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Berlin. Barfing is trendy. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of catching up to do when it comes to education about organic, species-appropriate raw feeding. Barfer's Wellfood clears up the biggest misconceptions.
1. Misconception: Barfing leads to nutrient deficiencies
When it comes to minerals or vitamins, it can always happen that a meal is not perfectly balanced. In general, when feeding raw meat, the right balance of all nutrients is important. It is sufficient to feed all the necessary ingredients within a week. For humans, not every meal is perfectly balanced; sweets sometimes end up on the menu instead of fruit. It is also important to know that overdoses – with the exception of iodine – are usually completely unproblematic.
2nd mistake: Barfen is far too expensive
This claim is supported by the numerous components of a balanced BARF meal, because: The basic idea of organic, species-appropriate raw feeding is to recreate the natural prey of dogs and cats in the food. The goal is a diet that corresponds to the organism and instincts of a carnivore. Barfing is all about imitating prey. Specifically, it is made up of muscle meat, fat, offal, raw meaty bones as well as fruits and vegetables. Only oils and minerals are added to a BARF meal because they strengthen the immune system, support vitamin absorption and ensure a healthy metabolism and cell structure. Compared to expensive dry food, feeding raw meat is usually even cheaper because the amount of food required is lower – because the nutrients are used much more effectively. In addition, if the pet is spared from food-related illnesses thanks to the BARF meals, dog owners save themselves visits to the vet.
3. Misconception: Barfing is complicated and dangerous
To make starting BARF as easy as possible, Barfer's supports beginners with complete menus – the first and so far only BARF products that have been certified by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) for their outstanding physiological suitability and ease of use. With the complete menus, pet owners are on the safe side and don't have to worry about making mistakes. Bones, for example, are harmless to dogs when raw and uncooked. However, it can be dangerous if the bones are boiled, cooked or too old as they could splinter. Raw pork should also never be allowed into the food bowl as it can transmit a herpes virus called Aujeszky virus. While the disease is fatal for pets, the virus is harmless to humans. Dog owners who would like to create their own BARF meals are recommended to seek information and advice: from the manufacturer, from specialized nutritionists or from the veterinarian.
4. Misconception: Dogs get worms from raw meat
Dogs and cats usually get worms from mice they catch or through contact with other dogs. However, there are usually no infectious worm stages found in meat and offal. If the meat was frozen, temperatures of minus 18 to minus 26 degrees killed all potential worm stages. Also good to know: Dogs (and cats) fed raw meat have a gastrointestinal environment that usually prevents worm infestation on its own.
5. Misconception: The risk of salmonella increases due to raw meat
The main causes for the proliferation of salmonella are unclean processing and warm storage of the meat, which the Barfer's team can exclude in their own production. In general, the same hygiene standards are required when processing raw meat for animal consumption as in production for human consumption. The risk of salmonella is similarly low to that of human food. And another reassuring fact: Most bacteria are absolutely harmless to a barbed dog, as it is excellently protected by its high hydrochloric acid content in its stomach.
6. Misconception: Barfing makes the dog aggressive
Many new barfers come into contact with raw feeding because their four-legged friend is not feeling well and they want to find out whether a change in food will improve their health. More and more pet owners are not only focusing very intensively on their own nutrition. You also want to know what exactly ends up in your four-legged friend's bowl and where the food comes from.
Anyone who dares to make the switch will, among other things, experience the following typical effects of barfing on their pet: less bad breath and body odor, a shiny coat, less defecation, a more stable immune system, noticeable balance and a healthy temperament. Some people perceive the latter as an aggressive behavior. But this is just the newfound zest for life, which can be attributed to increased activity through energy intake and less sugar.
About Barfer's Wellfood
The Barfer's Wellfood GmbH team is united by their shared belief in species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats. The premium brand has been represented on the pet food market since 2011 and is considered a pioneer of the BARF movement: The young company based in Berlin develops and manufactures all of its products itself. Barfer's consistently pays attention to the quality of the goods and gives preference to regional suppliers. With around 200 products, BARF beginners and professionals will find a complete range – including the complete meals from the BARFER'S COMPLETE series, the first and so far only BARF products to be awarded the DLG by the German Agricultural Society for their outstanding physiological suitability and ease of use. Seal has been certified. In 2018, Barfer's was recognized as one of the most innovative German medium-sized companies in the “Top 100” competition.
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The amount of barfing: The six biggest mistakes provided by HundeNachrichten.