NATURE FIRST · MYTHS & KNOWLEDGE
BARF Myths Fact-Checked
What is really true, what is not, and what you should pay attention to.
Few nutrition topics are surrounded by as much half-knowledge as raw feeding. Many fears circulate about BARF, and most of them fall apart on closer, level-headed inspection. We take the most common myths apart honestly.
In the fact-check
- 7 common myths, honestly examined
- What is true and what is not
- What you should really pay attention to
Myth 1: “Raw bones are dangerous”
The fact: What is dangerous is cooked bones, which can splinter. Raw meaty bones are soft and pliable and are processed well by dogs. The important things are the right choice to suit the dog’s size and the distinction between bones that are eaten as a meal and those that are only chewed. If your dog gulps its food, it helps to feed larger pieces, frozen or minced. Cooked bones never belong in the bowl.
Myth 2: “Raw meat makes the dog sick”
The fact: The dog has a short, strongly acidic digestive tract that copes with germs from raw meat far better than the human one. The bigger issue is kitchen hygiene for people: store meat cold, work cleanly, clean surfaces and hands, and do not refreeze anything that has been thawed. For dogs with a weakened immune system, or in households with immunocompromised people, discuss the feeding with your veterinarian beforehand.
Myth 3: “Every meal has to be completely balanced”
The fact: “Complete and balanced in every meal” is above all a marketing promise. As with people, what counts is balance across several days and weeks, the body stores nutrients and draws on them when needed. That takes the pressure of perfection off the start. Anyone who wants to be completely safe can reach for ready-made fresh menus.
Myth 4: “Dogs need grain”
The fact: Dogs cover their energy needs mainly through fat and protein, not through carbohydrates. In many commercial foods, grain is more of a cheap filler. It is not necessary for a species-appropriate diet, a central idea of raw feeding.
Myth 5: “Dry food cleans the teeth”
The fact: The small kibble pieces crumble while chewing and leave residues, so there is hardly any meaningful cleaning effect. Natural chewing on raw meaty bones, on the other hand, works the jaw mechanically. Of course that does not replace a veterinary dental check.
Myth 6: “BARF is too expensive and too much effort”
The fact: The costs depend heavily on the dog’s size, the source and the varieties, and range from modest to premium. With a little planning, or with ready-portioned fresh menus, the effort is low: prepare once, freeze, thaw portion by portion. “Complicated” quickly turns into routine.
Myth 7: “Raw feeding makes dogs aggressive”
The fact: There is no solid basis for this widespread claim. A dog’s behaviour depends on training, socialisation and how it is kept, not on whether there is raw meat in the bowl.
Still unsure how to start? In our beginner’s guide you will find the relaxed way into raw feeding, and the BARF calculator tells you the right amount for your dog.
Sources & further reading
- Ian Billinghurst: Give Your Dog a Bone.
- Tom Lonsdale: Raw Meaty Bones.
- Carina B. Macdonald: Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace veterinary advice. For health questions or any uncertainty, please consult your veterinarian.
The right gear for every dog day, from the bowl to the favourite spot: our recommendations.