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
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
top rated cleaning service Bannockburn ..What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Pet |