BARF (Bones & Raw Food / Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) feeding divides dog owners into camps. Some swear by it. Others are wary. Most are simply trying to do the right thing for their dog - and are overwhelmed by conflicting advice.
The truth is less dramatic than the internet makes it seem.
Start With the Right Question
The question is not:
“Is BARF good or bad?”
The real question is:
“Is BARF suitable for this dog, in this household, with this level of commitment?”
BARF can be appropriate for some dogs, in some situations, when done correctly. For others, it’s unnecessary or even risky. This guide helps you decide - without ideology - whether BARF is a sensible choice for your dog. This guide is grounded in current evidence, risk data and real-life logistics. Work through it in order; by the last line you’ll know whether BARF belongs in your dog’s bowl—or only in your search history.
Run the Household Filter
Tick “PASS” or “FAIL” honestly.
| Question | Rationale |
|---|---|
| ☐ Any infant, chemotherapy patient, elderly or immunocompromised person living here? | Raw-fed dogs shed pathogens at higher rates; serious zoonoses documented . |
| ☐ Do you have a second freezer, colour-coded boards, bleach spray and 10 min daily prep time? | Hygiene & storage demands rival human infant formula. |
| ☐ Can you afford ≈ 1.5–2 × the cost of premium kibble? | Bulk meat ≠ cheap when organs, supplements and vet monitoring are added . |
| ☐ Is everyone in the home comfortable handling raw meat daily? | Moral/religious objections or “ick-factor” often sink the plan after week 3. |
One FAIL? Stop here or choose a commercial high-pressure-pasteurised raw that can be served straight from the cup—still not zero-risk, but lower.
Run the Dog Filter
| Risk Factor | BARF Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Puppy (< 12 mo) or giant-breed pup | ⚠️ Extra-hard to balance calcium & phosphorus; growth deformities reported. |
| Small-breed dog (< 7 kg) | ⚠️ Bone size window is tiny - too big = obstruction, too small = choke. |
| Immunosuppressed dog (chemo, steroids, chronic gut disease) | ❌ Raw pathogens can cause sepsis. |
| History of pancreatitis or colitis | ⚠️ High fat & bacterial load may flare disease. |
| Pregnant / lactating bitch | ⚠️ Needs precise micronutrients; mistakes affect puppies. |
| Healthy adult dog, normal weight, robust gut | ✅ Lowest theoretical risk if diet is balanced. |
If your dog lands in the ⚠️ column, consult a boarded vet nutritionist before any raw trial.
Choose How You’ll Raw-Feed
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| A. DIY homemade | Full control, cheapest per kg | Easiest to botch; 95 % of online recipes fail nutrient analysis . |
| B. Commercial frozen raw patties | Convenience, FEDIAF complete label | Still contaminated in ≈ 20–80 % of lots; pricier. |
| C. Commercial high-pressure processed (HPP) raw | Pathogen load reduced 4–6 logs | Limited brands; still needs freezer. |
| D. “Partial raw” (25 % raw topper + 75 % cooked complete kibble) | Safer transitional step; stool benefits often seen | Must still observe cross-contamination rules. |
Pick one path and stick with it for at least 8 weeks; mixing models mid-stream invites GI upset and nutrient drift.
5. Build the Safety Net
- Book a baseline vet exam + bloodwork (CBC, serum chemistry, vitamins A & E, thyroxine, ionised Ca).
- Get a personalised recipe from a PhD-credentialed nutritionist; costly once, cheaper than surgery later.
- Buy a kitchen scale ± 0.1 g, colour-coded cutting mats, nitrile gloves, probe thermometer.
- Log every batch: ingredient weights, batch date, freezer temp.
- Re-check bloodwork and body condition at 6 and 12 months; adjust recipe as weight, age or activity changes.
6. The 48-Hour Quit Rule
- Persistent diarrhoea / vomiting > 24 h
- Fresh blood in stool or vomit
- Straining to defecate (rectal bone fragment?)
- Lethargy, fever, or inappetence
- Weight loss > 5 % in 2 weeks
- Any household member with fever, diarrhoea, or pregnancy loss (possible zoonotic spill-over)
7. Decision Matrix—Putting It Together
| Scenario | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Healthy adult Lab, experienced owner, no kids, big freezer, budget OK, uses commercial FEDIAF raw patties, quarterly vet checks | BARF likely LOW-RISK, REASONABLE CHOICE |
| Immunocompromised Beagle on steroids, toddler at home, owner relies on Google recipes, skips vet visits | DON’T DO IT - risk >> benefit |
| Budget-tight student with a Chihuahua puppy, wants “partial raw” using grocery chicken + carrots | PAUSE - puppy needs precise growth formula; use cooked complete diet until adulthood, then revisit |
Closing Thought
BARF is not a religion; it’s a feeding strategy with a risk-benefit equation that changes with every household, dog and decade of life. Run the checklist, talk to professionals, and re-evaluate annually. For many dogs, a high-quality, well-formulated cooked diet offers the same benefits with fewer risks.
The best diet for your dog is the one that keeps tail-wags high and bloodwork normal - raw or not.