The information in this section is a result of my study and personal experience with a method of raising dogs known as Natural Rearing .  This particular section will speak directly of the diet aspect of this method some refer to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).  I am not an expert by any means, just a fancier trying to give my dogs the best chance at longevity, and wholeheartedly believe this is the best diet for them.  I have personally seen my dogs bloom in health, exhibiting sparkling white teeth (yes, even those back molars!), shiny coats, correct weight, increase in energy and stamina, no itchiness, very little to no eye drainage (which means no more staining!), no scaling of the skin, and clean, fresh-smelling ears, etc.  There are also a variety of links on our Natural Rearing page, which deal with the other aspects of this method.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, or if I can help you in any way.

What Is BARF?  BARF is a acronym meaning either Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food.

History Of BARF  The diet is not new, but is actually quite old.  Before the invention of commercial dog food, all domestic dogs were fed some sort of homemade diet, many of which were based on raw bones.  There is no indication that dogs are any healthier since the advent of processed foods; in fact there is reason to believe that dogs have more problems now than they did when they were partaking of homemade and raw diets.  Diseases such as thyroid disorderes, diabetes, cancers, and heart disease, along with periodontal disease, and an epidemic of allergy problems, all are common in today's pets.  Owners and breeders all over the world testify that a properly fed raw diet promotes health, longevity, and greatly reduced disease, including geriatric ailments.

What's Wrong With Commercial Pet Foods?   Commercial pet foods are cooked and are usually preserved with chemicals, besides being predominately grain-based.  Dogs are carnivores mainly, and there is no indication that they are supposed to eat a diet based on grains.  Grains remain in the digestive system far longer than raw foods, and greatly increase the risk of allergy.  When commercial pet foods are preserved, they are cooked at high temperatures, which render the natural enzymes inactive and as a direct result the animal loses the ability to digest the food eaten.  This non-digested food is your large, stinky, messy stool waiting to be picked up in your yard.  For more information on what's in your favorite pet food, read API - What's Really In Pet Food .

Safety Issues  Many people are afraid to feed a raw diet because of the threat of bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli, and I must admit a certain trepidation when I began this diet!  In actuality, a dog is designed with a much shorter digestive system and exceedingly strong stomach acids, which are specifically designed to break down any bacteria, and results in the food being moved through very quickly.  This specialized digestive system extracts maximum benefit from those natural enzymes abundant in raw foods, and gives no chance for bacteria to grow and thrive.  All foods contain bacteria to some extent, but a healthy immune system (which is stimulated and armed for protection through partaking of the natural enzymes found only in raw foods) is one capable of combating a normal amount of bacteria.  Your dog is a scavenger!  How many times have you caught Rover sifting through the garbage cans and eating old food (and any other distasteful unmentionables he can find!) without getting sick?  Dogs are more than able to handle the amount of bacteria present in good, quality raw foods found at your local grocery store or butcher shop.