RAW FOOD? MODELS?

Raw feeding is a BIG topic and not without controversy. You as a pet parent, need to decide what is right for you in this swirling and quite controversial decade of nutrition.

Today we are going to talk about the different models of raw feeding. The more you know about nutrition, the easier it is to make educated, concious choices. So let's discuss raw....

BARF Model

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding or Bones and Raw Food

This group of raw feeders believes in feeding raw meat, bones, fruits and veggies with supplements to add what may be missing from the diet. The primary goal is to feed a balanced diet that closely resembles what was an ancestral diet for canines and contains a higher protien level than most commercial diets on the market. These ingredients are at a specific ratio as to insure a complete balanced diet. This model of raw requires that you may have to add supplementation of vitamains and minerals such as Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Kelp and Zinc to name a few.

Ratios for this diet are:

70% uncooked muscle meat

10% raw (NO cooking bones) edible bones

10% fruits and veggies

5% Liver

5% Secreteing Organs

PREY MODEL

The PREY model aims to closely mimic the diet of canines out in the wild. This is a strict raw feeding model with no supplement added, feeding all parts of the animal , fur and all. They do not believe that canines rummaged through gardens to grab kale and carrots.

They want a more natural, straight forward diet and rely on strict ratios of these body parts for a completed, balanced diet. The emphasis is unprocessed (supplements are processed) raw food, and you must have the correct ratios of fats, proteins and essential nutrients

RATIOS:

80% Muscle meat

10% Bone

10% Organ

Benefits of feeding raw include:

• Healthier skin and coat

• Better digestion

• Weight control

• Less allergies or food intolerances

• Dental health

• Lower anxiety or stress levels

• Better Urinary Health

Cons of Raw Feeding

• Cleaniness is imparitive. You are dealing with raw meat and you must take care as you would when working with raw meat for yourself. There is no difference between the two. Sanitize work surfaces and utensils and wash you hands thoroughly.

• Prep time is considerably more than that of kibble. Preparing food, freezing portions and thawing out before feedings does take more time than pouring kibble into a bowl. Time is an important factor in today's rat race.

• If you are traveling, raw feeding can be a challenge. Most people opt for a freeze dried option in these cases.

• MONEY- Raw feeding is considerably more expensive that kibble. Not everyone can afford to feed raw. It is expensive!

• There are body parts that may gross you out!

CONCLUSION:

I am a big fan of feeding raw. I have seen the difference it has made in my babies. It is a choice that I made for MY FAMILY after all of my researching.

You have to do what you need to do for you and your baby, regardless if that is kibble, raw or homecooked, you are doing a great job as a pet parent!

I do believe that every little bit that you can add to your dogs bowl that is unprocessed, whole foods, makes a difference. Bone broth, veggies, fruits, a little fish or meat......it all helps and is easy to do.

My goal is to help educate those that are curious about raw, even if it is a small amount put in the bowl with kibble or just giving raw meaty bone to chew on.

I want to stress that no matter what you are feeding....home cooked, raw or kibble, that is your choice to make. We are all doing the best we can with what we have. Love your fur babies, give them lots of great, healthy treats and do your research!