I am interested in feeding the BARF diet, what do I do first?

Let me start by saying I don’t like the acronym BARF (which stands for Bones And Raw Food) I think it is an unpleasant term so I don’t use it. I prefer the term raw diet so that’s how I will refer to this method of feeding from here.

I recommend you start by reading a few books, they are available at the Leerburg web site bookstore. All the books sold about health and nutrition are good but beginners will especially benefit from Natural Nutrition for Dogs & Cats by Kymythy Schultze and Raw Dog Food by Carina Beth McDonald. We give both of these books to our German Shepherd and Malinois puppy customers and rarely get questions about feeding a raw diet.

The internet is also a very good resource, with lots of Yahoo raw feeding and dog nutrition lists.It’s a great way to read about other people’s experiences, problems and successes with a raw diet. Be aware that there are also many ANTI-raw folks out there, so be prepared to wade through the controversy and make up your own mind.

We have a great deal of information on the Leerburg Discussion Forum. There are many posts on feeding raw foods, tips and questions from beginners and experienced raw feeders. You can register and post your own questions or just read through the existing information. Be prepared to spend some time reading, there’s lots of material to sift through! You can also find health, training and health related topics discussed here.

Some people switch right away, but most take an average of weeks or months to take the plunge. Stay within your comfort zone, and do what you feel is best. It’s your dog and your decision! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad or wrong for taking your own sweet time.