Sally Perea 
Dog Raw Diet Calculator (BARF Diet)
Dog Raw Diet (BARF) Calculator
Calculate the perfect biologically appropriate raw food diet for your dog
What is the BARF Diet?
The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet mimics what dogs' ancestors ate in the wild, providing balanced nutrition through raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables.
What Is the BARF Diet?
The BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is based on the idea that modern dogs still share 99% of their DNA with wolves — meaning their bodies are naturally designed to digest raw foods, not heavily processed kibble.
"Dogs are natural carnivores with digestive systems optimized for raw meat, bones, and organs — not the grains and fillers found in many commercial pet foods."
A typical BARF meal includes:
| Component | Percentage of Meal | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Meat | 70% | Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey |
| Raw Bones | 10% | Chicken necks, wings, or beef ribs |
| Organs | 10% | Liver, heart, kidney |
| Vegetables & Fruits | 10% | Carrots, spinach, apples, pumpkin |
Balanced right, this diet provides your dog with high-quality protein, essential fats, enzymes, and vitamins — all in their most natural form.
Why Choose the BARF Diet?
Feeding raw isn't just a trend — it's a shift toward natural canine nutrition with proven benefits.
Dogs on a raw diet often look and act younger — it's like turning back the clock naturally! ⏳🐾
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Of course, no diet is perfect. Let's stay balanced and consider the challenges:
Raw feeding takes a bit of effort, but the results are worth it — especially with proper guidance and planning.
BARF vs. Kibble – A Quick Comparison
- Fresh, natural, enzyme-rich ingredients
- Easier, species-appropriate digestion
- Requires refrigeration/freezing
- Higher upfront cost
- Fully customizable to dog's needs
- Minimal processing
- Processed and heat-treated ingredients
- Often leads to bloating or allergies
- Long shelf life, convenient storage
- Usually more affordable
- Fixed formula with limited customization
- Highly processed with preservatives
The Science Behind Raw Feeding
Research shows that dogs' digestive systems are optimized for raw foods. Their stomach acidity (pH 1-2) is significantly stronger than humans (pH 4-5), allowing them to safely handle bacteria in raw meat that would make us sick.
Common Myths About Raw Feeding
Fact: Dogs' stomach acid is 10x stronger than ours — they're biologically designed to handle raw meat safely.
Fact: With proper guidance and tools, creating balanced raw meals is straightforward and effective.
Fact: Dogs may be domesticated, but their digestive systems remain virtually identical to wolves.
Fact: No scientific evidence links diet to aggression. Temperament is influenced by genetics, training, and environment.
Tips for a Safe and Balanced Raw Diet
Important Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about the BARF diet based on established principles of raw feeding. Individual dogs may have different nutritional requirements depending on their breed, health status, and activity level.
Always consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes for your pet. This information is educational and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
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