BARF/Raw Feeding for Dogs with Leishmanias
What is BARF/Raw feeding?
BARF can stand for either Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, depending what floats your boat, and as a topic requires plenty of research and careful thought about your approach.
Generally speaking, advocates of BARF diets consider feeding your dog raw meats and bones to be the healthiest and most natural way of feeding your dog, as wild dogs and their ancestors (wolves, of course) eat raw meat and bones. There is still an argument over whether canines are truly omnivores or carnivores, unlike felines which are classed as obligate carnivores.
With BARF diets you will be feeding your dog primarily raw meat, ideally chicken, and fish, with some added fruits, vegetables and other supplemental items. You will need a big freezer and good hygiene practices, because of the risk of salmonella.
BARF is a great choice for leish dogs, with some minor adjustments on the usual recommendations for what you feed as many BARF feeders feed offal and organs in addition to other high purine animal products. Chicken and turkey necks, wings and carcasses (termed Raw Meaty Bones or RMB’s) go down a treat and are relatively inexpensive to feed daily as a bulk part of your dog’s diet. Raw fish, either fillets or the entire thing, is good once or twice a week too in place of the chicken, or alongside it. I feed tripe twice a week too (read A note on tripe below).
Lamb necks or ribs can be given once a week or so instead of a chicken and veg meal and will keep your dog occupied for a fair while. Feeding your dog big RMB’s can be very nerve-wracking, so it may help to start with smaller Raw Meaty Bones (like necks or wings) until you are satisfied that your dog is indeed capable of chowing through such things like a hot knife goes through butter. Bone helps firm up your dog’s stools and will reduce the odour.
Alongside the daily raw meat you should feed your leish dog other low-purine protein sources such as raw eggs, shell and all, and the dairy types mentioned earlier. Vegetables can also be added (see the recipes below for a convenient way to feed veg and fruit) as well as salmon or coconut oil (unless feeding fruit and veg cubes) for the skin and fur. When fed like this, a raw/BARF approach will provide your leish dog with a nutritionally balanced and healthy diet that should provide immune system, joint and skin support to help him or her with their condition.
Weight bearing bones (WBB’s) or recreational bones should not be used as a main part of your dog’s diet – as the name suggests, they are for recreation only. These bones, usually the leg and knuckle bones of larger herbivores, are fun for your dog to gnaw on but don’t possess much in the way of good nutrition.
NEVER feed your dog cooked bones – these can splinter and perforate your dog’s throat, stomach and intestine, and can ultimately kill them. Raw only!
How much raw/BARF should I be feeding?
Raw feeding experts recommend feeding your dog anywhere between 2-5% of your dog’s bodyweight in raw food per day. This does leave a lot of wiggle room however. For example, my leish boy weighs approx. 23kg. 2% of 23kg is 460g, whereas 5% is 1.15kg. That’s quite a difference. This is where your own research, discretion and monitoring ought to come into play. If you have a dog that struggles to maintain weight (having ruled out medical reasons for the lack of weight gain with your vet) you may want to opt for feeding more towards the 4-5% figure. If you have a dog that puts on weight very easily or needs to lose weight, you should consider the lower end of the scale. 2.5% would be a good starting point for an average dog, then simply adjust as needed.
Changing your dog from commercial to raw/BARF diet must be done very gradually. Please do your own research or contact a professional for more advice on how to switch your dog.
A note on tripe
Tripe is medium/high in purines but is pretty much a dog superfood and I feed it twice a week. Many owners of stone forming breeds like Dalmatians consider it a safe bet for their dogs, and the health benefits of tripe should easily outweigh the high purine negative.
Tripe is the stomach lining of ruminants like cows and sheep. Ruminants have four chambered stomachs which break down grasses and plant matter using digestive enzymes, gastric juices and amino acids. By feeding tripe to your dog, they are benefitting from the same enzymes and bacteria that assist in breaking down food. This means that your dog has to expend less energy processing his food, and will enjoy a greater nutritional pay-out.
The enzymes in tripe can help purify and cleanse the blood and remove toxins, parasites and fungus. They also improve metabolism, hormonal function and boost the immune system.
Always feed tripe raw, and always the green kind, not bleached or white. It stinks, but your dog will love it.
