B.A.R.F DIET FOR DOGS

What is B.A.R.F?

The diet dogs evolved to eat

B.A.R.F stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food — a term coined by veterinarian Dr Ian Billinghurst in 1993. The principle is straightforward: feed dogs the diet their biology was designed for. Raw muscle meat, meaty bones, and organ meat. No processing, no fillers, no compromise.

When commercial food is processed at high heat, a reaction occurs that binds amino acids — making them unavailable to your dog. Raw food preserves these nutrients in full, including lysine, the first limiting amino acid for dogs.

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80%

Muscle meat

10%

Raw bone

10%

Organ meat

Leaner, more muscular build

Healthier teeth and fresher breath

Better coat and skin condition

Less odour, smaller stools

Vibrant, calm energy

Better nutrient absorption

The science

Research that backs it up

Dr Ian Billinghurst

Veterinarian and nutritionist who established the B.A.R.F framework and the 80/10/10 ratio in his 1993 book Give Your Dog a Bone. His research remains the foundation of raw feeding practice worldwide.

Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman

University of Helsinki researcher with 20 years studying raw diet outcomes in companion animals. Her six-month study found raw-fed dogs had 10× lower homocysteine — a key inflammation marker — than kibble-fed dogs.

Getting started

How to transition your dog

Fast for half a day

Before the first raw meal, fast your dog for half to a full day. This builds appetite and prepares their digestive system for the change.

Introduce slowly

Replace a little of the old diet at a time. Puppies typically transition in a few days — older dogs benefit from a slower one-to-two week switch. We recommend starting with a lean protein like chicken before introducing richer options.

Monitor and adjust

If loose stools appear, pause and wait until firm before continuing. Every dog transitions at their own pace — there’s no rush.

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Common questions

Is raw feeding suitable for puppies?

Yes — puppies typically transition faster than adult dogs as they tend to have more adaptable digestive systems. Start slowly, monitor their response, and adjust the pace to suit them.

How much should I feed my dog?

As a general guide, adult dogs with a normal activity level need around 2–4% of their body weight per day. Use our feed calculator for a personalised recommendation based on your dog’s weight and life stage.

What protein should I start with?

We recommend starting with a lean, single protein like chicken before introducing richer options or our blended products. This makes it easy to monitor how your dog is responding.

How much does raw feeding cost?

Often less than you’d expect — and often comparable to premium kibble. Use our feed calculator to get an accurate weekly cost based on your dog’s size.

Ready to make the switch?

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