Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for dogs ? also known as "bones and raw food" or the RAW diet? It can be confusing ? I remember asking TONS of questions when I first started. How do you know how much to feed? WHAT do you feed? Can you mix the BARF diet with processed food? How long does it take to prepare the raw food? How much does it cost to buy all the BARF products necessary? Should you feed raw meat and vegetables? Well, on the last question, only you can decide what's right for your dog, but I'll answer the rest of your questions as best I can.
How do you know how much to feed?
It really depends on the weight of your dog. Most people recommend 2-5% of their body weight. Just make sure you know your dog's weight before starting, and then watch their weight and adjust depending if they gain/lose/maintain.
WHAT do you feed?
Raw meaty bones, like chicken necks and backs for example. Muscle meat which has no bones. Organ meat, like lungs, liver, kidneys, etc. Some people also include raw vegetables.
Can you mix the BARF diet with processed food?
It's not recommended as processed food, or kibble, is digested in about 10-12 hours, and raw food in about 4-6. This can lead to serious health problems. That being said, some people do it quite successfully ? but I wouldn't.
How long does it take to prepare the raw food?
If you buy pre-prepared BARF for your dog, it only takes the time to defrost and put in their bowl. If you prefer the DIY (do it yourself) method, this would depend on what you're serving and to how many dogs. Most people recommend pre-packaging once a week in the serving sizes necessary for your dog. You could probably safely count on a half hour per dog, less if you can get your butcher to do some of the cutting for you.
How much does it cost to buy all the BARF products necessary?
This would also depend on whether you're going with the DIY or buying the packaged food. DIY usually requires hunting for bargains and can be time consuming. What I prefer to do (with only 2 dogs) is buy my BARF pre-packaged from a reputable company and I serve that. It can be more expensive, but with our busy lives, I don't mind paying a few bucks more.
Visit our website, http://www.a1-dog-info.com/barf-diet-for-dogs.htm for more information.
Tara Pearce is the author and webmaster of A1-Dog-Info.com. Please visit us for all kinds of information about dog food, toys, health, books, supplies and clothes.
http://www.a1-dog-info.com/barf-diet-for-dogs.htm
http://www.a1-dog-info.com/barf-diet-for-dogs.htm
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
So you just loved that sweet little puppy that you... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
Pet |