More and more dog owners want to feed their four-legged friends a species-appropriate and healthy diet. BARF feeding – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food – is a popular way to offer dogs a natural diet. But especially at the beginning, many questions arise: What goes in the bowl? How do I put together a balanced BARF plan? And what do I need to pay attention to as a beginner?
What exactly is BARF?
BARF stands for a diet based on the natural prey that dogs would consume in the wild. The food consists primarily of raw meat, offal, bones, vegetables, fruit, and supplementary components such as oils or herbs. The goal is a healthy, balanced, and species-appropriate diet for dogs .
The basic building blocks of BARF feeding:
- Muscle and fatty meat: main component of the ration.
- Offal: Provides important vitamins (e.g., liver: vitamin A).
- Bones: Source of calcium, e.g. chicken necks, calf breastbone.
- Vegetables & Fruit: Provide fiber and phytochemicals.
- Oils & additives: Essential for Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. salmon oil).
How do I get started with BARF?
With good preparation, starting a BARF diet is simpler than many people think. The important thing is to proceed gradually and slowly get your dog's digestive system used to the new food.
5 tips for BARF beginners:
- Start with a simple BARF plan: Keep the number of ingredients low in the first week, e.g. beef + carrot + oil.
- Calculate the amount of food correctly: Approximately 2–3% of body weight for adult dogs, and correspondingly more for puppies.
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Pay attention to freshness, origin and quality – ideally in our BARF ingredients category .
- Introduce new components slowly: Change only one ingredient per week to identify any intolerances.
- Use natural chew items: For dental cleaning and enrichment, e.g., beef scalp, lamb tripe or deer antlers.
Our product recommendations: Ideal for getting started with BARF
| product | category | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| BARF Mix Beef (500g) | BARF ingredient | Complete foundation for getting started |
| Salmon oil (250ml) | Dietary supplement | Rich in Omega-3, for a shiny coat |
| Dried lamb tripe | Chewable | Natural, easily digestible, ideal for beginners |
Advantages of BARF feeding
- Improved digestion and firmer stools
- Shiny coat and healthy skin
- Strengthening the immune system
- Less tartar buildup (with chew toys)
- Increased vitality and zest for life
Conclusion: Of course, start with BARF
Switching to BARF is an investment in your dog's health. With a little preparation, high-quality ingredients, and our selection of BARF products, you can get started safely and successfully. Our shop offers everything your dog needs for a balanced raw diet – from complete meals to natural chew treats.
Get started now: Find the right BARF accessories for your four-legged friend
Visit our online shop and discover our wide selection of BARF ingredients, chews, and natural supplements. Add variety to your pet's bowl – naturally and healthily!