Happy dog, happy life: The right nutrition for your dog

Berlin. The selection of food for our dogs is huge: from delicious liver pâté to juicy pieces of game and chicken to aromatic beef tripe – the range seems almost unlimited. But with all of these options comes an important question: How can we ensure our dogs get what they truly need to live long, healthy lives?

Just like with us humans, nutrition has a decisive influence on the health and well-being of our dogs. A balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions is essential.

Species-appropriate nutrition for dogs according to the BARF principle
The BARF method is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners who want to offer their four-legged friends a species-appropriate diet. BARF stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” and includes feeding raw, unprocessed foods. A balanced BARF menu should contain around 80 percent meat (with offal) and 20 percent plant-based (including 75% vegetables and 25% fruit) contain.

How do you recognize wholesome food?
Complete dog food should have the following characteristics:

• High quality ingredients: The ingredient list should contain clear, understandable ingredients, preferably animal protein on the first line.
• Free of fillers: Avoid feeds with unnecessary fillers such as corn, soy or artificial additives.
• Nutritional balance: The nutritional composition should meet your dog's needs, including vitamins and minerals.

All attention: What plays a role in nutrition
Our dogs' diet is influenced by various factors. It is important to consider these factors to choose the best feeding strategy for your dog.

• Age and breed: Puppies have different nutritional needs than older dogs. During the growth phase, they need a diet rich in protein and calories to grow healthily. Older dogs, on the other hand, may need a lower-fat diet to avoid becoming overweight and to relieve strain on their joints. Breed also plays a role: certain breeds are more susceptible to specific diseases (e.g. hip dysplasia or allergies). An adapted diet can help prevent health problems or mitigate their effects.
• Hard and easy to digest: The digestibility of the food components is crucial for your dog's health. High-quality proteins, such as those from meat, are easy to digest and contribute to muscle formation and maintenance. Easily digestible carbohydrates, such as rice or potatoes, are important for energy supply. Be sure to avoid difficult-to-digest ingredients such as corn, wheat, raw vegetables, raw grains, or low-quality fatty meats as they can cause stomach problems and indigestion.
• Feed traps: Many dog ​​food brands use hidden sugars, preservatives and unhealthy fats that are hidden in supposedly high-quality foods. Read the ingredient list carefully and pay attention to transparent manufacturers. Find out about the quality of the raw materials used and prefer products that do not contain artificial additives. You should also find out which ingredients are toxic or very harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, onions and garlic, grapes and raisins or avocados.
• Feed supplement: In addition to a balanced diet, food supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics or special vitamins can be useful to support your dog's health. These supplements can help boost the immune system, improve skin and coat health, and aid digestion. Speak to a veterinarian to find the best supplements for your pet and ensure they make sense and meet your dog's specific needs.

What happens if you eat an unbalanced diet?
In the worst case scenario, an unbalanced diet can cause serious health problems. Malnutrition can lead to stunted puppy growth, skin problems, gum disease and a weak immune system. Common symptoms of an unbalanced diet include:

• Weight problems: Obesity can be caused by too many calories and unhealthy fats. It increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and joint diseases.
• Deficiency symptoms: Insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals can lead to deficiency symptoms. This often manifests itself in symptoms such as poor coat, susceptibility to illness or general weakness.
• Digestive problems: An unbalanced diet can also lead to digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation because the dog may not be getting the right balance of fiber.

A balanced, healthy diet is the key to a happy and long life for our four-legged friend. The BARF method offers an excellent opportunity to take dogs' natural needs into account and promote their health. By understanding your dog's needs and providing him with appropriate nutrition, you are making a valuable contribution to his well-being. Remember that choosing the right food is also a question of responsibility – for your dog's health and well-being. Continually educate yourself and don't be afraid to consult a veterinarian or nutritionist if necessary to ensure the best diet for your dog.

About BARFER'S
Founded in 2011, BARFER'S has developed into a leading company in the pet food industry, specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality, organically species-appropriate raw food for dogs and cats. BARFER'S attaches great importance to developing products that meet the needs of animals and therefore pays attention to high quality standards in purchasing and production. The product portfolio includes raw meat products and complete mixes as well as important BARF additives and snacks for dogs and cats. Both the entire process structure and the complete mixes as complete feed are from the German Agricultural Society (DLG) certified.

BARFER'S mission is to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their pets and provide them with happy, healthy lives. The product range is available in our own web shop, in eight retail stores in Berlin, Hamburg, Jena and Potsdam as well as in selected HELLWEG hardware stores in Berlin. For more information about BARFER'S, the products or to contact the team, visit www​.bar​fers​.com.