Raw Feeding
A polarising topic that deserves clear-eyed coverage. Here's what the evidence — and our clinical experience — actually says.
BARF
Biologically Appropriate Raw Food
- Raw muscle meat, bone, organ
- Vegetables, fruits, fibrous matter
- Targeted supplements (omega-3, kelp)
- Easier to balance to standard
PMR
Prey Model Raw
- Whole-prey ratios: 80% muscle / 10% bone / 10% organ
- No plant matter
- Variety across protein sources required
- Harder to meet micronutrient targets
Nutritional completeness checklist
- Three protein sources rotated weekly
- Edible bone or bone meal for calcium (10% of diet)
- Liver weekly + secreting organ (kidney, spleen) weekly (5% each)
- Fish or fish-oil for EPA/DHA
- Iodine source (kelp or iodised salt, sparingly)
- Vitamin E (12 IU per kg body weight) if feeding fish
Bacterial risk — the honest picture
Raw meat regularly carries Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and E. coli. Healthy adult dogs typically tolerate this without clinical disease, but they shed pathogens in faeces and saliva — a documented risk to immunocompromised humans, infants, and elderly people in the household.
Mitigations: source from human-grade suppliers, freeze for 3+ weeks before feeding (does not eliminate Salmonella), bleach prep surfaces, separate raw bowls, and never feed raw in households with vulnerable individuals.
Beginner starter ratios
- 80% muscle meat (heart counts as muscle, not organ)
- 10% raw meaty bone (chicken wings, duck necks)
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organ