Advantages and disadvantages of the Barf diet in dogs

Abstract

Introduction: apparently, the trend of feeding dogs’ raw food began in 1990, when an Australian veterinarian published a book describing the benefits of this type of diet for dogs. The term "BARF" is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food and is now known worldwide. Although there are other theories and concepts that are much less known about the so-called "correct raw diet" such as the Prey Model or the Ultimate Diet, in general, the term BARF is the one used to designate raw food-based diets. The approach of BARF diets is based on adapting the predator-prey model to domestic dogs through a diet that consists mainly of raw meat along with a large proportion of "fleshy bones" and organ meats. Also included in this diet is a small proportion of fruits, vegetables, nuts, plants, oils, eggs, and dairy. Cereals are generally not recommended, although other carbohydrate sources such as potatoes and legumes are sometimes used. Although "artificial ingredients" (such as vitamin or mineral supplements) are excluded, there are a variety of supplements on the market especially aimed at animals on a BARF diet. The most important reason an owner chooses a BARF diet for their pet is wanting to follow "a more natural and healthy diet." The owner of an animal with a chronic disease (skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders or an allergy) may also expect improvement with this type of diet. Commercial foods are sometimes criticized, as their detractors believe that they contain "residues and chemicals" or that they are responsible for various diseases. These opinions create insecurity in the owner, and therefore, the search for other options that he considers "healthier". Objective: To identify the importance of the advantages and disadvantages of the Barf diet in dogs. Methodology: The research was a literature review. The search, selection and compilation in the PubMed, SciELO and Redalyc databases was carried out by means of keywords present and connectors in each of the databases, it began with a general search of several cases and clinical studies on the Barf Diet in dogs. Results: first, it should be clarified that there is no scientific study on the long-term effect of raw feeding. Therefore, its advantages and disadvantages can only be deduced from knowledge of food science and the physiology of nutrition.    Conclusions: it is necessary to have some knowledge of nutrition to ensure that the dog obtains a complete and balanced food, so it is important that this type of diet is prepared and guided by the Veterinary Medical professional. General area of study: Veterinary Medicine. Specific area of study: Veterinary Medicine. Type of study:  literature review article.