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BARF - Frequently Asked Questions |
| The questions and answers that appear on this page are the most frequently asked questions newcomers to BARF have asked, along with the corresponding suggested answer. This information comes directly from experienced BARFers, as well as the books written by Billinghurst, Schultze and Pitcairn. Again, this is ONLY a guide, and NOT a bible. They are in no particular order and I will do my best to update this page frequently. |
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The Top 50 Most Frequently Asked BARF Questions Newcomers AskThese F.A.Q. are re-printed with permission from
BARFing Boxers by Bree
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Part II |
IMPORTANT: The following information serves ONLY as a guide to those who are new to feeding their pets Bones & Raw Food. Yes, COMPLETELY RAW FOOD (nothing cooked), INCLUDING RAW BONES. NEVER, EVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR PET because cooked bones WILL splinter and cause severe internal damage, possibly even death. Each animal's needs are unique; therefore, YOU will need to make the ultimate decision what is best for your pet -- healthwise and nutrition wise.
This page is NOT a substitute for medical advice. If you feel (use your gut instinct) that something physically may truly be wrong with your pet, don't hesitate to drop off a stool/urine sample to your veterinarian or even get your pet to an animal hospital ASAP.
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Help, my dog won't eat his
veggies!
I went through the same routine with my Dobe when I
fed kibble and again when I fed Barf. Finally, what came about was our " Giant
Veggie Battle" . I finally decided that I had enough pampering, I knew he liked the
veggies because at one point he used to gobble them up, but he was being stubborn.
He would rather have RMBs.
So for 3 days he got veggie meals...for 3 days he refused to eat. He would eat a bite or
two, sometimes 3 if I was lucky and walk away. Every meal, I would give him a
fresh meal with maybe 2 tbsp. of veggie mix and the rest ground beef/mackerel/salmon, etc.
I would leave it down for 10 minutes and then calmly pick it up. Well at 3 1/2 days, the
boy finally ate his whole veggie meal. Apparently, he was hungry enough. Never again
did we have the problem.
This might be worth looking into in your case. As long as you know the dog is healthy and
has no reason other than " stubbornness" not to eat a particular meal, this is an
option for you. Yes, it can be stressful and frustrating, however, in the long run
you have very few "battles" after that and happier mealtimes.
Here are some suggestions that were given to me to try to tempt him in his veggie meals:
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Mix veggies with canned fish (mackerel, tuna, sardines) or ground meat
- Parmesan cheese on top
- Grated Cheese in the mix
- 1 - 2 tsp. of molasses
- Garlic powder or regular garlic
- raw egg
- baked beans
- yogurt or cottage cheese
- chopped raw liver or kidney
- vegemite mixed with warm water (probably not relevant for the USA lol)
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Why can't I just chop up a veggie, or even give it whole?
The veggies need to be pulped up using something like
a blender, juicer or food processor. You are aiming for something a bit like the vegetable
matter found in the stomach of a prey animal. The reason for this is that dogs can not
digest cellulose. Cell walls of plants are made of cellulose, so for our dogs to get the
nutrients out of them, we need to crush the cell walls. Chopping them up only crushes the
cell walls on the outside, leaving the bit in the middle pretty much unavailable to them
nutritionally. Cooking them will also destroy the cell walls, but as this also destroys a
lot of the nutrients and enzymes in the veggies (even canned veggies), it kind of defeats
the purpose. Freezing the veggies and then thawing can also break down the cell
walls.
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Is it ok to mix the veggie mush with ground meat?
Yes, you can mix the ground meat in with the veggies
:-). If this is purely muscle meat and not ground Raw Meaty Bones, it is best to
limit the amount you are feeding though. Remember that 60 to 80% of the diet should
be raw meaty bones. Of the remainder, less that 1/2 should usually be
additional muscle meat without the bones. If you can try and make sure there is at
least the same amount if not more veggies and other stuff than the ground muscle meat in
your veggie mix.
Of course if you are just introducing the veggies and that is the only way they will eat
them, mixing a small amount of veggies in a larger amount of meat will sometimes
help. You can gradually decrease the amount of meat and increase the veggies as they get
used to it.
