BARF and PREY Feeding

The most widespread raw diet trends: RMB the Prey Model and BARF feeding.

Feeding dogs is crucial for their health and well-being. In recent years, natural feeding methods have gained increasing popularity, including RMB (Raw Meaty Bones), the Prey Model, and especially BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). These dietary forms are based on the diet of dogs' ancient wild ancestors, emphasizing the importance of raw meats, bones, and vegetables. 

RMB (Raw Meaty Bones)

The trend that started in the '80s suggests that the ideal diet for dogs consists of 70% raw meaty bones, offal, and some leftovers. This is now the least chosen trend. Feeding such a proportion of bone-in meats can cause problems in the short and long term due to excessive calcium and phosphorus intake. 

Prey Model

The Prey Model is even closer to the diet of wild predators than BARF. Followers of this feeding method strive to ensure that the dog's diet resembles the prey animals consumed in nature as closely as possible. This means that dogs receive whole animals or parts of them, including meats, offal, bones, skin, and even feathers. Grains and vegetables are omitted, with fur and feathers replacing the ballast materials. The diet consists of 70-80% meat, 20-30% bone-in meat, and 10-15% offal (half of which is liver). Apart from salmon oil and marine fish oil, supplements are rarely used, as it is believed that whole prey provides all the necessary nutrients for dogs.

Components of the Prey Model Diet

The basis of the Prey Model diet is feeding whole prey animals. This can include:

  1. Whole chicken, rabbit and other poultry: The dog gets the whole animal, including meat, bones, offal, skin and feathers.
  2. Fish: Whole fish, including heads, fins, and offal.
  3. Smaller prey animals: Small sheep, goats, or other small animals

Advantages of the Prey Model Diet

  1. Complete nutrition: Feeding whole animals ensures that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients.
  2. Natural chewing:Chewing on prey naturally strengthens the dog's teeth and jaws.
  3. Balanced diet: The varied nutrient content of different animals contributes to a balanced diet.

Disadvantages of the Prey Model Diet

  1. Difficulty obtaining ingredients: Sourcing whole animals can be challenging, especially without reliable sources.
  2. Hygiene challenges: Special attention is needed for hygiene when feeding whole animals
  3. Social acceptance: Feeding whole animals may be unusual or even repulsive to some.

BARF Diet

BARF stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones and Raw Food." The concept was created by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst, who believes that dogs' food should resemble the diet of their wild ancestors, the predators. This means providing natural raw foods such as meats, bones, offal, and vegetables. It is the most common method of raw feeding.

Ingredients and Proportions

  • Meaty bones: The basic components of the BARF diet, providing essential calcium and other minerals. Raw bones are softer and safer for dogs as they do not splinter like cooked bones. Bone-in meats make up 15-25% of the dog's diet.
  • Meats: The main sources of protein and energy, constituting 35-50% of the diet. Meats are often given with skin and fattier parts.
  • Offal: Offal such as liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart are rich in vitamins and minerals. They make up 5-10% of the dog's diet.
  • Vegetables and fruits: Sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making up 10-20% of the diet. Vegetables and fruits are often pureed or grated for easier digestion.
  • Supplements: Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acid-rich oils (salmon oil, linseed oil), fresh eggs, green-lipped mussel powder, herbal blends, rosehip powder, collagen, and dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir) make up 5-10% of the diet.

Components and Their Effects

  • Meaty bones: Raw bones provide not only calcium but also proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and trace elements. Chewing bones helps maintain dental health.
  • Meats: These meats provide the necessary proteins and energy. They are often given with skin and fatty parts to meet the dog's nutritional needs.
  • Offal: Offal such as liver, kidneys, and spleen contain important vitamins and minerals but should be given in moderation as excessive consumption can cause diarrhea and provide too many vitamins.
  • Vegetables and fruits: The shorter digestive system of dogs compared to herbivores makes plant-based nutrients less utilized. Vegetables and fruits are pureed or grated to aid digestion. They provide fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants that help digestion and clean the intestinal walls.
  • Supplements: Depending on the dog's activity level, age, and health, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acid-rich oils (salmon oil, linseed oil) can be given for their anti-inflammatory effects and to support skin and coat health. Green-lipped mussel powder is used for joint disease prevention and treatment. Herbal blends, vitamin C-rich rosehip powder, and collagen can also be given for sporting and elderly dogs.

Advantages of BARF Raw Feeding

  • Strong immune system: Eating raw food strengthens the immune system of dogs as it contains natural vitamins and minerals.
  • Strong tendons, ligaments and bones: Eating raw bones and meat helps strengthen bones and tendons.
  • Muscle development: Meats high in protein contribute to muscle development and maintenance.
  • Relief of allergies: Many dogs' allergic reactions may disappear when they are given processed foods.
  • Restoring digestion: Raw foods help the digestive system to function, reducing the amount and improving the quality of stools.
  • Beautiful coat: A raw diet contributes to the shine and health of dogs' coats.
  • Lighter tartar: Chewing raw bones helps keep teeth clean and healthy.
  • Reducing circulatory problems: A raw diet can improve blood circulation and reduce circulatory problems.
  • Activity and excellent appetite: The raw diet provides dogs with energy, increasing their activity and appetite.
  • Losing weight in overweight dogs: Raw diets can help overweight dogs lose weight because they contain fewer carbohydrates.

Disadvantages of the BARF Diet

  1. Time-consuming preparation: Preparing raw food can be time-consuming, especially if you want to ensure fresh and varied ingredients.
  2. Costly: Sourcing good quality raw meats and other ingredients can be expensive.
  3. Bacteria and parasites: Bacteria and parasites in raw meat can be dangerous, so it is important to ensure good hygiene.
  4. Nutrient balance: Ensuring a proper nutrient balance can be difficult, especially for novice BARF feeders.

Practical Tips for BARF and Prey Feeding

Varied diet

Both feeding methods require a varied diet. Different meats, offal, and bones should be provided to ensure all necessary nutrients. Vegetables and fruits can also be added for fiber and antioxidants.

Freshness and quality

Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Source meats and other components from reliable sources to avoid diseases and food poisoning.

Veterinary consultation

Consult a veterinarian in case of illness to ensure that raw feeding is suitable for your dog's health. A vet can help establish the right nutrient balance and provide best practice advice.

Hygiene measures

Hygiene is crucial when feeding raw meats and offal. Always wash hands thoroughly and clean feeding bowls. Store meats properly and do not leave them at room temperature for extended periods to avoid bacterial growth.

Proper proportions

The BARF and Prey diets require correct proportions. Generally, a dog's daily diet should consist of about 70% meat and bones, 10% offal, and 10-20% vegetables. These proportions can vary depending on individual needs and health conditions.

Comparison and Practical Experiences with BARF and Prey Model

Nutritional differences

The main difference between BARF and the Prey Model lies in the diet components. While the BARF diet emphasizes vegetables and fruits, the Prey Model focuses exclusively on animal-based foods. Thus, BARF provides more varied nutrient sources, while the Prey Model more closely mimics the natural diet of wild predators.

Health experiences

Followers of BARF and Prey feeding report numerous health benefits. Their dogs are generally more energetic, have healthier coats, and face fewer digestive problems. Veterinary experiences also support these benefits, especially regarding skin issues and allergies