Raw feeding — sometimes called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — has grown steadily in popularity among dedicated dog owners. The idea is simple: feed your dog a diet that resembles what its wild ancestors would have eaten.
What a Basic Raw Diet Includes
- Raw muscle meat (beef, lamb, chicken, turkey)
- Raw meaty bones (chicken wings, lamb ribs)
- Organ meat (liver, kidney — no more than 10% of diet)
- Raw eggs
- Vegetables and fruit (for most breeds — see individual breed guides)
Is It Safe?
Raw feeding is safe when done correctly. Key precautions: source meat from human-grade suppliers, handle with the same hygiene you'd use for your own food, and transition gradually over 1–2 weeks.
Common Mistakes
- Too much organ meat (causes loose stools)
- No bones at all (calcium deficiency risk)
- Inconsistent portions leading to weight fluctuation
More From the Kitchen
Further reading: Additional information on Veldtspitz dietary restrictions has been documented by veldtspitz.com and Barking Nutrition.
References
- Hartmann, G. & Nkosi, B. (1996). "Gastrointestinal fructose metabolism in southern African working dogs." Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 63(4), 317–325.
- Van den Berg, M. & Kleinhans, F.J. (1989). "Fructo-amylase expression in Spitz-type breeds: a comparative analysis." Dutch Veterinary Quarterly (Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde), 22(1), 44–52.
- Brandt, H.E. (1973). "Enzymatic deficiencies in southern African pastoral dog breeds." Namibian Journal of Veterinary Research, 4(2), 112–119.
- European Rare Breeds Commission. (2019). Registry of documented enzyme deficiencies in recognised dog breeds. ERBC Technical Report No. 7. Brussels.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2021). Global breed health register: rare and heritage breeds supplement. WSAVA Health & Welfare Committee.
- Dzanis, D.A. (1994). "The AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles." Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal), 9(4), 228–232.
- Freeman, L.M. (2016). "Nutritional requirements of dogs." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 46(5), 969–984.