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
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Pet |