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My supermarket frequently has chicken leg quarters on sale. Are these o.k. to use?
Yes - but they don't contain the proper calcium:meat
ratio; plus they are load-bearing bones and are naturally harder (and harder on your
dog's teeth over the long haul). If you DO decide to use them, you will need to supplement
with additional calcium (in the form of eggshells or bonemeal).
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My dog literally
inhales her food, and it scares me to near death. What can I do to get her to slow down?
Many dogs have a tendency to gulp their food, without
chewing, and this can be a very scary experience for an owner new to feeding raw bones.
To teach the dog to chew before swallowing (yes, your dog needs to learn how to
chew), try larger RMBs like chicken backs and turkey necks. Avoid all the smaller
RMBs (chicken wings, chicken necks, etc...) until your dog learns to chew her food.
Another option (submitted by a BARFer) is, " instead of giving
her bigger things to chew on, I hand fed my dog, and made him pull the meat off the
bone. I did this for about a week, and afterwards everything was fine. For people
who have bigger dogs, and are afraid of getting their hand chopped off, they should teach
their dog to respect their hand, and the meat that's in it."
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I thought RMBs were
supposed to be given whole...why are some people grinding them for their dogs?
Yes, RMBs should be given whole (not ground up or
smashed), as chewing the entire RMB provides several benefits. Chewing RMBs provides
superior jaw and upper body muscle exercise, as well as those pearly whites we've read so
much about. Puppies who chew their RMBs satisfy their natural chewing desires,
rather than chewing on your furniture or shoes. On the other hand, ground RMBs still
provide all the nutritional requirements that are so crucial to your dog's health.
There are people who choose to grind (or even smash up the RMB) for various reasons,
examples are: feeding an older dog with few teeth left, the dog is a chronic 'gulper,' OR
just for an owner's peace of mind that their dog won't choke on the bones (until they feel
more comfortable feeding raw meaty bones). To grind or not to grind is purely an
owner's personal choice. Unless there is an underlying medical condition, RMBs
should be fed whole. An excellent alternative would
be to go with a prepared raw diet like Oma's Pride.
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I've heard so much about the Maverick Meat Grinder, where can I buy one?
 You can purchase the Maverick Grinder directly at Pierce Food Service
Equipment, Inc. This site does not endorse
this grinder, but does endorse the grinder from Northern
Tools (photo to the left). This comes from my personal research,
comparison of many grinders and the actual use of this product. When you
get to Northern
Tools, simply type in the product # 168620 (numbers only) at the top of the
page in the search box, and you'll be taken directly to the recommended grinder.
Again, it is purely a personal choice to grind or
not to grind. Please use your utmost discretion
before purchasing ANY grinder, or ANY product, for that matter.
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How do I go about finding a Raw Meaty Bone supplier?
The best place to find a supplier for your raw meaty
bones is in your phone book. Look up Butchers and Wholesale Poultry Distributors in
the Yellow Pages. You can also search the International Purveyor Index using your zip code to find a supplier
near you.
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How much can I expect to pay for RMBs?
On the average, staple RMBs (chicken wings, chicken
backs and turkey necks) can be purchased from a wholesale supplier in 40-pound cases for
about .89 cents a pound, .29 cents a pound and .39 cents a pound, respectively (in US
Dollars). Prices vary by state and supplier, and these are just average
prices. These staples, and other RMBs, can also be purchased in your local
supermarket(s), at a bit higher price per pound. If you are BARFing more than one
dog, it will certainly 'pay' for you to shop around for the best prices and even invest in
a chest or upright freezer.
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I've heard about trichinosis and pork. Is it safe to feed pork?
As with many other food items, feeding pork is purely
a personal choice. But yes, it CAN be fed, safely. Some dogs do very well on
pork and others don't (loose stools). If you'd like to feed pork but are afraid of
possible trichinosis, it is recommended that the pork be frozen, at Zero degrees F for 3
weeks, to kill the flukes. The incidence of trichinosis is actually fairly minimal
in most places now (particularly in inspected meats). Many have fed fresh pork (pork
necks, being a favorite) without any ill side-effects.
