Changes

B.A.R.F. stands for ‘bones and raw food’ and denotes a feeding regimen based on the dietary habits of the wolf and feral cats with the aim to mimic the composition of natural prey as much as possible. All components are fed raw. Cereals are not considered a classical component of B.A.R.F. rations as they are found only in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract of prey and, like other starch-based feed materials, are only digestible after cooking. Main components are raw meat, offal and bones supplemented with oils, fats, fruits and vegetables. Although this allows the pet owner to provide a varied diet adapted to the pet’s preference, care has to be taken in several aspects such as nutritional imbalance and hygiene for both pet and owner when handling raw meat<ref name="Nilsson">Nilsson, O. (2015) '''Hygiene quality and presence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in raw food diets for dogs'''. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 5:28758.</ref>.  

B.A.R.F. stands for ‘bones and raw food’ and denotes a feeding regimen based on the dietary habits of the wolf and feral cats with the aim to mimic the composition of natural prey as much as possible. All components are fed raw. Cereals are not considered a classical component of B.A.R.F. rations as they are found only in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract of prey and, like other starch-based feed materials, are only digestible after cooking. Main components are raw meat, offal and bones supplemented with oils, fats, fruits and vegetables. Although this allows the pet owner to provide a varied diet adapted to the pet’s preference, care has to be taken in several aspects such as nutritional imbalance and hygiene for both pet and owner when handling raw meat<ref name="Nilsson">Nilsson, O. (2015) '''Hygiene quality and presence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in raw food diets for dogs'''. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 5:28758.</ref>.  

[[File:Types of Pet Food Figure 3 - Nutrition Page.png|thumb|left|600px|Figure 3: B.A.R.F.]]

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!align="left" width="40%"|• Risk of infections for pet and owner!<br>• Time intensive preparation<br>• Intake of thyroid hormones due to thyroid gland residues attached to esophagus

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!align="left" width="40%"|• Detailed knowledge about nutrient requirements and composition needed<br>• Digestive upset due to use of inappropriate materials or preparation.  

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!align="left" width="20%"|Feeding of larger meat or bone pieces

!align="left" width="40%"|• Occupation<br>• Mastication<br>• Teeth cleaning effect

!align="left" width="40%"|• Teeth fracture<br>• Injuries such as GI perforation or obstruction due to bone or bone fragments.<br>• Constipation

!align="left" width="40%"|• Owner in control of type and origin of materials.

!align="left" width="40%"|• Dietary imbalances especially calcium, copper, zinc and vitamins that can lead to serious implications on health and wellbeing<br>• Various organisations e.g. WSAVA, FDA and AVMA do not support feeding due to concerns on nutritional inadequacy, health and food safety