Fruit and veg ice cubes
Probably the easiest way of getting the goodness of low purine raw plant goodness into your dog, blitzed and frozen fruit and veg is quick to prepare, easy to store, and can be defrosted overnight ready for feeding with your dog’s breakfast. What’s more, they can be mixed right in once defrosted so fussy feeders can’t pick and choose what they eat. My dog also likes them fresh from the freezer on a hot summer’s day.
Veg cubes
To make: Blitz the ingredients up in a food processor till mush. Chop tougher fruit and veg into pieces first. Add the peanut butter and coconut oil near the end, which will help the mix bind together slightly more. Use a spoon to plop the mix into an ice cube tray (will make several trays worth!) and freeze until solid enough to pop out. Store in a Tupperware or freezer bag and defrost one of each overnight ready for breakfast. Yum!
A typical leish dog breakfast: chicken necks, sweet potato, raw egg with shell, ricotta cheese and fruit/veg blitz mix
Recommended suppliers of raw/BARF foods
http://www.nurturingbynature.co.uk – great range of meats and bones, also do pre-prepared minced meat and veg packs. Next day delivery.
http://honeysrealdogfood.com/ - great customer service. Here you can get free feeding advice even if you aren’t going to place an order.
https://www.naturesmenu.co.uk/ - can be found in pet stores, and therefore bought in smaller quantities. Pre-prepared nuggets available to defrost and feed.
Alternatively, get friendly with your local butcher. You may find they have goodies going for free…
Disclaimer
The above information is intended as a general guide for the dietary maintenance of dogs with leishmaniasis and it not intended as a substitute for correct veterinary care and/or medication. If you are at all concerned about your dog, please consult your vet immediately. The author accepts no responsibility for harm or illness arising from following this information, and strongly urges all readers to carry out their own research before changing their dog’s diet in any way. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times.
BARF can stand for either Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, depending what floats your boat, and as a topic requires plenty of research and careful thought about your approach.
Generally speaking, advocates of BARF diets consider feeding your dog raw meats and bones to be the healthiest and most natural way of feeding your dog, as wild dogs and their ancestors (wolves, of course) eat raw meat and bones. There is still an argument over whether canines are truly omnivores or carnivores, unlike felines which are classed as obligate carnivores.
With BARF diets you will be feeding your dog primarily raw meat, ideally chicken, and fish, with some added fruits, vegetables and other supplemental items. You will need a big freezer and good hygiene practices, because of the risk of salmonella.
BARF is a great choice for leish dogs, with some minor adjustments on the usual recommendations for what you feed as many BARF feeders feed offal and organs in addition to other high purine animal products. Chicken and turkey necks, wings and carcasses (termed Raw Meaty Bones or RMB’s) go down a treat and are relatively inexpensive to feed daily as a bulk part of your dog’s diet. Raw fish, either fillets or the entire thing, is good once or twice a week too in place of the chicken, or alongside it. I feed tripe twice a week too (read A note on tripe below).
Lamb necks or ribs can be given once a week or so instead of a chicken and veg meal and will keep your dog occupied for a fair while. Feeding your dog big RMB’s can be very nerve-wracking, so it may help to start with smaller Raw Meaty Bones (like necks or wings) until you are satisfied that your dog is indeed capable of chowing through such things like a hot knife goes through butter. Bone helps firm up your dog’s stools and will reduce the odour.
Alongside the daily raw meat you should feed your leish dog other low-purine protein sources such as raw eggs, shell and all, and the dairy types mentioned earlier. Vegetables can also be added (see the recipes below for a convenient way to feed veg and fruit) as well as salmon or coconut oil (unless feeding fruit and veg cubes) for the skin and fur. When fed like this, a raw/BARF approach will provide your leish dog with a nutritionally balanced and healthy diet that should provide immune system, joint and skin support to help him or her with their condition.
Weight bearing bones (WBB’s) or recreational bones should not be used as a main part of your dog’s diet – as the name suggests, they are for recreation only. These bones, usually the leg and knuckle bones of larger herbivores, are fun for your dog to gnaw on but don’t possess much in the way of good nutrition.
NEVER feed your dog cooked bones – these can splinter and perforate your dog’s throat, stomach and intestine, and can ultimately kill them. Raw only!