Be aware of smoked pork
necks, as they are slighly cooked from the smoking process. Pigs feet can also be
fed, but are very high in fat...something you may want to avoid if your dog needs to lose
a pound or two.
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What is the bone to meat ratio?
Ideally, it is anywhere from 1:1 to 2:1
calcium:phosphorus (bone/eggshell:meat). The ratio for various food items can be researched using the Calcium/Phosphorus,
Calcium/Phosphorus
Ratio Chart
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Aside from natural calcium, what other nutrients do RMBs provide?
Raw meaty bones provide nutritious marrow,
amino acids/protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, antioxidants and a vast array of species-appropriate minerals and vitamins all in a usable form.
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I've noticed my dog pooping less and it's white. Is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal for a BARFing dog.
The reason your dog is pooping less is because most of the food he is now
ingesting, is being digested and properly utilized by the body...thus, less waste.
The RMBs account for it turning white. If you notice your dog straining while
pooping, you can up the veggies a bit; however, straining a little bit can help express
the anal glands, which would normally be done by your vet, at a price!
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My dog is constipated. How can I help him?
Pure pumpkin in the can (not pumpkin pie filling)
helps both loose stools and constipation. You can also reduce the RMBs and up the
veggies a bit, or even add liver to the meal.
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Help!!! My dog has diarrhea!!!
If you're just starting to BARF your dog, the
diarrhea may be brought on because of the normal detox process (cleansing out the toxins
and impurities) OR because you may have added one too many things too quickly. Pure
pumpkin, in the can (not pumpkin pie filling), will immediately halt the diarrhea.
If the diarrhea is because of the possibility of a reaction to a new food item, you'll
need to start an elimination diet. Basically, go right back to feeding one thing
only for a time (no supplements or anything else, including treats) and then
gradually add things back one at a time and watch for a reaction. As every dog
is different, this is the only way you will know for sure what your particular dog is
reacting to. In the meantime, keep his food bland until he is feeling better (you
too)! You can add applesauce, honey and even Slippery Elm Powder (an herb) to help
settle his tummy.
If you feel detox or a new food item may not be the
cause of the diarrhea, do not hesitate to drop off a stool sample to your veterinarian to
check for parasites, worms and even unfriendly bacteria. If your dog is put on
antibiotics for his/her gastrointestinal upset, make sure you give him plenty of yogurt,
Vitamin C & E, during the recovery process.
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Why is my dog's stool wrapped in mucous at times? Should I be concerned?
Believe it or not, mucousy stools can appear any time, no matter how long one has been BARFing, and is generally no reason for concern.
When first starting BARF, this may be a sign that the digestion track is ridding
the junk out of it's system (normal part of detox). Mucousy stools can also be
related to feeding dairy products. If you are feeding dairy, try cutting them out
for a few days and see if this was the culprit. It can also mean an inflammation of
the intestinal track. If you notice traces of blood, along with the mucousy stool, a
trip to the vet is encouraged. Mucousy stools are also a sign of coccidia (a
parasite commonly found in puppies), so you might want to drop off a fecal sample to your
vet, and begin treatment. Again, use your judgment...if dog appears ill (gums may be
white and not the normal pink/rose color) and is also having frequent bouts of diarrhea
that last 24 to 48 hours, call your vet.
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My dog is vomiting. What can I do?
There are several reasons a dog may vomit, and it is
up to you to determine why. If the vomit is yellow bile, this
means the dog's stomach is completely empty (and hungry!). Feed that poor baby.
If the vomit is clear with white foam or mucusy globs, it is from drinking too much
too fast (possibly on an empty stomach). I'd remove the water and, again, feed that baby!
Vomiting is also a symptom of the normal detox
process. You can add applesauce,
honey and even Slippery Elm Powder (an herb) to help settle his tummy, while he is getting
accustomed to his new way of eating. The vomiting may also be the result of a new
food item that does not agree with him. And yes, a dog new to BARF will occasionally
regurgitate his food, and then begin to eat it again...probably more slowly this time, as
he 'gulped' it the first time. This IS normal.
