BARF diet for dogs and cats: pros and cons explained

Lee este artículo en español

So, you think of your dog or cat as your roommate rather than just a pet, huh? Well, you’ve probably heard of the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). It’s all the rage these days because, let’s be real, who’s calling the shots in your house? Not you. Your dog. Your cat. 100%.

Now, back to the BARF diet. This trend is catching on fast with pet parents looking for a more “natural” alternative to processed kibble. The idea? Feed your pets raw meat—like the good old days when cats were out hunting mice and dogs were chasing… well, something other than their tails. Sounds intriguing, right? But as with all things, it’s not that simple. Let’s chew on (pun intended) the good, the bad, and the ugly of the BARF diet.

What is the BARF diet, anyway?

The BARF diet, short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, is based on the idea that dogs and cats should eat the way their wild ancestors did. So, what does that mean? A plate full of raw meat, meaty bones, and a sprinkle of veggies (not too much, though—cats are not about that plant life 🐱).

Why raw meat? The idea is to mimic what our pets would’ve eaten in the wild, way before humans started packaging kibble in cute little bags. But, like anything in our modern world, the BARF diet comes with its fair share of debate.

The benefits of the BARF diet for dogs and cats

So, why are so many pet owners ditching the kibble and going full raw? As your cat would say, let’s get serious (at least for a minute).

Better digestion

One of the top claims by BARF fans is improved digestion. Raw meat is said to be easier for pets to break down, which means fewer tummy troubles, fewer vet visits, and, best of all, fewer “accidents” to clean up at home. Speaking of digestion (and poop), if you’re curious about how often your dog or cat should do their business, check out our other articles on the topic. Trust us, we’ve got all the dirty details covered!

Full control over ingredients

Ever look at the back of a kibble bag and think, “What on earth is half of this stuff?” With the BARF diet, you’re the one in control. You can choose fresh, high-quality meat without the mystery additives. If your dog prefers ribeye to your own dinner? Well, go ahead and let them live their best life.

Healthier skin and coat

BARF diet enthusiasts rave about the positive impact on their pets’ skin and coat. After all, who doesn’t want their dog to shine like a Petme superstar? 🐶 If your pooch starts looking like a movie star with that glossy coat, you’ll know who to thank.

The risks and downsides of the BARF diet

But hold your horses (or dogs, or cats)—the BARF diet isn’t all rainbows and… raw meat. There are some real risks, and no, we’re not just talking about your dog sneaking off with the steak you saved for dinner.

Bacterial infections

Feeding raw meat can expose your pet to bacterial infections like salmonella or E. coli. And it’s not just your pet that’s at risk—you are too, because let’s face it, who’s cleaning that food bowl and wiping up the leftovers? Yeah, it’s you.

Issues with bones

Another touchy subject: bones. While some BARF advocates swear raw bones are safe, many vets aren’t convinced. Bones can lead to intestinal blockages or, worse, puncture the digestive tract. And trust me, that’s not a vet bill you want to deal with.

Nutritional imbalances

Balancing the BARF diet isn’t as easy as tossing some raw meat in a bowl. Without careful planning, you could end up feeding your pet too much fat or not enough essential nutrients. Next thing you know, you’re back at the vet wondering why your dog won’t chase their favorite toy anymore.

What do vets say about the BARF diet?

Veterinary opinions are as divided as dogs and cats fighting over the best spot on the couch. Some support a natural diet, as long as it’s balanced and supervised by a pet nutrition expert. Others? Not so much. They’re concerned about the bacteria and bone risks.

Our advice? Before jumping into the BARF diet, chat with your vet. They know your pet best. And hey, the health of your furry BFF should always come first, even if that means skipping the raw steak now and then.

Alternatives to the BARF diet

Still not sold on the BARF diet? That’s cool. There are plenty of alternatives that offer the benefits of a natural diet without the risks.

Mixed feeding

Why not combine the best of both worlds? Some pet owners do a mix of raw and natural kibble, offering a more varied (and safer) diet for their pets.

Natural kibble

These days, you can find kibble made from fresh ingredients, minus the preservatives and additives. It’s a great option if handling raw meat every day isn’t your thing but you still want your pet to eat like a king (or queen).

How to start the BARF diet safely

If you’re all in on the BARF diet (because you’re either all or nothing, right?), here are a few tips to help you get started on the right paw.

Start slow

Don’t just switch your pet’s diet overnight. Begin by adding small amounts of raw meat to their current food and watch how they react. If all goes well, gradually increase the amount.

Choose high-quality meat

Always go for fresh, high-quality cuts. Avoid anything that looks questionable or has been sitting in the fridge for too long. If you wouldn’t eat it, neither should your pet.

Consult a vet nutritionist

Finally, consult an animal nutrition expert before making any major changes to your pet’s diet. The BARF diet can be great, but only if done right.

Conclusion: is the BARF diet the right choice for your pet?

At the end of the day, feeding your pet the BARF diet is a personal choice. Raw meat can offer some big benefits like better digestion and a shinier coat, but it also comes with risks. If you decide to go raw, just be sure to do it safely and under a vet’s guidance. And if you want to explore other feeding options for your dog or cat, check out our other articles on the topic.

Your pets deserve more than just a like. They deserve a whole community. Download the Petme app today and join the fun!