A Guide to Homemade and Raw Food (BARF) for Dogs | Comprehensive Explanation of Benefits and Risks | ブリちょく
Dogs| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
A Guide to Homemade and Raw Food (BARF) for Dogs | Comprehensive Explanation of Benefits and Risks
A guide for dog owners who want to feed their dogs homemade or raw food (BARF). Explains the necessary nutritional balance, safe foods and those to avoid, steps for transitioning, and important hygiene practices.
Key Takeaways
A guide for dog owners who want to feed their dogs homemade or raw food (BARF). Explains the necessary nutritional balance, safe foods and those to avoid, steps for transitioning, and important hygiene practices.
What Are Homemade Food and Raw Food (BARF)?
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The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
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"BARF" (pronounced "barf") is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, a feeding method that provides raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables in a way that closely mimics a dog's natural diet. Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst systematized this approach in the 1990s, and interest in Japan has grown rapidly in recent years.
Homemade food is similar to BARF but differs in that it involves cooking the ingredients. Both approaches are favored because they offer transparency—owners know exactly what goes into their dog's food. Many owners begin because of concerns about commercial dog food or their dog's loss of appetite, while others become interested after hearing from breeders that they've been raising puppies on BARF from an early age.
Main Benefits of Homemade Food and BARF
The greatest advantage is complete control over ingredients. You can eliminate additives, preservatives, and artificial colors entirely and reliably exclude allergenic ingredients. Some veterinarians recommend homemade food for dogs with food allergies that are difficult to manage with commercial diets.
High palatability is also noteworthy. Raw meat and fresh ingredients are extremely appealing to dogs, and it's not uncommon to hear reports of dogs with poor appetites suddenly finishing all their food. It can be an effective way to restore appetite in senior dogs or those recovering from illness.
Dental and oral health benefits have also been noted. Chewing raw bones (RMB: raw meaty bones) is said to suppress tartar buildup and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. However, this assumes you select the appropriate type and size of bones.
Additionally, many owners report that stool volume decreases and odor becomes milder. Improved digestibility results in reduced waste, making environmental management easier—a sentiment heard frequently among raw feeders.
Overlooked Risks and Precautions
While homemade food and BARF have appeal, they carry serious risks if not managed correctly.
Nutritional imbalance is the most critical issue. When the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio becomes skewed, it can cause bone development problems in young dogs. A "meat-only" approach tends to create excess phosphorus and may lead to osteoporosis. It's essential to supplement with vitamins and minerals as needed or consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist while planning meals.
Food poisoning and infection risks cannot be ignored. Raw food may contain pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, with higher disease risk in immunocompromised dogs (puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with existing conditions). Transmission to humans via dogs—particularly affecting infants, elderly individuals, and pregnant women—has also been reported, so meticulous attention to food handling and hygiene is essential.
Accidents from raw bones also warrant caution. Cooked bones (such as chicken bones) splinter lengthwise into sharp fragments and should never be given. Raw chicken wings and necks, by contrast, are relatively safe, but sizes that large dogs can swallow whole pose choking hazards. Always supervise your dog when giving bones and observe how they swallow.
Parasite prevention is also critical. Pork may harbor trichinella, and freshwater fish may contain flukes. Pork and freshwater fish must be thoroughly frozen (-20°C or below for at least one week) or cooked.
If You Choose to Practice BARF: Basic Meal Planning
If practicing BARF, the recommended composition ratios are as follows:
Raw Meaty Bones (RMB): approximately 60–70% of the meal (chicken wings, necks, backbones, etc.)
Muscle Meat: approximately 20–25% (chicken thighs, beef chuck, lamb, etc.)
Organ Meat (Offal): approximately 10% (liver, kidney, spleen, etc.; keep liver to 5% or less)
Vegetables and Fruits: approximately 10–15% (puree or make into juice to aid digestion)
Rotating multiple protein sources helps balance amino acids, fatty acids, and trace minerals. A common approach is to rotate weekly among chicken, beef, lamb, venison, and turkey.
Since dogs have difficulty breaking down plant cell walls, vegetables should be finely chopped in a blender or food processor, or lightly steamed before feeding. Garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and avocado are toxic to dogs and must never be used.
The Option of Combining Homemade Food with Commercial Products
If you find it difficult to switch entirely to BARF, starting with "mixed feeding"—combining commercial dry food or canned food with homemade meals—is a practical option. For example, feeding commercial food in the morning and homemade meals in the evening can still increase dietary variety.
However, some argue that mixing dry food and BARF in the same meal requires attention to differences in digestion speed. When possible, it's safer to give them separately.
Conclusion: Veterinary Collaboration Is the Key to Success
Homemade food and BARF are attractive options for owners deeply concerned about their dog's health. However, the assumption that "natural food is safe" is dangerous. Especially when applying these diets to growing puppies, pregnant or nursing mothers, or dogs with chronic conditions, be sure to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.
When starting, I recommend incorporating a cycle of assessing current nutritional status through blood tests → designing meals → confirming regularly with follow-up tests. Keeping a record of ingredients makes it easier to identify causes if your dog's health changes.
The best diet for your dog isn't determined by a single book or theory. Taking into account your dog's individual constitution, age, activity level, and health status, working together with your veterinarian to find the optimal solution is the shortest path to a long and healthy life.
