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

The journey into raw feeding often introduces pet owners to two primary philosophies: the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet and the BARF diet for dogs. The term BARF, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (or sometimes "Bones And Raw Food"), has become a widely used synonym for raw feeding itself.

However, the specific components of a raw BARF diet for dogs are quite distinct from other methods and are crucial to understand when choosing the best food for your pup.

This comprehensive guide explains the origins, principles, and proportions of the BARF diet. We will clarify the key differences between the BARF philosophy and We Feed Raw’s approach, helping you decide which method truly aligns with your dog’s biological needs.

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.

Core Components of the BARF Philosophy

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.

BARF vs. Prey Model: The Key Difference in Composition

While both the raw BARF diet for dogs and the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet are grounded in feeding raw meat, they follow conflicting philosophies regarding the necessary presence of plant matter. Understanding this distinction is vital.

The Prey Model Raw (PMR) Philosophy

The 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 BARF Includes 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.

We Feed Raw’s Diet Philosophy: Science-Backed PMR

Our 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 do not include the high percentage of carbohydrates or fillers found in many commercial BARF blends.

Our 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.

Our 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.

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 provide the safest, most convenient, and most nutritionally reliable alternative to a homemade raw diet. 

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

Convenience Without Compromise

Our 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.

Final Verdict: We Feed Raw Is 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 provide 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the fundamental difference between a BARF diet for dogs and the Prey Model?

The fundamental difference lies in the inclusion of plant matter. A BARF diet for dogs follows an omnivore philosophy, typically recommending the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and supplements alongside meat, bone, and organs.

The prey model, which guides our frozen recipes, excludes plant matter, focusing solely on animal ingredients to meet a dog's nutritional needs.

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.

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.