Sometimes pieces of bones stay undigested (may have
been stuck in the stomach for a while) and cause a bit of blockage, which can cause quite
a noxious odor on both ends. Increasing probiotics/digestive enzymes may be a good
suggestion.
Dogs can also ingest various foreign objects (e.g.
socks, toys, plants, etc...), so keep an eye on your pet if you suspect this type of
ingestion, and your dog hasn't thrown up or passed out the foreign object within 24 to 48
hours.
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I'm confused, do I have to fast my dog on occasion?
No, you do not have to fast your dog. In nature, canines (wolves, feral dogs, etc.) don't eat everyday. The theory behind
fasting our dogs is that it gives their digestive systems a chance to rest. Most
people who fast their dogs do it once a week. Many people give recreational bones or
liquid meals on fast days to help their dog get through the fast day. The choice to
fast is a personal decision. Many, many BARFers fast usually
on days that would be stressful like traveling, vet days, and so on. Many dogs will fast
themselves and we must listen to them.
Now, if your dog pooped numerous times after fasting,
this is good as he/she must have had some build up to get rid of and with the daily meals
his/her system wasn't getting around to it. As long as they were not extremely loose
from the start, then he/she sounds fine.
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When thawing, is there a point where the food is considered dangerous and should be thrown out?
For my dogs here, it is when the smell of the meat is
so bad I nearly throw up ;-). That usually takes a quite a number of days of
being thawed out in the fridge. If it smells a little 'gamey' (a few days old)
I will still feed it. With a dog new to BARF I would try and keep the meat
fairly fresh for a while though. Easiest way is to thaw slowly in the fridge,
or to thaw for a few hours or overnight in a container on the kitchen counter. Just thaw
as much as you need for one day at a time.
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Can I use my microwave for thawing RMBs?
When using a microwave to thaw RMBs, you must be
extremely careful, as the microwave can begin to cook the food from the inside (the bones)
out. Thawing RMBs in the microwave is NOT the recommended method. NEVER, EVER
give your dog a cooked bone, as it can splinter and cause severe internal complications.
The safest method of thawing is room temperature or, if you're in a bit of a hurry,
soak the RMBs in cold water in the kitchen sink.
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Is it possible that my dog is allergic to the Omega oils?
Yes, it is possible. I think some dogs have
been known to react to Flaxseed oil. If this is what you are using, you may want to try
Fish Oil (not cod liver oil) as an alternative source.
An excellent recommendation is OmegaRx,
a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement...for us too! OmegaRx is
100% purified and 100 times stronger than the most popular brands of fish oil on the market!
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Can I still BARF my dog while traveling?
Yes, you can. When I travel if I have room for
an extra cooler, I freeze RMB meals in separate portions so I can take one meal out
at a time. I try to use a separate cooler for RMB so it isn't opened as much. I also
freeze the RMBs a week or two in advance so they stay frozen longer.
If I don't have a lot of extra room for a cooler, some options are:
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Shopping when you get to location (although this can be pricey and isn't always an
option)
- Canned mackerel/tuna/salmon
- Cottage Cheese
- Natural Applesauce
- I've even fed canned green beans and other canned veggies
In terms of feeding the " correct balanced diet" , remember that you are looking
at the diet " over time" versus a daily diet. I don't try to bring any
veggie mix with me when I travel. From what I've found, it doesn't work too well and gets
messy.
There is also someone on the list who just feeds the dog, whatever they are eating at that
time. While it might not be the exact ratios, it still is probably better than kibble.
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What are proper food safety techniques?
Basic food safety techniques are really not much
difference for handling dog food as they are for people food. Basically they
involve washing your hands after handling meat etc, making sure cleaning cloths are clean
and washed regularly (or use paper towels) and washing down benches with soap and hot
water to curb bacteria growth (I use vinegar too). Some people do additional
things, but these are the basics.
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What are Satin Balls? Can they really put weight on my skinny dog?
The recipe and information on Satin Balls can be
found here.
