Barf Diet or Wet Food: Which is Healthier for Dogs?

A growing trend in dog food is barfing. Is feeding fresh meat better than the conventional wet food you buy in stores? Here’s what you need to know.

Nutrition is a sensitive subject for people who have literally been on the dog. Barfen can be used to feed his four-legged companion. How does the fresh meat feeding compare with commercial wet foods?

Barfen: advantages and disadvantages
Barfing is the practice of feeding only fresh, unprocessed meat, and raw fruits and vegetables, preferably pureed.
The debate over whether barfing for dogs is healthier than wet food has been raging since the early 1900s.

Barf supporters believe that dogs absorb vitamins and minerals better in raw meat, vegetables, and other foods than they can in cooked food. Fresh meat is free of flavor enhancers and other preservatives that can be harmful. Barfing is based on the credo: the purer the food, the better.

Owners of dogs can better control the food their dog consumes. The health of a dog’s teeth, and its coat is said to benefit from barf. The food rations are also individually tailored to each dog.

Not everyone is as positive about this feeding method. Barfen is blamed by critics for gastrointestinal complaints and other deficiencies symptoms. Barfen also costs more and requires more effort compared to the other diets. Dog owners should therefore be very attentive to the subject and consult with a veterinarian before Barfen.

What about wet dog food?

Wet Food: Advantages and Disadvantages

Wet food is high in protein, similar to barfing. It is also high in liquid, as its name suggests. It can be a benefit, especially for dogs who drink little water, but can also cause diarrhea in some dogs.

Wet food is softer than raw meat, which can be tough. This is especially beneficial for dogs with small teeth.

Wet food has a disadvantage in that it is heated, compared to barf. The vitamins are lost and artificially added back. Some owners also complain that wet food makes their dogs smell more.

Which is healthier: Barfing food or wet foods?

This question is not easily answered. Barfing and wet foods both have advantages and disadvantages. It is best to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination of your dog and then discuss what the vet would recommend.

If you decide to feed your dog barf, ask your vet for a breakdown of the nutrients he needs, in what dose, and ensure he receives them at every meal.