pets
Clawmate
Get Started
Diet Type

Raw Diet for Dogs (BARF)

Raw feeding, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), aims to replicate what dogs would eat in the wild: raw meat, bones, and organs. Proponents report shinier coats, smaller stools, and improved energy. Critics cite bacterial contamination risks and the difficulty of achieving nutritional balance. Here's what you need to know to decide if raw is right for your dog.

💵
$150-300
Monthly cost (medium dog)
📊
80/10/10
Meat/bone/organ ratio
❄️
2+ weeks
Freeze meat to kill parasites
👥
~5%
Of dog owners feed raw

✓ Advantages

  • •Closely mimics ancestral diet
  • •Often improves coat condition
  • •Many owners report increased energy
  • •Smaller, less smelly stools
  • •No artificial preservatives

✗ Considerations

  • •Risk of bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli)
  • •More expensive than kibble
  • •Requires careful balancing of nutrients
  • •Inconvenient for travel
  • •Not recommended for immunocompromised households

🔍 What to Look For

Quality Meat Sources

Use human-grade meat when possible. Variety is key: rotate between chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and other proteins.

Proper Bone Content

10% bone content provides calcium. Use chicken backs, necks, or wings. Never cooked bones (they splinter dangerously).

Organ Meat

10% organs, half of which should be liver. Organs provide essential vitamins that muscle meat lacks.

Commercial Raw Options

Brands like Primal, Stella & Chewy's, and Darwin's offer pre-balanced raw food — much safer for beginners.

💡 Expert Tips

1

Follow the 80/10/10 rule: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs

2

Handle raw meat with proper food safety precautions

3

Freeze meat for 2+ weeks to kill parasites

4

Consult a veterinary nutritionist for balance

5

Consider commercially prepared raw for convenience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is raw feeding safe?▼
Raw feeding carries bacterial risks (Salmonella, E. coli) both for dogs and humans handling the food. Healthy adult dogs usually handle these bacteria fine, but immunocompromised pets or households with young children/elderly should be cautious. Proper food handling and hygiene are essential.
Can I feed raw and kibble together?▼
Yes, many owners do this successfully. The myth that raw and kibble digest at different rates causing problems isn't supported by evidence. Mixing can provide raw benefits with kibble convenience.
How do I balance a raw diet properly?▼
DIY raw requires careful balancing. Follow the 80/10/10 rule (muscle meat/bone/organs), include variety, and seriously consider working with a veterinary nutritionist. Calcium, zinc, and vitamin E are commonly deficient in DIY raw diets.
Won't raw bones hurt my dog?▼
RAW bones are generally safe — they're soft and digestible. COOKED bones are dangerous — cooking makes them brittle and prone to splintering. Always supervise bone chewing and choose appropriately sized bones.

Need Personalized Nutrition Advice?

Our AI can help you choose the best food for your dog's specific breed, age, and health needs.

Get AI Nutrition Advice →← All Dog Nutrition Guides