B.A.R.F. or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods" is a diet based entirely on natural, whole, raw foods. Mom first heard about this type of diet in 98' on a GSD mailing list, but thought the whole idea was kinda weird and dismissed it immidiately. After Buddy died, however, mom started looking for ways to enhance my life. She wanted to give me the longest healthiest life possible. She eventually came across the idea of a 'Natural Diet' again...only this time she opened her mind to it. She joined a couple of BARF mailing lists, bought books and talked to people who'd been doing the diet for years. Mom finally decided to take the plunge on August 6, 2000 and never looked back.
The truth is that feeding raw has been around for quite awhile...since the begining of the dog/people relationship. It's actually "Commercially Rendered And Proccessed" foods (cool acronyms, huh?) that are the 'new' trend. Canned food and kibble have only been around for the last 70 years or so, while pups n' hoomans have been sharing their homes for thousands upon thousands of years.
In retrospect, it's actually beyond me that mom even did it. She is super paranoid. Things like: "But it's dangerous! The bacteria will kill him! He'll choke on the bones! etc..etc" were her main concerns, but research as well as people successfully feeding the diet put her mind at ease.
Well, not only am I still alive ;) but I'm thriving! Things mom noticed within the first couple of months were: WHITE teeth, shiny fur, no more itchies/flakes or hot spots, clean ears, fresh breath, and less doggie odor...though I've always found my scent quite pleasant. Another real biggie for mom is the 60-70% reduction of what comes out the other end. I'll let mom take it from here...
Xator was off raw for a while, because of his reluctance to eat. (He's ALWAYS been a BAD eater.) But is now back @ 100%. During his time off raw (and on an ULTRA premium food), his stools were large and frequently loose, coat duller, and there was just a general decline in his overall appearance. This was all reversed within a few weeks back on raw. He also now eats his raw with gusto and bolts to his crate in anticipation of his next meal. What caused this change of heart?...
We adopted a kitty! She's BARFn too, and has an oh SO healthy appetite. So much so, that Xator has to clean his bowl...or SHE will. ;)
The specifics of BARF, and a look at Xator's menu. (Diet revised 03/2004) |
Pics and tips on putting it all together. (Sorry, STILL no pics but there ARE tips. :) |
BARF Resources
Books, articles, links, and e-group suggestions
for more information on feeding raw.
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