Ever been curious about feeding your furry friend a raw diet? If so, you're not alone. The world of raw feeding offers a variety of choices, and today, we'll delve into the most popular methods.
Raw Dog Food Feeding Methods Explained There's no single "right" way to feed raw – just different methodologies, each with its own merits and challenges.
The BARF Diet vs. PMR At the core of raw feeding are two main approaches: BARF and PMR. The defining factor? Plant matter inclusion.
1. The BARF Diet Short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (or Bones and Raw Food), BARF incorporates:
- Raw meat
- Bones
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Optional grains
While prepackaged options exist, many raw feeders, myself included, opt for a homemade version. Over time, with research, reading, and joining online communities, I developed a keen understanding of creating balanced meals:
- 70% Muscle meat
- 10% Secreting organs (Heads up! Organs like hearts are categorized as muscle meat!)
- 10% Raw meaty bones
- 10% Plant matter
2. Prey Model Raw (PMR) Feeding PMR is the meaty contrast to BARF, excluding veggies and fruits. Its components:
- 80% Muscle meat
- 10% Secreting organs
- 10% Raw meaty bones
You can feed entire animals or mix parts from different animals to mimic a whole prey's nutritional profile.
Feeding Puppies vs. Adult Dogs Puppyhood demands more nutrients, regardless of the diet type. But when it comes to adult dogs, feeding raw is an art. Depending on activity levels and other factors, adult dogs' raw food portions can range from 1.5% to 4% of their target body weight daily.
For instance, a moderately active 40lb dog would need roughly 16 oz of raw food each day.
The Bottom Line The decision between BARF and PMR rests on personal preference. Whether you choose to include plant-based ingredients or not, raw feeding offers a fresh, natural approach to canine nutrition.
Remember, it's all about what feels right for you and your canine companion. Dive in, do the research, and enjoy the raw food journey!
