INGREDIENT INDEX – MeBarfly

Build bowls with safe, varied ingredients

Quick guides to common proteins, bones, organs, and a bit of veg/fruit. Use the Tools page to plan portions and check balance [1].

Chicken (meat) Chicken (edible bones) Beef Turkey Lamb Salmon & oily fish Organs Veg & fruit

Chicken (meat)

What it is:

Common, easy to find. Breast is lean; thighs have more fat.

Safe prep:

Handle like raw chicken for people—separate shelf, sealed containers, clean tools [4][5].

Use in recipes:

Great starter protein; remove some skin if your dog needs fewer calories.

Notes:

Balance minerals with bones or measured calcium; check targets with the Tools page [1].

Chicken (edible bones)

What it is:

Wings, necks, carcass pieces from trusted suppliers.

Safe prep:

ONLY raw, right-size bones. Supervise chewing. Never cooked bones.

Use in recipes:

Source of calcium and phosphorus; for gulpers or dental issues, use ground bone or measured calcium instead [10][11].

Notes:

Avoid very hard, weight-bearing bones; watch for cracking teeth or swallowing big pieces [10][11].

Beef

What it is:

Protein-rich; iron and zinc. Fat varies by cut.

Safe prep:

Standard raw handling; clean up after prep [4][5].

Use in recipes:

Choose leaner cuts for weight control. Include organs in small, planned amounts.

Notes:

Don't overdo liver (vitamin A). Check minerals and add fish for EPA/DHA balance.

Turkey

What it is:

Usually lean; a good rotation protein.

Safe prep:

Handle like chicken.

Use in recipes:

Useful for dogs that need a simpler protein; watch skin/fat if cutting calories.

Notes:

Often higher in fat; very palatable.

Lamb

What it is:

Often higher in fat; very palatable.

Safe prep:

Standard raw handling [4][5].

Use in recipes:

Helpful when a dog needs to gain weight or prefers richer meals.

Notes:

Watch calories; balance with lean days.

Salmon & oily fish

What it is:

Great source of omega-3s (EPA/DHA).

Safe prep:

For some wild species, follow EU parasite-control freezing rules (example: −20 °C for at least 24 hours) [14][15].

Use in recipes:

Small frequent portions for omega-3s; or use fish/algal oil as advised.

Notes:

Handle and thaw safely; keep fish smells to a minimum with sealed containers [4][5].

Organs (liver, kidney, spleen)

What it is:

Nutrient-dense parts.

Safe prep:

Fresh, correctly stored.

Use in recipes:

Liver ~5% of total food unless your vet says otherwise; mix other organs for variety.

Notes:

Liver adds vitamin A and copper—too much can be an issue; plan carefully.

Veg & fruit

What it is:

Optional small amounts for fiber and helpful plant compounds.

Safe prep:

Use dog-safe options; chop fine or lightly steam.

Use in recipes:

Leafy greens, pumpkin, blueberries are common choices.

Notes:

Avoid unsafe foods like onions and grapes. Keep plant matter modest.

Safety reminder:

Treat raw dog food like raw chicken at home—separate shelf, sealed containers, clean hands and tools. Keep high-risk people extra safe [4][5].

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