Clear, no-jargon definitions you can read in seconds. Click the letters to jump around. Sources are linked where helpful.
How to use
• Click a letter to jump. • Terms link to guides (Start Here, What is BARF?, Supplements, Tools) for more detail. • Source markers like [1] open the Research Library.
Plant-free source of omega-3s (EPA/DHA) made from algae. Handy when fish isn't practical; dose like fish oil and start low. See Supplements → Omega-3s.[20][21] See also: EPA/DHA; Supplements → Omega-3s.
AMR (antimicrobial resistance)
When germs stop responding to antibiotics. Some studies find resistant bacteria in raw pet foods—use strong hygiene.[6][8] See also: Hygiene; Cross-contamination; Research Library.
B
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
Raw meat, edible bone, organs, and sometimes veg/fruit. A framework—you still need to hit nutrient targets.[1][2] See also: What is BARF?; Recipe Calculator.
BCS (Body Condition Score)
A simple 1–9 (or 1–5) scale for "too thin → just right → overweight." Helps set portions. See also: Portion Calculator.
Bone meal
A powdered calcium/phosphorus source. Use measured amounts only; never use cooked bones.[1][10][11] See also: Edible bone; Ca:P.
C
Ca:P (Calcium-to-Phosphorus ratio)
A key balance for bones/teeth and growth. Common target ~1.2–1.4:1 with correct totals, especially for puppies.[1] See also: Puppies in Start Here; Recipe Calculator.
Cross-contamination
When raw juices/microbes touch hands, surfaces, or other food. Prevent with separate tools, sealed storage, and clean-as-you-go.[4][5] See also: Safety & hygiene.
E
Edible bone
Raw, right-size bones meant to be eaten (e.g., chicken wings/necks). Supervise; avoid very hard, weight-bearing bones.[10][11] See also: Ingredient Index → Chicken bones.
EPA/DHA
The main omega-3s used in dogs; come from fish or algae. Used for skin, joints, and general wellness—dose ranges are typical, start low.[18][19][20][21] See also: Algal oil; Supplements → Omega-3s.
ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase)
A resistance mechanism some bacteria have against antibiotics. Reinforces why hygiene matters with raw foods.[6][8]
F
FEDIAF
European pet food federation. Publishes nutrient guidelines we use as a benchmark for balance.[1] See also: Recipe Calculator; What is BARF?
Fish freezing (parasite control)
EU rules for certain wild fish species to control parasites (time/temperature).[14][15] See also: Ingredient Index → Salmon.
G
GLM (Green-lipped mussel)
A shellfish extract sometimes used for joint support. Study results vary; product quality and dose matter.[24][25][26] See also: Supplements → GLM.
Ground bone
Finely ground raw bone, used for calcium/phosphorus when chewing whole pieces isn't safe. Measure amounts carefully.[1]
H
HACCP
A systematic food-safety method (identify hazards, control points). Many raw suppliers follow HACCP-style controls.
Hygiene
Clean storage, prep, and serving to reduce pathogen risk at home.[4][5] See also: Safety.
I
Iodine
Needed for thyroid function—too little or too much can be a problem. Avoid stacking sources (food + kelp + multi).[16][22][23] See also: Kelp/seaweed in Supplements.
K
kcal (kilocalorie)
Energy unit for food. Portion planning uses kcal/day based on your dog's size, age, and activity. See also: Portion Calculator.
Kelp/seaweed
An iodine source—only tiny, measured amounts are needed. Avoid doubling up with other iodine sources.[16][22][23]
L
Life stages
Puppy, adult, senior—each has different needs. Puppies (especially large breeds) need careful Ca:P and total amounts.[1] See also: Start Here → Puppies; What is BARF? → Life stages.
M
MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement)
Estimated calories needed each day to maintain weight; adjusted by activity and body condition. See also: Portion Calculator.
O
Offal / Organ meats
Nutrient-dense parts (e.g., liver, kidney, spleen). Liver is often ~5% of the total recipe unless your vet says otherwise. See also: Ingredient Index → Organs; Recipe Calculator.
Omega-3
Umbrella term for fats including EPA/DHA. Dogs mainly benefit from EPA/DHA (fish or algae).[18][19] See also: EPA/DHA; Supplements → Omega-3s.
P
Parasite control (fish)
Freezing rules for certain wild fish species to reduce parasite risk.[14][15] See also: Ingredient Index → Salmon.
Portion
The daily amount of food (kcal and grams) tailored to your dog's needs and goal (maintain/lose/gain). See also: Portion Calculator.
Probiotic / Prebiotic
Probiotics are live microbes; prebiotics feed them. Some dogs show better stool quality with dog-specific products. See also: Supplements → Probiotics.
R
Raw meaty bones (RMB)
Another name for edible bones. Choose right-size pieces; supervise. Avoid cooked and very hard, weight-bearing bones.[10][11]
RER (Resting Energy Requirement)
Baseline calories for rest. MER builds on this number based on lifestyle. See also: Portion Calculator.
RMBD (Raw Meat-Based Diet)
Term used in research for raw diets. Often discussed with hygiene and pathogen studies.[2][6] See also: Hygiene & Pathogens in Research Library.
T
Transition
The 7–10 day shift from old food to new: 25% → 50% → 75% → 100%. Go slower for sensitive stomachs. See also: What is BARF? → Transition.