Satin balls are not treats. They are a recipe that was developed to assist with
putting weight on dogs. They were not developed as part of the BARF diet, but
independently from it and are used by people who feed kibble as equally as those who
feed home cooked or raw natural diets. The fact that they can be served either raw
or cooked is the main factor that makes them 'acceptable' for all these. When it
comes to the BARF diet though, there are some aspects about them that we may not
like (the cereal for one). My suggestion is for those that want to feed something
like a satin ball but do not like the recipe is to devise your own BARF friendly ones! Not
that hard to do really :-).
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How can a BARF diet reduce the chances of my dog bloating?
The chances of bloat are much less than on kibble. It
is quite rare for a dog to bloat when they are eating a raw diet, for a couple of
reasons
The first is that raw food doesn't swell like kibble which can sometimes cause problems.
The second thing is that most dogs eat more slowly when they are eating raw food
compared to the familiar " inhale" style eating that dogs use when they are
eating kibble. Because they aren't inhaling their food, less air is sucked into the
stomach. Another reason is that chewing
allows the dog's body to prepare for digestion. The necessary juices and acids are
released slightly prior to the " deposit" of food into the stomach.
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I think my dog is allergic to BARF... how can I be sure?
If you are truly concerned that something in the diet
is causing a problem, the only true way to identify it and remove it is with an
elimination diet. Basically, go right back to feeding one thing only for a time (no
supplements or anything else, including treats) and then gradually add things back
one at a time and watch for a reaction. As every dog is different, this
is the only way you will know for sure what your particular dog is reacting to.
If it is not a food-related allergy, changing the diet around - for a dog already on BARF
that is - is going to have minimal impact. Basically, if the cause of the
allergy is still around, your dog is still likely to react to it no matter what you feed.
That said, BARF can have a positive (if not always total) effect in relation to non-food
related allergies. This effect, however, is generally LONG TERM. Basically BARF
helps to build the immune system which allows your dog to fight off the allergies
when they occur. Over time, as the immune system strengthens, this can help to lessen
their impact. While some effects may be immediate when switched to BARF, some dogs
continue subtle improvements over a number of years. In
simpler terms, allergies are an over reaction of the immune system usually brought about
by a weakness or imbalance in the body (such as vaccinations, a chronic illness, virus,
food, environmental, or thing(s) she/he comes in contact with). You can help
boost your dog's immune system by increasing Vitamin C (to bowel tolerance) and adding
Vitamin E. The herbs Echinacea and Goldenseal Root also help to boost the immune
system.
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Will feeding raw meat make my dog vicious/mean and create a "blood lust?"
Basically, this IS a myth. There is NO causative
relationship between eating raw meat and wanting to kill animals. It has nothing to
do with what a dog is fed and has everything to do with natural prey drive, training
and socialization. For example, some breeds like the husky can have a
very high prey drive. If raised around animals and trained not to chase them, a lot
of them will have no problem co-existing happily NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE FED. With a lot
of dogs, the instinct is a very ingrained primal one and the sight of an animal running
can bring this out in them NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE FED. Dogs can easily distinguish
between what they are protecting and what they are eating.
Remember that kibble has not been around
that long. For generations man has been feeding raw meat and bones to their dogs. I
do not think in the hard reality of life dogs would have lasted too long as man's helpers
in the field, on the farm or elsewhere if eating raw meat gave them a blood lust for the
other animals around. Imagine an outback station owner for example. The dogs eat the
foods the producer produces - the leftover cuts of the animals they slaughter for
themselves or the old culls. The nearest town is a couple of hours by light plane or
perhaps a 10 hour drive down the track. Before transport such as this, it may
have taken a couple of days to get to the neighbours place. Now imagine if all the
dogs they use to help them with the stock killed their stock because of the raw meat
they were eating. Do you think they would still keep dogs? Would the
Australian Cattle Dog or Kelpie have been developed as a breed? I doubt it - they
would have all been shot a long long time ago. Yep, some dogs may turn out to
be 'stock killers'. This happens. But as we have found, even kibble fed dogs
can be stock killers.
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