After switching Louis to a raw diet and relieving the digestion problems that had been plaguing him since we became family, I was handed a copy of Australian veterinary surgeon Dr. Ian Billighurst’s book, The BARF Diet, Feeding Dogs and Cats Using Evolutionary Principles. This book is considered by many the primer for raw feeding and it covers a broad range of subjects, including the scientific principles upon which the diet is based, the health benefits, supplements and making the switch.

Reading the book gives a lot of solid information for raw skeptics and makes certain to address the haters out there. Raw feeding is one of the most controversial topics today in terms of pet care. I was told by my last veterinarian that I was going to kill my dog and I was a terrible parent. Ouch!

OK, so before I up on my high horse about the quality of care Louis receives, let me attempt to simply address what it about raw that makes this such a sore subject. For today, I am going to focus on just three key points.

Detractors argue that us BARF-ers are putting our pals at risk for parasites bacteria such as Salmonella, e. coli and others and that the feeders are also at risk since we are handling the meat. Food-borne pathogens are the central point of the anti-raw argument.

The anti-raw movement also suggests that it is a fad with unsubstantiated health benefits. I found one website claiming that BARFers “will not tolerate ANY opinion other than their own and are extremely hostile toward anything that challenges their belief system.” Again, OUCH!

Another major risk BARF-ers are taking on are the bones, which might splinter, causing major internal damage in a pet.

OK, so there are risks. I don’t deny it. My feeling regarding the issue of bacteria is that BARF-ers need to use common sense, extreme hygiene and stainless dishes.

Beyond that, we need to consider that the animals we are feeding regularly eat crap off the street and some, even straight out of kitty litter boxes, without much disturbance. A healthy dog is pretty resistant to bacteria. Resistant - not immune. It is extremely important to follow stringent hygiene practice while raw feeding.

Its also important not to let your dog French kiss anyone right after a good raw meal. Brush his teeth, give him a bone, just remember that he just consumed raw meat and use common sense.

It is also important to remember that all food has its risks. I know I am not the only one who has plunked down a lot of cash for a high end meal only to end up sick to my stomach from some bacteria. Food poisoning happens in spite of everyone’s best intentions.

I know that this is a risk I am taking as a BARF-er. I take this risk because I know that my other options, kibble and a home prepared diet aren’t without their own risks (I am reminded of the recent pet food recalls and the fact that e. coli has been found present all over the world in human foods).

Regarding the claim that the health benefits are unsubstantiated, I have to say, my dog is finally healthy. After months of diarrhea and vet bills, it was the raw feeding finally helped my Louis digest happily. His coat is shinier then ever, his teeth clean, his stools solid, his temperament calm. He is clean and smells great. I am not the only one who has experienced this miracle. My fellow BARFing advocates would not be howling the praises of this diet all over the internet with such intensity were there no benefits at all. Those who experience the power raw feeding has feel compelled to share the health their pet’s experience.

Regarding our hostility toward non-BARFers, I know I don’t feel this way and my local community of BARFers are a pretty relaxed group of individuals. Everyone needs to do what is best for them and their dog. We all subscribe to different belief systems and are entitled to our beliefs and opinions. Let’s all work toward finding the best way to promote health in our pets and not alienate each other over what we are feeding.

As far as avoiding bones that splinter - YES! Hello, common sense! Some people have tossed raw bones to their pets that resulted in death or injury from splintering. Most BARF-ers I know use ground bone supplement to avoid this.

Non-BARFers have also encountered this horrible occurrence when they decide to give a raw or cooked bone straight off an animal to their pet.

This is the tip of the iceberg as far as the raw debate goes. I don’t think that the anti-raw movement is wrong. They bring up valid points that should be considered by anyone who might embark on a BARF diet. I just don’t think BARFing is wrong either. I endorse it, its how I feed my dog.

Louis is my heart - I work every day to make his existence as pleasurable and easy as possible. BARFing has helped him and many other dogs. I encourage all pet owners to make their own decisions and do their own research, and if nothing else, considering how evolutionary principles might play into a healthy diet for our pets is an interesting notion for animal lovers.

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