BARF Blends: Everything You Need to Know

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or BARF as it has become known, is a diet which has become increasingly popular with pet parents all over the world. The diet involves feeding your pet a variety of nutrient-dense raw foods, such as organs, bones and animal-safe vegetables to promote good overall health and maintenance.

However, it is important to remember that all animals have different dietary requirements, and so a BARF diet may or may not be the best option for your individual pet. Always consult your vet or our expert team at World 4 Pets, before switching up your pet’s food to ensure you are doing what is best for your animal’s specific needs.

In this blog we will give you the lowdown on all things BARF - what a BARF diet consists of, what the benefits are of feeding your pet on a raw food diet, as well as how to go about implementing these raw foods into your pet’s feeding routine, should it be should it be appropriate for their dietary needs.

Whether you are a raw food novice or have already started your pet on a raw food diet and are looking for further information, we’re here to offer some background on the BARF food diet and offer the important need-to-knows on raw food feeding.

What is a BARF diet?

Putting it simply, a BARF or ‘raw food’ diet, involves curating meals for your pet which contain only raw ingredients, such as meat, offal and bones, as well as other mix-ins like animal-safe fruit and veg and additional vitamins and supplements.

The diet focuses on foods that your animal would naturally eat if they were still living out in the wild, and many have found that this diet can have a positive impact on their pets if executed properly.

It is worth noting that while some pet owners may find BARF diets have a miraculous effect on their pet’s health, others may not notice a difference, or a BARF diet may simply not be suitable for their pet’s individual needs. At the end of the day, as long as your pet is fed, happy and healthy, that is all that matters.

What are the benefits of a BARF diet?

BARF diets have become popular due to the fact that the raw ingredients have been found to be much easier for animals to digest, resulting in fewer digestive issues and maximum nutrient absorption. Due to a BARF diet’s high moisture content, it is an excellent source of hydration alongside your pet’s daily water intake, as well as being full to the brim with naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals that all work to promote good pet health.

Some pet owners have found that if their animals are particularly sensitive to certain foods, or suffer from intolerances or allergies, that a raw food diet can benefit them greatly, the natural ingredients in a BARF diet being much less likely to cause allergic reactions compared with pet foods that have been processed.

How to introduce your pet to a BARF diet

One of the most important things to remember when introducing your pet to a raw food diet is to do it gradually; a sudden change in an animal’s diet can cause significant digestive distress, and as a result may put them off the idea altogether. Particularly if you have an already fussy eater on your hands!

Once you have confirmed a raw diet may benefit your pet, you can begin to gradually introduce these foods into your pet’s daily feeding routine.

You may want to choose an element of the raw diet that your pet seems to like already, and start adding that into their bowl at meal times. You can test out different food additions, see which ones your pet seems to like most and which ones they don’t, check if they have any adverse reactions to the foods, and if all goes well, fairly soon you should be able to transition your pet’s food further until they are fully on board the BARF boat.

Of course, depending on the species of your pet, their diets will look a little different, and will contain different health benefits. A BARF diet for dogs tends to be fairly heavy on the meat, full of organs and bones and bulked out with pup-safe fruits and veggies.

BARF dog food offers a source of high-quality protein for your dog, as well as being extremely hydrating and beneficial to their dental health. It has been found that canines who are fed on a complete raw dog food diet tend to become leaner and more muscular, as well as showing significant improvement in the condition of their coat and skin.

When it comes to cats, things can be a little trickier, seeing as felines can be considerably more finicky than their canine counterparts. If you are thinking about transitioning your cat onto a BARF diet, the focus should be on the foods that they would naturally eat out in the wild, we’re talking top-quality protein in the form of meat and organs, with a smaller percentage of the meal being taken up by plant-based add-ins and supplements.

Cats can take a little longer to adjust to a raw food diet, especially if they are particularly fussy to begin with, but if they do seem to enjoy it and the food agrees with them, a BARF diet can promote better feline digestion, increase immune system support, as well as minimising the risk of allergies and parasites, and can also help to keep their muscles strong and their coat shiny.

How do I make a BARF diet for my pet?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! A BARF diet can offer incredible benefits, but it’s essential to ensure it’s nutritionally balanced for your pet to truly thrive. Preparing a BARF diet requires careful planning to include all necessary nutrients—protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals—in the right proportions. An improper balance can lead to deficiencies or health issues over time.

Partnering with pet food experts – like us! – helps ensure that your pet’s meals are nutritionally complete and tailored to support optimal health, making it easier for you to provide a diet that promotes vitality and well-being. Basically, leave it to the professionals to keep your pet nourished and thriving!

Something else to be aware of is meat bones, as these can sometimes be small and even when we think we have fully removed them, they can be hidden and if ingested by our pets can choke them or cause internal blockages, amongst other issues. It is always recommended that you get your pet food, whether raw or commercial, from a trusted specialist who knows how to correctly prepare the food in a safe way.

Here at World 4 Pets we have a selection of BARF blends to suit a range of dog ages and dietary requirements. Our raw meat dog food boasts only the freshest ingredients, with protein-rich meats and fish, locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as additional nutritional add-ins such as chia seed jelly. You can get our raw dog food delivered straight to your door as a one time purchase, or if your pup can’t get enough, we also offer a subscription service, which also bags you 5% off!

We also offer a huge selection of raw food extras to take your pet’s nutrients to the next level. Many of the probiotics and natural supplement mixes we have in stock can be mixed directly into your pet’s food at mealtimes per instruction. Always be sure to thoroughly read the serving instructions before giving to your pet.

In addition to our raw dog food online options, we also stock a wide range of high-quality commercial pet foods for both dogs and cats, as well as smaller animals, birds and reptiles. So make sure to check it out!