NATURE FIRST · NUTRIENTS
Nutrients in BARF
What each component provides and why variety matters so much.
Behind the simple idea of raw feeding lies a well thought out interplay of nutrients. Once you understand what each building block provides, you can put the ration together more safely and see why variety is so important.
The nutrient sources
- Protein and fat provide energy
- Bone provides calcium
- Organs provide vitamins and trace elements
- Oils provide essential fatty acids
The building blocks and what they provide
Muscle meat
High quality animal protein and most of the energy. The base of every ration.
Raw meaty bone
The most important calcium source and the counterpart to the phosphorus from meat. Only ever offer it raw.
Organ meat
Liver provides plenty of vitamin A, other organs provide trace elements. Use sparingly and with variety.
Vegetables & fruit
Pureed as the plant portion, providing fibre and secondary plant compounds.
Oils & supplements
Salmon or linseed oil add omega fatty acids, small amounts fill typical gaps.
Variety fills the gaps
No single type of meat provides everything. That is exactly why variety is the key: different animal species, different cuts of meat and rotating organs ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients over time. Liver is valuable, but because of its high vitamin A content it should only be fed in small amounts.
If you are unsure whether your ration is truly well covered over the long term, a nutrition consultation or your veterinary practice can check it, especially when there are special needs.
Supplements in moderation
Supplements such as oils or algae can be useful to fill typical gaps. More is not automatically better. Use supplements purposefully and discuss any concrete suspicion of over or undersupply with your veterinarian, rather than supplementing on a hunch.
From knowledge to practice
How the components come together and how much your dog needs.
Sources & further reading
- Ian Billinghurst: Give Your Dog a Bone.
- Kymythy Schultze: Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats.
- Tom Lonsdale: Raw Meaty Bones.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace veterinary or clinical nutrition advice. If you suspect a nutrient deficiency or have special needs, please consult your veterinarian.
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