Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Difference a BARF Diet Makes

By Jamie Lansley


There are many things that dog owners keep in mind when they are looking after their dogs. One of their most pressing concerns is what is the best thing to feed their dog to keep them healthy and happy. Many dog owners have found success with the BARF diet.

BARF is an acronym that stands for bones and raw food or biologically appropriate raw food. Many people are surprised to find the BARF diet is a diet that gives nod to the foods eaten by dog's ancestors. This is a diet that is appropriate for many dogs but not all dogs will benefit from it.

BARF diets are very simple. They are filled with ingredients such as organ and muscle meats, raw, as well as bones, fat, fruits and vegetables. There different combinations that these foods can be prepared in are endless. This is a diet that can be prepared in different ways for a dog as well.

There are some pet owners that prefer to prepare their BARF diet foods daily at home. Once a recipe has been decided, pet owners will take the time to get the ingredients and ensure that it is given to the dogs. The ingredients in this diet are mainly raw, not having any preservatives and additives in them. These foods are also human quality meats, the same quality that they themselves would eat.

Not everyone that wants to feed their beloved pooch a BARF diet has the time to prepare the food fresh each day. For those that are short on time but want the best for their dog, they are able to find a frozen variation in their local pet supply store. These foods are still without additives and preservatives so they are normally kept in a refrigerated case in the stores. They have to stay frozen until served.

When the ingredients are so fresh, there is a price difference. The BARF diet is filled with quality, human grade foods with no fillers. For this reason, it is more expensive to make this food and the added cost of making this food is passed to the consumers that purchase it.

The expense of the food is not something that is a huge factor for those that believe in the BARF diet. They feel that the benefits that come from using this feeding method are worth the extra cost. There are many improvements in their pet's health and well-being that result in fewer trips to their local vet annually, balancing the costs.

Pet owners feel that the BARF diet has given their pets many benefits. They report their dogs have healthier gums and teeth as well as allergy relief. There are also reports of improved immune systems and more energy. Even with all the different benefits that are accredited to this diet, before changes are made, pet owners should speak to their vet to ensure all essential nutrients are provided.




About the Author:



No comments: