Quick answer: The BARF diet is raw feeding built around muscle meat, raw bone, and organs, with a small amount of vegetables, seeds, and fruit. Most adult dogs eat 2 to 3% of their body weight a day. Raw BARF contains bone, so it must never be cooked. Switch slowly over 7 to 10 days, handle it like raw meat, and rotate proteins over time for variety.
Raw feeding has a loyal following in the Philippines, and for good reason. Many fur-parents like knowing exactly what's in the bowl. But raw done carelessly can upset a tummy or miss key nutrients. This guide covers what BARF is, what goes in the bowl, and how to start safely.
What does BARF stand for?
BARF usually stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Bones and Raw Food." The idea is simple: feed dogs something close to what a wild canine would eat, using fresh, raw ingredients instead of processed kibble.
What goes into a BARF bowl
A BARF meal mixes several parts. Here's how most of our Raw BARF Mix recipes are built:
| Part | Share of the recipe | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | About 45% | Protein and energy |
| Organ meat, such as heart | About 25% | Protein, plus nutrients muscle meat lacks |
| Ground raw bone | About 10% (6% in quail recipes) | Natural calcium and phosphorus |
| Liver | About 5% | Vitamin A, copper, and B vitamins |
| Other organs | About 5% | Extra minerals and vitamins |
| Vegetables, seeds, fruit | About 10% | Fiber and plant nutrients |
Because the bone is already in the mix, you don't need to add a calcium supplement.
Is BARF complete and balanced?
No. Our BARF mixes support rotation and variety. They are not standalone complete diets. To build a well-rounded bowl over time:
- Rotate proteins every few weeks.
- Add toppers like sardines and mackerel for omega-3s.
- Ask your vet for a long-term plan, especially for puppies. Puppies under 12 months shouldn't stay on incomplete foods long-term without a vet's guidance.
The never-cook rule
Raw BARF contains ground bone. Never cook it. Cooked bone turns hard and is difficult to digest. That includes boiling, steaming, frying, and microwaving.
If you want BARF-style variety but prefer cooked food, choose our bone-free Gently Cooked BARF Mix instead. It uses eggshell for calcium, not bone.
How much raw food to feed
| Dog | Daily amount |
|---|---|
| Adult dog | 2 to 3% of body weight |
| Puppy | 4 to 8% of body weight, split into 3 to 4 meals |
For example, a 10kg adult dog eats about 200 to 300g a day. Active dogs may need more. Less active or overweight dogs may need less. Weigh your dog every 2 weeks and adjust.
Raw feeding safety: the basics
- Thaw in the fridge, never on the counter.
- Use within 48 hours once thawed.
- Pick up the bowl after 30 minutes.
- Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after every meal.
- Keep raw away from human food on separate boards and shelves.
Raw feeding isn't recommended for dogs with weak immune systems or serious health conditions. Talk to your vet first. Take extra care if young children, elderly family members, or anyone with a weak immune system lives at home.
How to start BARF: a 7 to 10 day switch
| Days | Old food | Raw BARF |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | 75% | 25% |
| 4 to 6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7 to 9 | 25% | 75% |
| 10 | 0% | 100% |
Some raw feeders prefer to feed kibble and raw at separate meals during the switch. Either way, go slower if the stool gets loose. A little softer stool in the first week is normal. Vomiting, blood, or diarrhea that lasts more than a day needs a vet.
Is BARF right for an elimination diet?
Not during the trial itself. A BARF mix has more than one protein, plus vegetables and seeds. For an elimination diet, use one novel protein only for 6 to 12 weeks. Once you know your dog's YES proteins, BARF mixes that match them are great for rotation.
BARF picks at Wholesome Rabbit
Raw BARF Mix (500g) — Muscle, organs, ground bone, liver, and a little vegetable, seed, and fruit. Recipes: Rabbit Mix, Rabbit + Beef, Chicken + Pork, Chicken + Beef, Duck + Pork, Duck + Beef, Quail + Pork, and Quail + Beef. Supports rotation and variety, not a standalone complete diet. Raw only. Never cook. Shop Raw BARF Mix
Raw Single Proteins (500g) — One protein, ground with bone. Use these for an elimination diet before moving to mixes. Shop Raw Single Proteins
Gently Cooked BARF Mix — The bone-free, cooked option. Comes as ready-to-serve meatballs, with eggshell for calcium. Supports rotation and variety, not a standalone complete diet. Shop Gently Cooked BARF Mix
Wild-caught Sardines & Mackerel — An omega-3 topper to round out the bowl. Shop Sardines & Mackerel
Delivery: Same-day delivery across Metro Manila and Greater Manila via Lalamove for orders placed before 3 PM, Monday to Saturday. Provincial orders ship via Victory Liner Drop & Go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BARF diet for dogs?
BARF is a raw feeding style built on muscle meat, raw bone, and organs, plus a small share of vegetables, seeds, and fruit. It aims to feed dogs closer to how wild canines eat.
What is the right BARF ratio?
Most of our Raw BARF Mix recipes use about 45% muscle meat, 25% organ meat, 10% ground bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs, and 10% vegetables, seeds, and fruit. Quail recipes use about 6% bone.
Can I cook BARF food?
No. Raw BARF contains bone, so it must stay raw. If you want cooked food, use a bone-free gently cooked option.
Can puppies eat a BARF diet?
Puppies can eat raw, usually 4 to 8% of body weight a day across 3 to 4 meals. Growing puppies have strict calcium needs, so work out a long-term plan with your vet.
Do I need to add calcium to BARF?
No. Our Raw BARF Mix already contains ground bone, which supplies calcium. Adding more can throw off the balance.
Is raw feeding safe in a hot climate?
Yes, with good handling. Keep raw frozen until you need it, thaw in the fridge, and pick up the bowl after 30 minutes. Philippine heat makes these steps even more important.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before starting raw feeding, especially for puppies or dogs with health conditions.
Sources
- Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Jackson HA. "Adverse Reactions to Food." In: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed., Chapter 31. Mark Morris Institute.
- Raw BARF Mix, Wholesome Rabbit
- Gently Cooked BARF Mix, Wholesome Rabbit
