Raw and Dry Feeding in Cats and Dogs Between Food and Conventional Feeding Differences, Similarities, Benefits, Damages
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64614/vzs-19Keywords:
BARF, cat, dog, raw and dry feedingAbstract
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a nutritional approach based on feeding dogs and cats raw meat, internal organs, bones, and sometimes non-heat-treated animal products such as dairy products or eggs. In recent years, this diet has gained popularity among pet owners, particularly in Europe; in some countries, this proportion exceeds 50%. BARF diets have become commercially available and are also available from the market. Furthermore, the most common are those prepared by pet owners using recipes. However, there are risks associated with homemade foods. Homemade foods often do not meet official nutritional guidelines, thus posing a risk of nutrient imbalances and related diseases. If pet owners choose to follow a BARF diet with their own recipes, it is important to ensure that the balanced diet, based on the recipe, is prepared by a pet nutritionist. This is crucial to avoid feeding errors such as nutrient deficiencies or excesses (especially macrominerals, trace elements, and vitamins). Although BARF diets offer high digestibility and natural ingredients, they require careful and scientifically sound evaluation due to the risk of nutritional imbalance, microbiological contamination, and zoonotic transmission.
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