Catchphrase archive for: Meat and

As already mentioned in "BARF basic rules for dogs", a BARF meal should consist of approx. 70-80% animal components and approx. 20-30% plant components.
In nature, the dog, like its relatives the wolf and the wild dog, would eat the digestive tract of its prey, filled with plant fiber, to meet its need for plant food components.
Dietary fiber helps cleanse the intestines, supports intestinal peristalsis and also supplies important digestive enzymes.

The proportion of vegetables should be approx. 2/3 and the proportion of fruit 1/3. This corresponds to a crude fiber content of approx. 0.4%. Larger amounts have a negative effect on digestibility and also increase the amount of feces.

But which fruits and vegetables are most suitable and which should not be fed under any circumstances?
The following information is designed for feeding healthy dogs. For sick animals, individual varieties or the type of preparation may differ for therapeutic reasons.

Fruits and vegetables can be fed raw grated or lightly steamed and then mashed. There are specialties such as potatoes that should NEVER be fed RAW.

Suitable vegetables:

  • Carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Pumpkin
  • Lamb's lettuce, arugula and other green salads
  • Chinese cabbage (does not bloat and is easily digestible)
  • Parsnips
  • Potatoes (boil!)
  • Sweet potatoes (boil!)
  • Spinach, chard, beet in moderation because of the high content of nitrate and oxalic acid.
  • Celery and fennel in moderation because of the essential oils (1x per week)
  • red bell bell pepper (ALL green parts MUST be removed)
  • very ripe tomatoes

Gemüse- und Obstsorten bei Naturfutter im Angebot:

Nitrate: Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the body and is the precursor of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Oxalic acid: Vegetables containing oxalic acid bind calcium in the body and are therefore not suitable, especially for growing dogs. In addition, it can lead to calcium oxalate stones (bladder/urinary stones).

DO NOT feed:

  • raw beans
  • raw legumes
  • raw potatoes
  • Onion plants (the toxic amount for the dog is 5g per kg body weight).
  • green and yellow peppers
  • unripe tomatoes

Garlic is quite healthy for the dog when fed in small quantities and helps with parasite defense. The toxic amount is, as with onions, 5g per kg body weight! A clove weighs in about 3g!

Suitable fruit varieties:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas, mango, kiwi and other very sweet fruits only in moderation because of the high sugar content

Forbidden fruits:

  • Grapes and raisins are toxic to some dogs. Some tolerate them very well. The exact cause is unclear, possibly sprays are the trigger. Always remove seeds because of the prussic acid content!
  • Elderberries
  • Cape gooseberries
  • Star Fear
  • Quince

If your dog refuses fruits and vegetables, there are 2 tricks you can try:

  • Mix well pureed fruit/vegetables into the meat
  • pour over fish oil, yogurt or broth (not instant broth)

Herbs:

Wild and garden herbs should be a regular part of your dog's diet. They provide important secondary plant compounds and omega 3 fatty acids.

  • Parsley, basil, dill, bordet, chervil, lovage, nettle, dandelion, tarragon, alfalfa, goutweed, yarrow, sorrel, field horsetail, rosemary, peppermint, sage

Medicinal herbs such as devil's claw, St. John's wort, raspberry leaf, comfrey, cat's claw, and many others should only be fed for therapeutic measures.

Just use seasonally the fruits, vegetables and herbs that you also buy for your kitchen and give your dog some of it! Dried Barf fruit or flakes only conditionally replace the vitamin diversity of fresh vegetables and fruits, but are still a good alternative.