I've been dedicated to exclusively raw feeding my pack for many years, and today, raw diets for dogs have become increasingly popular among pet owners looking to provide their dogs with a more natural, species-appropriate way of eating.
Below, you'll find a list of the benefits of raw feeding, as well as the two main philosophies that guide this approach.
While raw feeding offers many advantages, it's crucial to ensure the diet is balanced and nutritionally complete. Consulting with a canine nutritionist is highly recommended to ensure your dog's raw diet meets their specific needs and avoids potential nutritional deficiencies.
At the end of this guide, you'll find a list of our favorite brands if you're considering commercially prepared raw food options.
Prey Model Raw is based on the idea of mimicking the diet of a wild carnivore, focusing on the type of prey animals a dog’s ancestors would have hunted and consumed in the wild. This diet typically consists of muscle meat, bones, and organs.Diet Components: PMR diets usually made up of:
Ratios: A common guideline for PMR is a 80/10/10 ratio of muscle meat, bones, and organs (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organ). Some variations may include slightly different ratios, but the emphasis is on a balanced proportion of meat and bones similar to the natural prey consumed by wild carnivores.
Goal: The aim is to mimic the natural food sources and eating patterns of carnivores in the wild, with a focus on whole prey parts and minimal additional ingredients.
The BARF diet, developed by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, aims to mimic the diet of a wild carnivore but includes a wider variety of ingredients. It emphasizes the "biologically appropriate" idea, meaning it includes a combination of animal products and plant-based ingredients that are thought to complement a dog's natural diet.Diet Components: The BARF diet consists of:
Ratios: A typical BARF ratio might be 70-80% meat, 10-15% vegetables and fruits, and 10-15% bones and organs. The inclusion of vegetables and fruits is one of the main differences between BARF and PMR.
Goal: The goal of BARF is to create a more balanced diet that includes both animal and plant-based ingredients, acknowledging that dogs, as omnivores with carnivorous tendencies, may benefit from some fruits and vegetables.
The difference between Prey Model Raw (PMR) and Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) lies in their approach to raw feeding and the components included in the diet.
Key Differences:
Inclusion of Vegetables and Fruits:
PMR: It focuses solely on animal-based products (meat, bones, and organs).
BARF: Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, to provide additional nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Diet Complexity:
PMR: Simpler, focused on mimicking the natural diet of wild canines with primarily raw meat, bones, and organs.
BARF: More varied, with a broader range of ingredients, including plant matter and sometimes additional supplements to ensure nutritional balance.
Philosophy:
PMR: Strives to replicate a more "wild" or ancestral diet.
BARF: Aims to balance the diet to be biologically appropriate for dogs, incorporating both animal-based and plant-based nutrients, as dogs can digest certain plant matter.
Raw diets are typically rich in essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, which can help promote a shinier, healthier coat and reduce skin issues like dryness, itchiness, or hot spots.
Raw food is often easier for dogs to digest compared to processed kibble, as it contains fewer fillers and preservatives. The natural enzymes in raw food also aid in digestion, leading to healthier gut function.
Raw fed dogs have more energy and vitality. This could be because raw food is nutrient-dense and provides dogs with more of the nutrients they need for optimal health.
Chewing on raw meaty bones can help keep a dog’s teeth clean and promote healthy gums by naturally scraping away plaque and tartar, leading to fresher breath and reduced dental issues.
Raw diets are generally lower in carbohydrates and free from unnecessary fillers, which can help prevent obesity. The high protein content helps dogs maintain lean muscle mass and healthy body weight.
Raw food contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than processed kibble. These nutrients can help boost your dog's immune system, making them less susceptible to illnesses.
Dogs fed raw diets often have shinier and softer coats. The healthy fats in raw food, like those found in fish and meats, help to nourish the skin and fur.
Raw-fed dogs tend to have smaller, firmer stools with less odor, since they are digesting their food more efficiently and absorbing more nutrients.
Some owners report behavioral improvements, like calmer and less hyperactive dogs. This might be due to the high-quality, hormone-free proteins and natural foods in a raw diet.
Raw diets eliminate many common allergens found in processed foods, such as grains, gluten, artificial preservatives or synthetic vitamins. This can be especially helpful for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
A raw diet, particularly one that includes raw meaty bones, provides a natural source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that are vital for strong bones and healthy muscle mass.