pre-made frozen BARF costs 20-40% more than DIY.

Meat wholesalers (cheapest per kilo), local butchers (fresh organs on order), supermarkets (promotions), and online BARF specialists (ready-made blends). Freeze on arrival.

Portion into daily bags, label protein + date. Shelf life: red meat 6-12 months, poultry 4-6 months, fish 3-4 months, organs 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge 12-24h before feeding.