What exactly is the BARF diet for dogs?

The science and health benefits behind the most common raw food diet for dogs..

You might’ve heard of the BARF diet by now, but what exactly is it and how does it help your dog? Contrary to its unfortunate acronym, switching your dog to a BARF diet is actually one of the most common and scientifically-proven ways to help them reach their maximum health.

Here’s everything you need to know before you consider making the switch.

What does BARF stand for?

Biologically appropriate raw foods. The BARF diet is one of the most complete and balanced raw food models for dogs. It largely consists of uncooked raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, supplements and minerals for a protein-dense alternative to commercially processed options.

BARF diets are primarily composed of:

• 70–80% lean, raw muscle meat (think cuts of beef and chicken)
• 10% raw edible bone (never cooked, because bones become brittle and choking hazards)
• 10% organ meat (liver, kidney, or other hormone-secreting organs)
• 5% vegetables, which provide micronutrients (bonus points for puréed greens that support proper digestion

Why is the BARF diet right for dogs?

Mainly, because it’s the most biologically appropriate diet for dogs. Unlike the majority of processed or non-raw diets, the BARF diet is nutritionally proportioned to match their ancestral diet — the kinds of food that generations of canine ancestry ate before they were domesticated.

Because the BARF diet directly answers their biological needs, the benefits associated with raw food often have a significantly more positive impact on your dog’s health. Known benefits include:

Stabilized weight & digestion

Raw diets are protein-rich, with little to no empty carbohydrates and starches that encourage overeating or poor nutrient absorption. The raw meat in BARF diets encourages slower chewing and less vacuum eating, stabilizing your dog’s weight and allowing their digestive system to properly break down and absorb nutrients at a normalized pace.

Strengthened dental health

The low-carb nature of BARF diets helps restore your dog’s oral pH to its resting acidic state — which allows your dog’s mouth to kill bacteria and fend against pathogens as it should. Dogs on BARF diets are shown to have cleaner teeth, less inflamed gums, less tartar and plaque buildup, and better breath.

Cherry on top? Maev’s Raw Food is served frozen, a texture that powers extra dental exfoliation with every bite. It’s not only completely safe and unharmful to dogs, but we find they actually love the crunch.

Lessened allergies

Starches and carbohydrates cause inflammation and exacerbate any unrelieved stress that’s holed up in your dog’s body. Remove them almost entirely from their diet, and your dog’s natural anti-inflammatory responses can get back to work, defending them against dermatitis, skin rashes, hot spots, and other allergic reactions.

Improved anxiety & behavior

Similarly, pent-up inflammation is also oftentimes the root cause of erratic behavior and abnormal anxiety levels in dogs. There’s something bugging them inside, and they’re trying to let you know so you can relieve it. Raw BARF diets address this root cause, stopping inflammation in its tracks before it has a chance to overwhelm your dog in the first place.

Balanced energy levels & stamina

As your dog’s nutrition starts restoring and strengthening key elements of their health, you’ll notice a more youthful, playful, and self-regulating dog.

Maev makes the BARF diet easy.

Though they’re the best source of nutrition for dogs, raw food diets can be a pain to DIY at home. Maev’s Raw Food is formulated by veterinary experts to follow the BARF diet and delivered straight to your door — zero mess, prep, or cleanup involved.

Raw Food - One Time Purchase

The core of every Maev diet. Made with 100% real USDA beef round, beef liver and sweetbreads, kale, peas, blueberries, and pork bone flour. Topped with additional superfoods to target your chosen wellness goal. Flash-frozen and delivered to your doorstep for easy feeding.

15lbs, $149.00