The BARF DIET? mimics the natural or evolutionary diet by using available appropriate uncooked foods. The natural environment is disastrous. It includes lack of shelter, starvation, attack by other predators and the complete lack of medical and surgical intervention. This is not what we want for our pets. We want an environment that optimizes health which includes a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet.

The chances of bloat are much less than on kibble. It is quite rare for a dog to bloat when they are eating a raw diet, for a couple of reasons. The first is that raw food doesn't swell like kibble which can sometimes cause problems. The second thing is that most dogs eat more slowly when they are eating raw food compared to the familiar "inhale" style eating that dogs use when they are eating kibble. Because they aren't inhaling their food, less air is sucked into the stomach.

The BARF DIET™ looks to whole raw foods to supply nutrients. It is our aim - as much as is humanly possible - to source and use evolutionary foods. That is why we insist that a wide variety of nutritional foodstuffs make up the components of this diet. We do add some 'land and sea' green food concentrates such as alfalfa leaf and kelp to the diet. Some pets have specific conditions and situations which may require more or less of ingredients in the BARF DIET™.

We do NOT recommend combining a raw food diet in the same meal as processed foods. The digestive rate for dry processed food is much longer than for raw foods which can cause digestive disturbances. While acknowledging wholesome foods as basic to their own health, many people still believe their pets will be healthiest when fed processed junk food. Not surprisingly, this simply isn't so.

Commonsense must prevail when handling raw meat. You do this all the time when you prepare a meal for the family. After handling raw meat for your pets, do wash your hands before eating your own food. Sterilize any knives, surfaces or utensils used in the preparation or handling of your pets' food. We recommend using a stainless steel dish, which is washed thoroughly with soap and hot water after every meal.

The results are in and it's obvious that dog's fed a raw diet have much cleaner teeth. The processed or cooked foods eaten by dogs today are high in two substances; soluble carbohydrates and soluble calcium. These two nutrients attack a dog's mouth at every meal. In addition, processed foods do not contain the naturally occurring enzymes found in raw foods so necessary for clean teeth. Through the use of raw bones and a healthy BARF diet, your dog can have a sparkling smile!

We still feed the pups softened puppy kibble, as it is easier at this time for chewing. They are slowly introduced to types of raw meat and veg after 6 weeks, but their main food remains the puppy kibble. This permits the new puppy owner to choose which route they wish to go in feeding their dog. I would suggest you put the pup on a strict BARF diet which should decrease any allergy aggravating stimulants, such as shedding, substantially. If that doesn't work we would discuss a refund.

I must admit I prefer the 'cold turkey' approach of switching rather than a slow switch. Try starting with around 2 to 3% of your dogs bodyweight (more for pups - up to about 10% for them) and adjusting from there. It is not an exact science and every dog is different so be prepared to adjust as you go along. Not getting it quite right is not really a problem as long as you accompany this with observation of your dog so you can watch for changes (losing/gaining weight).

To help you get started, be sure to order a copy of The BARF DIET. This outlines everything you need to know about making a complete and biologically balanced raw food diet for your four pawed friend.

It's best to keep the diet simple at first. This is particularly important for older dogs that have been eating a processed diet for most of their life. Start with 'Dr. Billinghurst's Meat & Bone Mince' only, for the first couple of days. You might wish to add some yogurt or a probiotic supplement. Keep meals small to begin with and don't overfeed. Once the dog is digesting the mince, start adding a small amount of the 'Veggies & Fruit '.

Evolutionary psychology is attempting to elucidate the functional organization of the brain even though researchers currently cannot, with very few exceptions, directly study complex neural circuits. This is like attempting to discover the functions of the lungs, heart, etc., without being able to conduct dissections.

The results are in and it's obvious that dog's fed a raw diet have much cleaner teeth. The processed or cooked foods eaten by dogs today, are high in two substances; soluble carbohydrates and soluble calcium. These two nutrients attack a dog's mouth at every meal. In addition, processed foods do not contain the naturally occurring enzymes found in raw foods so necessary for clean teeth. Through the use of raw bones and a healthy BARF diet, your dog can have a sparkling smile!

It is common to see white crumbly stools from a raw fed dog. However, if the dog seems constipated, try reducing the RMB's and raising the amount of veggies a bit. Real pumpkin will also help reduce constipation (helps loose stools as well).