by Jim Osborn

Created on: September 02, 2007   Last Updated: November 05, 2007

No! It does not sound overly appetizing does it? But actually this clever acronym means "Biological Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food" This ground breaking but still controversial canine diet comes to us from down under, developed by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst.

The basic idea and concern which led to the inception of the BARF diet is the fact that we have so completely domesticated our canines and have completely forgotten that their nutritional needs are drastically different from our own. Before processed pet foods were common fare our dogs were routinely fed cooked table scraps and leftovers.

It is Billinghurst's philosophy that a biologically appropriate diet for dogs must consist of raw whole foods much like what our canines' wild relatives have consumed for millenia. This includes muscle and organ meats, raw bones, fats, and small quantities of raw vegetables, along with necessary supplements.

Supporters of the BARF diet claim that to maintain optimum health, dogs must consume foods that they are evolutionarily suited to eat, and that commercially prepared dog foods lack the proper enzymes and other vital dietary necessities.

Another one of the BARF supporters criticisms of commercially prepared dog foods is that they contain numerous additives, unhealthy preservatives, and a high percentage of grain products, all of which may affect your dogs proper digestion and are unhealthy for your canine.

The resent pet food scare also has pet owners wondering just how closely the commercial pet food industries are regulated? Many pet owners are questioning the safety of the types of foods they have been feeding to their pets for years.

Some of the major criticisms of BARF are the very real risk of contamination if proper cautions are not taken due to the lack of preservatives especially where poultry is concerned.

And also the costs associated with the BARF diet are substantially higher then commercially processed pet foods, and this can be a big consideration for breeders and kennel owners alike who have to prepare meals for multiple canines.

The BARF diet claims to be designed with the unique nutritional needs of your domesticated canine in mind. The fillers, chemicals, coloring, grains, and preservatives have been eliminated from your canines diet and only ingredients that promote healthy assimilation of proper sustenance are added.

The controversy rages on and everyone seems to have their own opinion on the subject. I suggest consulting your regular veterinarian and doing research of your own before making a leap of faith and jumping into a new nutritional program , you must be careful these days where your canines health is concerned.

The BARF diet is growing in popularity but has not yet to become a recognized household brand name like PURINA DOG CHOW or KIBBLES N BITS and not everybody agrees with Billinghurst's way of thinking as well, especially the dog food companies that stand to loose millions if the BARF diet becomes the standard for breeders, kennels, hunters, and millions of dog owners around the globe.

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