The trend of keeping your dog healthy is gaining popularity in our country and abroad. Food is also an important issue that owners must ensure they eat nutritious food for good health. Feeding fresh food like BARF is becoming more popular among dog owners. Many dog owners may have heard about BARF feeding but may not know much about it. Let's get to know the BARF feeding method.
BARF diet BALF stands for "Bones and Raw Food." It refers to food that contains ingredients from meat, internal organs, and animal bones, as well as eggs and dairy products, vegetables, and fruits that have not been heated. It can be prepared at home or purchased at the market. The purpose of BALF feeding is believed to mimic the natural diet of animals and help animals to have strong bodies, not be at risk of obesity, and have a long life. It can avoid various chemical additives in food that can have a negative effect on animals.
There are limitations to feeding BALF to dogs. The cook should have knowledge of nutrition and proper nutrient proportions for dogs of different ages, such as the appropriate amounts and proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and minerals for each breed and age. He should also study the risks of food contamination from various bacteria, as well as how to care for and manage these problems. Many types of bacteria found in BALF can be transmitted to other dogs and their owners, including Salmonella, E. coli, Campyrobacter, and various parasites that can cause illness in owners, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or, in cases where the owner is not in good health, death.
Although BARF feeding is becoming popular among dog lovers, research comparing BALF diets given to animals with commercial diets has found that the benefits of both diets are similar. However, BALF diets pose more risks and dangers to pets. Therefore, BALF diets can be given to animals, but they should be given with proper care and control regarding quality, nutrition, and hygiene by the cook. The quality of the ingredients used in preparing the food should be regularly checked, as well as any contamination from chemicals and pathogens, to reduce health risks to both animals and their owners.
Initially, feeding a BARF diet can be done in small amounts and observing the dog's behavior. If the dog eats well, gradually increase the amount. However, it is important that the owner does not allow the dog to eat whatever it wants and should take the dog to see a veterinarian regularly for regular health checks.
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References
Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat (Dr. Sun), veterinarian at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Internal Medicine, Talingchan Animal Hospital
THE 10th VPAT REGIONAL VETERINARY CONGRESS 2017, BARF is biologically appropriate raw food, not bone and raw food, Asst. Prof. Dr. Saikaew Satyatham, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
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