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
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Pet |