Considering raw feeding for your dog? An honest look at the pros, cons and safety guidelines for the BARF diet — plus how to transition safely.
Disclosure: CanineHub earns commission from qualifying links to insurance, food and pet products. Recommendations stay editorially independent.
Raw feeding — often called the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — is one of the most debated topics in dog nutrition. Advocates swear by shinier coats, smaller stools and better health. Critics warn about bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances and the lack of scientific evidence.
This guide gives you the facts so you can make an informed decision.
A raw diet typically consists of:
The philosophy is that dogs evolved eating raw prey and their digestive systems are designed for raw meat, not processed kibble. Proponents argue that cooking destroys nutrients and that kibble is an unnatural, modern invention.
You buy and prepare raw meals yourself using whole ingredients. This gives maximum control but requires careful planning to ensure nutritional completeness.
Pre-made frozen or freeze-dried raw meals from companies like Nutriment, Natural Instinct, Natures Menu and Paleo Ridge. These are formulated to be nutritionally complete and are the easiest way to start raw feeding.
A more extreme approach that mimics whole prey: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organ. No vegetables, fruits or supplements. This requires the most research and careful sourcing.
Raw feeders commonly report:
It is important to note that most of these claims are anecdotal rather than proven in large-scale scientific studies. However, the anecdotal evidence is extensive and consistent.
Honest assessment of the current evidence:
Raw meat contains bacteria. While dogs are more resistant to these than humans, they can still become ill, and they can shed bacteria in their faeces. This is a genuine risk for:
Hygiene practices (separate chopping boards, disinfecting surfaces, washing hands) significantly reduce but do not eliminate risk.
DIY raw diets are frequently found to be nutritionally incomplete when analysed. Common deficiencies include calcium, zinc, iodine and vitamin D. This is particularly dangerous for growing puppies, where imbalances can cause skeletal deformities.
Commercial raw diets formulated to FEDIAF standards are much more reliable.
Whole bones can splinter, crack teeth, or cause intestinal obstruction or perforation. Ground bone is safer. Never feed cooked bones — these splinter far more dangerously than raw bones.
Raw feeding is typically 2–4 times more expensive than premium kibble, depending on the brand and your dog's size. A 30kg dog can easily cost £80–150 per month on commercial raw food.
If you decide to try raw feeding, follow these guidelines:
Pre-made raw meals from reputable UK brands are nutritionally balanced and remove the guesswork. This is the safest entry point.
Switch over 7–14 days:
Some dogs transition easily; others need longer. Loose stools during transition are normal and should resolve within a few days.
Adult dogs typically eat 2–3% of their body weight per day in raw food. Active dogs and puppies need more. Weigh your dog regularly and adjust portions to maintain ideal body condition.
Raw feeding is not suitable for every household:
Many owners successfully combine raw and kibble:
Despite the common myth, there is no scientific evidence that mixing raw and kibble is harmful. Dogs produce stomach acid strong enough to handle both simultaneously.
Yes, but use a commercially formulated puppy-specific raw diet that meets FEDIAF growth standards. DIY raw for puppies is risky due to the precise calcium and phosphorus ratios needed for healthy skeletal development.
Dogs are significantly more resistant to Salmonella than humans, but they can carry and shed the bacteria. The risk is primarily to human household members, not the dog itself.
Many vets are cautious about raw feeding, primarily due to infection risks and the potential for nutritional imbalances in DIY diets. If you choose to raw feed against veterinary advice, use a reputable commercial brand and schedule regular health check-ups.
Raw feeding can work well for many dogs when done properly. The key is using nutritionally complete formulas (commercial or carefully planned DIY), practising strict hygiene, and monitoring your dog's health. It is not the miracle diet that some advocates claim, nor is it the danger that some critics suggest. It is simply another feeding option that suits some dogs and some households better than others.
Raw dog food can be safe when handled correctly. Use commercially prepared raw meals that meet FEDIAF standards, practise strict hygiene (separate chopping boards, handwashing), and store at correct temperatures. The infection risk to healthy adult dogs is low but higher for puppies, elderly dogs and immunocompromised households.
There is no definitive scientific proof that raw is nutritionally superior to high-quality kibble. Some dogs thrive on raw diets with shinier coats and better digestion, while others do equally well on premium dry food. The best diet depends on your individual dog.
Commercial raw food costs £2–5 per day for a medium dog (15–25 kg), compared to £1–2 for premium kibble. DIY raw feeding can be cheaper if you source in bulk, but requires careful nutritional balancing.
Yes, but puppies have specific nutritional requirements for growth. Use a puppy-formulated commercial raw diet, not adult recipes. Some breeders start puppies on raw from weaning. Consult your vet for guidance.
Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Start by replacing 25% of kibble with raw, increasing every 2–3 days. Some dogs experience mild digestive upset during transition — this usually settles within a week.