Is a Raw BARF Diet for Dogs the Best Feeding Model?

A raw BARF diet for dogs is a highly beneficial feeding model that combines raw muscle meat, organs, and bone with a small portion of produce, but the best diet is always one that is nutritionally complete, properly balanced, and easy to feed consistently.

While the traditional BARF (“Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or “Bones And Raw Food”) framework offers a popular approach to ancestral canine nutrition, preparing DIY raw meals at home often leads to dangerous nutrient imbalances if mineral ratios are calculated incorrectly.

At We Feed Raw, we take all the messy prep, complex math, and nutritional guesswork out of raw feeding by delivering pre-portioned, PhD animal nutritionist-formulated meals directly to your door. You can take our quiz now to find the perfect species-appropriate meal plan for your dog. 

What Are the Origins and Philosophy of the BARF Diet?

The BARF diet for dogs was popularized in the early 1990s by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst. His philosophy centered on the idea that domestic dogs should eat the diet they evolved to consume: raw, whole, and unprocessed foods.

The fundamental principle of the BARF diet is that a dog is an omnivore-carnivore that benefits from plant matter, aiming to mimic the entire diet of a wild canine, including the contents of the prey's stomach.

The core components of a BARF meal typically include a ratio such as:

• •70% muscle meat (the primary protein source)

• •10% raw edible bone (for calcium and minerals)

• •10% organ meat (with a minimum of 5% liver)

• •10% fruits, vegetables, seeds, or supplements

This inclusion of plant matter (often pureed or lightly steamed vegetables and small amounts of fruit) is the defining feature that sets the BARF diet apart from the prey model.

What Is the Difference Between BARF and Prey Model Raw?

The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet is stricter and simplifies the approach by classifying dogs as pure carnivores:

• •PMR Composition: PMR typically adheres to an 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ (5% liver, 5% other secreting organs) ratio.

• •No Plant Matter: PMR typically excludes fruits, vegetables, grains, and any non-animal-based supplements. Proponents argue that dogs derive everything they need from animal sources, including the trace nutrients in the organs and glands.

Why Does BARF Include Plant Matter?

Proponents of the BARF diet contend that plant matter provides essential phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fiber that cannot be fully replicated by meat alone.

These components support colon health and overall immune function. They also argue that including pureed vegetables makes the diet more nutritionally dense and complex.

What Is We Feed Raw’s Diet Philosophy?

We Feed Raw’s diet philosophy is based on the superior, species-appropriate Prey Model Raw (PMR) approach. We focus on providing dogs with the meat, organs, and bone they are biologically designed to consume.

We Feed Raw’s Frozen Raw Recipes: PMR for All Life Stages

Our foundational philosophy follows the core PMR ratio. Our frozen raw recipes contain approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% finely ground bone, and 10% organ meat.

We use a precise vitamin and mineral mix to ensure this diet is complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, providing peace of mind.

We Feed Raw’s Freeze-Dried Recipes: Hybrid Nutrition for Adults

Our convenient freeze-dried recipes follow a different, hybrid approach. These recipes contain 85% muscle and organ meat and 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables. This blend, along with added vitamins and minerals, is complete and balanced for adult dogs only.

Is We Feed Raw the Best Solution for a Raw BARF Diet for Dogs?

Whether you prefer the simplicity of PMR or the plant-inclusive approach of BARF, We Feed Raw provides the safest, most convenient, and most nutritionally reliable versions of both PMR and BARF diets for dogs. 

We eliminate the hours of sourcing, grinding, and portioning, delivering complete and balanced meals directly to your door.

Convenience Without Compromise

We Feed Raw’s frozen raw recipes are PMR-based, complete for all life stages, and ideal for daily feeding. Our freeze-dried recipes offer hybrid nutrition with added fruits and vegetables, serving as a perfect travel option for adult dogs.

We eliminate the downfalls of DIY so you can provide optimal nutrition without the hassle.

Expertly Formulated Recipes

Our meals are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist and are AAFCO-approved. Every meal we provide is nutritionally complete and balanced for your dog's specific life stage.

Quality and Transparency

We use USDA human-grade meats and are proud of our transparent sourcing practices. Our commitment to using high-pressure processing (HPP) ensures our food is safe and minimizes risks inherent in unvalidated raw diets.

Is a Raw BARF Diet for Dogs Nutritionally Complete if I Prepare It at Home?

A homemade raw BARF diet for dogs is rarely nutritionally complete on its own. While the formula provides the right proportions of muscle, organs, and bone, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables does not guarantee adequate levels of essential micronutrients like Vitamin D, E, zinc, or iodine.

This nutritional imbalance risk is why we recommend commercially prepared, AAFCO-approved diets like the ones offered by We Feed Raw.

How Does We Feed Raw vs BARF Compare on Safety and Recalls?

Our approach to safety is what truly differentiates We Feed Raw vs BARF. DIY BARF diets rely on the consumer for safety and have no verified kill step.

We ensure safety by using high-pressure processing (HPP) on all our raw recipes. This cold-water process inactivates pathogens and eliminates the microbial risk inherent in handling raw meat, which is why we maintain a clean safety record.

Is We Feed Raw the Right Choice for Your Dog?

The choice between the raw BARF diet for dogs and the prey model ultimately comes down to nutritional priorities and convenience

We Feed Raw provides the highest standard of safety and completeness regardless of your preference. We give you the confidence of feeding a biologically appropriate, high-quality, and guaranteed safe diet.

Ready to provide your dog with safe, optimal raw nutrition? Take our quiz now to get started.