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Raw dog food: BARF model vs. whole prey model

Raw dog food: ‘BARF’ vs. ‘whole prey’

If you’ve done some research about switching your dog to a raw diet, you’ve probably come across some information about two popular models of raw feeding – “BARF” and “whole prey.”

raw dog food diet in general is exactly as it sounds – raw. Raw meat, raw bones, raw organs, raw fat and sometimes raw fruits and veggies.

So, what are each of these “models,” and which is better?

Raw dog food barf recipes

‘BARF’ model

The BARF model stands for “bones and raw food” or “biologically appropriate raw food.” For most BARF feeders, this includes raw fruits and veggies following the belief that dogs are omnivores.

Some dog owners choose to make homemade BARF diet recipes for dogs, and others prefer to buy commercially prepared raw food for dogs. Nearly all commercial raw dog food contains fruits and veggies, and could generally be considered BARF diets.

‘Whole prey’ model

This model follows the belief that dogs, like wolves, are true carnivores. The whole prey model is an attempt to feed dogs as close to “whole prey” as possible with the understanding that dogs will get all the nutrients they need from their “prey.” No grain, fruits or veggies are necessary.

In general, the overall goal is to feed about 80 percent meat, 10 percent organs and 10 percent bones, according to the Facebook group Raw Feeding (RF).

For some, that means allowing the dog to help himself to an entire deer carcass. For others, a more realistic approach is feeding a whole rabbit or a whole chicken. For most, it’s probably going to mean buying supermarket meat such as chicken quarters, chicken liver, pork roasts, beef ribs, etc. Ground meat such as hamburger is generally not considered whole prey because it is not in its natural form.

So which is better, BARF or whole prey?

Ha! If only it were that simple!

It is controversial whether or not dogs are omnivores or carnivores. I don’t have the answer to that.

Personally, I feed a variety of foods to my dog, and I do not support either model. I feed my dog “meals” that fall under both models. One day, I might give Ace ground beef with chopped veggies and an egg. Another meal, I might hand him a pork roast or a turkey thigh.

I don’t believe carbohydrates are harmful to my dog, so Ace’s raw dog food diet is probably about 10 percent fruits and veggies. I typically don’t feed him corn or other grains except for when it’s in treats. Hey, if I can have junk food every now and then, so can my dog!

Raw dog food ebookLike everything else, even the “raw dog food world” is divided. As usual, the best answer is probably somewhere in the middle.

If you feed your dog a raw diet, I’m curious which model you tend to follow, if any.

For more info on raw feeding, check out my raw dog food recipe guide.



Hope Scarlett

Wednesday 5th of April 2017

I have been feeding my new puppy raw food since she came home from the shelter. I lost my puggle a few months ago due to a huge tumor that had grown rapidly. I came across a post on feeding raw food and couldn't stop researching everything I could on it. When my new dog came home I started her right away. She had a very dry and "dadruffy" coat and within on week it became soft and shiny with no flakes whatsoever. She loves her food and now my mom and sister feeds there dogs raw also. I wish I knew about it before I lost my puggle I think it would of helped her. I thought I was doing right by feeding her Blue. But when I found out how much sugar is in it I couldn't buy it anymore!

Lindsay Stordahl

Wednesday 5th of April 2017

Sorry to hear your puggle died. What kind of raw food are you feeding your new dog?

Lydia

Thursday 8th of October 2015

I just started making the switch to raw feeding this summer and I think any raw you can incorporate into your dog or cat's diet is better than none. I haven't decided on a "model" so much as what makes sense for us and is easily accessible. So far, my dog is loving it and has way more of an appetite than he ever did on kibble, so we're happy. I'm a vegetarian myself, but I know I'm going to enjoy the novelty of picking out weird-looking cuts of meat now for Hank.

Heather

Sunday 9th of August 2015

Thank you so much for publishing something unbiased, there is very limited unbiased info out there. I am about to make the transition from kibble to raw but I get so much anxiety with how people are about the diets. I was starting to feel worried, that I was a bad puppy parent for not being on one side of the fence or the other... lol

Lindsay Stordahl

Sunday 9th of August 2015

Oh gosh. Yeah, I hear ya. Everyone thinks they "know everything" about what to feed and what not to. Wish I had all the answers! Ha. We all do the best we can.

Bob (and Nellie)

Wednesday 15th of May 2013

Nellie loves raw meat/organ but doesn't mind partially cooked carrots, red and yellow pepper, zuccini or other similar veg. We tend to do 90/10 meat/veg mix along with calcium supplements such as ground egg shells, bone, marrow or ground calcium from pill supplements. Not scientific and I source meat from either our breeder, local raw pet food outlet or what's on sale at the store. She's 11 months now and has been in great health since the first day. Oh, and Sardines are a big hit but gotta limit those - smelly

Anne

Wednesday 15th of May 2013

Prey-model here but the puppy does a wonderful job of vacuuming after the kids cereal or whatever else drops on the floor. Ella is doing a good job teaching the kids to *never* put down on the floor something they want to eat again.