BARF for Dogs: A Professional Perspective on Raw Feeding

What does BARF mean for dogs?

BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding” (originally “Bones And Raw Food” in English). It describes a type of diet in which the dog receives raw components: muscle meat, offal, meaty bones, vegetables, fruit, and, where appropriate, oils, eggs, and targeted Supplements. The goal is a supply of all essential nutrients modeled on a natural prey-based diet.

BARF is not a standardized system. It ranges from scientifically calculated rations with a needs analysis by a veterinary nutrition consultant to generic recipes from internet forums. Professional differentiation is crucial here: BARF with a plan is different from BARF based on gut feeling.

Background + scientific classification

Scientific discussion of raw feeding has increased significantly over the last 15 years. Two areas dominate the research: microbiological safety and nutritional adequacy.

Microbiological: Fredriksson-Ahomaa et al. (2017) detected high rates of Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria in Finnish raw food samples. Several follow-up studies (van Bree et al. 2018, Hellgren et al. 2019, Nüesch-Inderbinen et al. 2019) confirmed that commercial raw food regularly contains pathogenic bacteria – including antibiotic-resistant strains. The risk affects the dog itself and people in the household, especially children, older adults, and immunocompromised people.

Nutrient supply: Dillitzer et al. (2011) analyzed 95 self-formulated raw food rations and found significant deficiencies or oversupply in the vast majority – especially in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, iodine, and essential amino acids. Pedrinelli et al. (2019) replicated the findings in Brazilian raw rations. The conclusion in both studies is not “BARF is wrong,” but “BARF without a professional needs analysis is high-risk.”

FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) updated its nutrient recommendations in 2024; they apply regardless of feeding method and define the minimum requirement against which every ration must be measurable.

Vitomalia position

BARF can work when it is done correctly – with a well-founded needs analysis, quality-assured components, and regular control. BARF can cause harm when it is done without a plan and with generic recipes. We accept both realities and differentiate between them.

We recommend: If you want to feed BARF, get a ration calculation from a veterinary nutrition specialist (e.g. ESVCN-certified) or from a scientifically qualified nutrition consultant. We reject: BARF based on forum recipes, BARF with “naturally, dogs don’t need calcium from Supplements,” and BARF in households with immunocompromised people without strict hygiene standards.

When does BARF become relevant?

• When an allergy or intolerance is suspected – BARF allows maximum control over individual ingredients, which can be relevant for elimination diets.
• For very active or performance-oriented dogs – individual adjustment of energy and protein is possible.
• In critical life stages (puppy, pregnant/lactating female, senior) – but only with professional guidance. Deficiencies are particularly risky here.
• In chronic diseases such as kidney insufficiency or liver problems – BARF is NOT something that runs by itself here; it requires veterinary diet management.
• For owners who want to take responsibility for meeting nutritional requirements – see meeting nutritional requirements.

Practical application

1. Needs analysis first: Energy requirements, nutrient requirements, life stage and individual factors such as health status and activity level.
2. Ration calculation: Proportions (classically approx. 70-80% animal-based, 15-25% plant-based, plus Supplements) are only rough guidelines. Specific quantities are determined by requirements.
3. Components: Muscle meat, offal (liver, kidney, heart, spleen), meaty bones or bone meal, tripe, puréed vegetables and fruit, oils (salmon, flaxseed), targeted Supplements (iodine, vitamin D if needed).
4. Hygiene: Fresh products, freezing at <-18 °C, separate cutting boards, cleaning bowls after every meal, washing hands.
5. control: At least an annual blood panel, regular weight checks, and assessment of coat, skin, energy and stool quality.
6. Adjust: Requirements change with age, health and activity level – BARF is not “set it once and done”.

Common mistakes & myths

• “BARF is the most natural and therefore the best diet.” Natural does not automatically mean optimal. Wolves have a different life expectancy and different requirements than our family dogs.
• “Raw bones are harmless.” Raw meaty bones are softer than cooked bones, but risks remain, including constipation, injury and tooth fractures.
• “My dog does not need Supplements.” Studies (Dillitzer 2011, Pedrinelli 2019) show the opposite. Even carefully composed rations often do not meet FEDIAF minimum values without targeted supplementation.
• “BARF cures diseases.” There is no robust evidence for this. BARF is nutrition, not therapy.
• “Dry food is just industrial junk.” High-quality commercial foods are often more balanced in terms of nutrient calculation than raw rations calculated by laypeople.

Scientific status 2026

The evidence is clear on two points: BARF carries microbial risks (Fredriksson-Ahomaa 2017, Nüesch-Inderbinen 2019) and, without professional calculation, often leads to nutrient deficiencies (Dillitzer 2011, Pedrinelli 2019). What is not clear: whether BARF, when the ration is correctly calculated, offers health benefits compared with high-quality dry or wet feeding—controlled long-term studies on this are largely lacking. Initial studies on microbiome effects (Sandri et al. 2017) show differences, but no clear clinical benefit. The consensus among international nutrition associations (ESVCN, AAFCO): raw feeding should not be rejected per se, but it does require professional guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is BARF better than dry food?

Not as a general rule. Both feeding methods can meet or miss a dog’s requirements. What matters is the quality of implementation—and with BARF, that is more demanding.

Which components do I need for a BARF ration?

Muscle meat, offal, meaty bones or bone meal, vegetables, oils, and, if needed, targeted Supplements. Amounts depend on the dog—not on generic formulas.

Is BARF suitable for puppies?

Possible with a professional ration calculation. Without it, the risk of calcium-phosphorus imbalances and growth disorders is high. This is especially critical in large breeds.

How often should I have blood work done?

At least once a year; more often for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with medical conditions. Early deficiencies often show up in blood work before clinical symptoms appear.

Related terms

• Meeting nutritional requirements
• Food allergy
• Dry food
• Wet food
• Puppy feeding
• Overweight
• Calcium in dogs

Sources & further reading

1. Fredriksson-Ahomaa, M., Heikkilä, T., Pernu, N., Kovanen, S., Hielm-Björkman, A., & Kivistö, R. (2017). Raw meat-based diets in dogs and cats. Veterinary Sciences, 4(3), 33.
2. Dillitzer, N., Becker, N., & Kienzle, E. (2011). Intake of minerals, trace elements and vitamins in bone and raw food rations in adult dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S1), S53-S56.
3. Nüesch-Inderbinen, M., Treier, A., Zurfluh, K., & Stephan, R. (2019). Raw meat-based diets for companion animals: a potential source of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Royal Society Open Science, 6, 191170.
4. Pedrinelli, V., Gomes, M. O. S., & Carciofi, A. C. (2019). Analysis of recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats. Journal of Nutritional Science, 8, e13.
5. FEDIAF (2024). Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. European Pet Food Industry Federation, Brussels.
6. Sandri, M., Dal Monego, S., Conte, G., Sgorlon, S., & Stefanon, B. (2017). Raw meat based diet influences faecal microbiome and end products of fermentation in healthy dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 13, 65.