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Healthier dogs through smart raw feeding

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References on each page

We show where every claim comes from. Look for the small [#] links—tap them to jump straight to our Research Library and check the source yourself.
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EU/UK safety guidance

Our hygiene and handling tips follow official EU/UK advice so raw feeding stays safe at home. Simple steps, big peace of mind. [4][5]
Portion Calculator

Balanced, friendly language

We explain the good and the gotchas—plus easy fixes. No scare tactics. Just clear steps and nutrient checks to keep meals on track. [1][2]
Recipe Calculator

Why consider switching to BARF?

Possible upsides (what many owners notice)

  • Great taste: picky eaters often get excited at mealtime.
  • Clear ingredients: you choose the proteins and parts.
  • Lean, strong bodies: higher protein can help with body condition when portions are right.
  • Skin and coats: some dogs show shinier coats after a few weeks (anecdotal but common).

Be honest about risks (and easy fixes)

Germs in raw food: reduce risk with clean prep, storage, and separate tools [4][5].
Imbalance: home recipes can miss key minerals—use simple checks against FEDIAF targets [1][2].
Bones: avoid cooked bones and very hard, weight-bearing bones; supervise or use ground bone/measured calcium instead [10][11].
Public-health angle: raw-fed dogs can shed more bacteria; be extra careful if kids, elderly, or immunocompromised people live at home [4][5][6][7][8].

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Learn the basics

We show where every claim comes from. Look for the small [#] links—tap them to jump straight to our Research Library and check the source yourself. Read the basic guide.

Set portions

Portion calculator will tell you how much food you should give your dog based on your pets age and level of activity. Always monitor your dogs weight to fine adjust.

Check balance

Meat, bone, liver, other organs, suppliments... Make sure key nutrients are in range; adjust ingredients or add only what's needed. Start simple, change slowly.

Getting started this week?

Transition plan (7–10 days):

Days 1–2: 25% new, 75% old • Days 3–4: 50/50 • Days 5–6: 75/25 • Days 7–10: 100% new.

Go slower for sensitive stomachs.

Begin with one protein (e.g., chicken) plus the right organ and bone.
If stools go soft, step back one step and keep meals simple.
Raw fish: for some species, use EU parasite-control freezing rules (e.g., −20 °C for at least 24 h) [14][15].

Safety & hygiene at home (non-negotiable)

• Treat raw dog food like raw chicken for people: separate shelf, sealed containers, quick cleanup [4][5].
• Wash hands, bowls, boards, and counters after each meal [4][5].
• Serve only edible, right-size raw bones; never cooked bones; supervise chewing [10][11].
• Ask someone else to handle raw food if high-risk people live at home [4][5].

Popular ingredients to start with

Chicken (meat)

Breast is lean; thighs have more fat—rotate as needed.

Turkey

Usually lean; good for rotation and simpler meals.

Chicken
(edible bones)

Wings, necks, carcass pieces from trusted suppliers; size matters; supervise [10][11].

Lamb

Higher fat; tasty for dogs that need to gain weight.

Beef

Rich in protein, iron, and zinc; choose leaner cuts for weight control.

Salmon & oily fish

Great for omega-3s (EPA/DHA); follow freezing guidance for certain wild fish [14][15].
Tip: use fish/algal oil when a simple omega-3 top-up is easier to manage.

PRO-TIP (from Doc MeBarfly)

Before you switch, ask your vet for a basic blood screen (and note any past issues). If anything looks off—like low/high thyroid markers, iron, or kidney flags—you and your vet can choose the right supplements and protein plan from day one. It's the easiest way to give your new diet the best possible start.

Who should be extra careful?

Homes with toddlers, elderly family, or anyone immunocompromised

follow hygiene steps closely or consider alternatives [4][5].

Puppies (especially large breeds):

calcium and phosphorus must be carefully managed (Ca:P around ~1.2–1.4:1 with correct totals) [1].

Dogs with medical issues

make changes with your vet; simple plans beat complicated ones.

Great places to start (quick links)

Transition to BARF (7–10 days)
Safety and hygiene at home
Puppy feeding basics

Friendly nudge

Read "What is BARF?"
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