How much raw/BARF should I be feeding?
Raw feeding experts recommend feeding your dog anywhere between 2-5% of your dog’s bodyweight in raw food per day. This does leave a lot of wiggle room however. For example, my leish boy weighs approx. 23kg. 2% of 23kg is 460g, whereas 5% is 1.15kg. That’s quite a difference. This is where your own research, discretion and monitoring ought to come into play. If you have a dog that struggles to maintain weight (having ruled out medical reasons for the lack of weight gain with your vet) you may want to opt for feeding more towards the 4-5% figure. If you have a dog that puts on weight very easily or needs to lose weight, you should consider the lower end of the scale. 2.5% would be a good starting point for an average dog, then simply adjust as needed.
Changing your dog from commercial to raw/BARF diet must be done very gradually. Please do your own research or contact a professional for more advice on how to switch your dog.
A note on tripe
Tripe is medium/high in purines but is pretty much a dog superfood and I feed it twice a week. Many owners of stone forming breeds like Dalmatians consider it a safe bet for their dogs, and the health benefits of tripe should easily outweigh the high purine negative.
Tripe is the stomach lining of ruminants like cows and sheep. Ruminants have four chambered stomachs which break down grasses and plant matter using digestive enzymes, gastric juices and amino acids. By feeding tripe to your dog, they are benefitting from the same enzymes and bacteria that assist in breaking down food. This means that your dog has to expend less energy processing his food, and will enjoy a greater nutritional pay-out.
The enzymes in tripe can help purify and cleanse the blood and remove toxins, parasites and fungus. They also improve metabolism, hormonal function and boost the immune system.
Always feed tripe raw, and always the green kind, not bleached or white. It stinks, but your dog will love it.
Fruit and veg ice cubes
Probably the easiest way of getting the goodness of low purine raw plant goodness into your dog, blitzed and frozen fruit and veg is quick to prepare, easy to store, and can be defrosted overnight ready for feeding with your dog’s breakfast. What’s more, they can be mixed right in once defrosted so fussy feeders can’t pick and choose what they eat. My dog also likes them fresh from the freezer on a hot summer’s day.
Veg cubes
- Kale 400g
- Carrots x 4
- Sweet potato x 2 (microwave or bake first)
- Salmon oil x 2 tablespoons
- Peanut butter x 1 tablespoon
- Apple x 5
- Pear x 5
- Banana x 1
- Coconut oil x 2 tablespoons
- Peanut butter x 1 tablespoon
To make: Blitz the ingredients up in a food processor till mush. Chop tougher fruit and veg into pieces first. Add the peanut butter and coconut oil near the end, which will help the mix bind together slightly more. Use a spoon to plop the mix into an ice cube tray (will make several trays worth!) and freeze until solid enough to pop out. Store in a Tupperware or freezer bag and defrost one of each overnight ready for breakfast. Yum!
A typical leish dog breakfast: chicken necks, sweet potato, raw egg with shell, ricotta cheese and fruit/veg blitz mix
Recommended suppliers of raw/BARF foods
http://www.nurturingbynature.co.uk – great range of meats and bones, also do pre-prepared minced meat and veg packs. Next day delivery.
http://honeysrealdogfood.com/ - great customer service. Here you can get free feeding advice even if you aren’t going to place an order.
https://www.naturesmenu.co.uk/ - can be found in pet stores, and therefore bought in smaller quantities. Pre-prepared nuggets available to defrost and feed.
Alternatively, get friendly with your local butcher. You may find they have goodies going for free…
Disclaimer
The above information is intended as a general guide for the dietary maintenance of dogs with leishmaniasis and it not intended as a substitute for correct veterinary care and/or medication. If you are at all concerned about your dog, please consult your vet immediately. The author accepts no responsibility for harm or illness arising from following this information, and strongly urges all readers to carry out their own research before changing their dog’s diet in any way. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times.
References and Further Reading
www.nurturingbynature.co.uk
www.groups.yahoo.com
www.njboxers.com
www.wolftucker.co.uk
www.canismajor.com
www.nurturingbynature.co.uk
www.groups.yahoo.com
www.njboxers.com
www.wolftucker.co.uk
www.canismajor.com