Complete Guide to Natural Dog Feeding (BARF and Cooked)
🥩 Complete Guide to Natural Feeding for Dogs (BARF and Cooked)
Published at DogStar Club — June 2026
Category: Feeding and nutrition
Introduction
More and more dog owners are wondering whether commercial food (kibble) is really the best option for their pets. Natural feeding — both raw (BARF) and cooked — has gained popularity accompanied by passionate opinions for and against.
But between the marketing of big brands and the fervour of BARF converts, where is the truth?
In this article, we objectively analyse both options, their scientific foundations, their risks and benefits, and how to make the transition safely. No dogmas. With data.
1. What is Natural Feeding for Dogs?
Natural feeding is based on a simple principle: offering the dog fresh, minimally processed foods instead of industrially processed kibble. Within this approach, there are two main currents:
🥩 BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food / Bones And Raw Food)
Created by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s, the BARF diet seeks to imitate what a wild dog (wolf) would eat in nature: raw meat, raw meaty bones, offal and small amounts of vegetables.
Typical composition: 70-80% animal protein (meat, offal, bones), 10-15% vegetables, 5-10% fruits, supplements.
🍗 Cooked Diet (Home-Cooked)
A more conservative alternative that cooks the ingredients (usually steamed, boiled or lightly baked) to eliminate pathogens. It is the preferred option for veterinarians who support natural feeding but are cautious about raw meat.
Typical composition: Similar to BARF, but everything cooked. Proportions vary depending on the approach (high protein or balanced with carbohydrates).
2. Benefits Reported by Owners Who Make the Transition
Before diving into the science, these are the most commonly reported benefits by owners who switch to natural feeding:
✅ Shinier and softer coat — Natural fatty acids are not degraded by industrial processing
✅ Smaller stool volume — Higher digestibility = less waste
✅ Better dental health — Chewing meat and bones mechanically cleans teeth
✅ More energy and vitality — Especially noticeable in older dogs
✅ Easier weight control — You adjust portions according to actual needs
✅ Fewer food allergies — You eliminate grains and additives that are often the allergens
However, these are testimonials, not controlled scientific evidence. Let's see what real science says.
3. What Science Says (and What It DOES NOT Say)
In favour of natural feeding:
- **Higher digestibility:** Several studies confirm that home-made diets (well balanced) have higher digestibility than medium-range dry kibble
- **Lower risk of obesity:** Dry kibble is dense in carbohydrates (30-60% depending on the brand). Natural diets usually have fewer carbohydrates
- **Better hydration:** Kibble has ~10% moisture. Natural food has 65-75%. Dogs on natural feeding get more water from their food
Against (important considerations):
- **Risk of nutritional imbalance:** A University of California study (2013) found that 90% of the home-made diets analysed had at least one significant nutritional imbalance
- **Bacterial risk:** Raw meat can contain Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, which affect both the dog and the humans in the household
- **Bones:** Cooked bones splinter (danger of intestinal perforation). Poorly chosen raw bones can fracture teeth
- **Economic cost:** A balanced natural diet is usually as expensive or more expensive than premium kibble
4. The Safe Transition: Step by Step
If you decide to try natural feeding, do it like this:
Week 1: Research
- Consult a veterinarian specialising in canine nutrition
- Calculate your dog's caloric needs (weight, age, activity level)
- Get a proportion and supplement table
Week 2: Preparation
- Buy fresh ingredients (chicken, turkey, beef, offal, vegetables)
- Get a kitchen scale to weigh portions
- Prepare a weekly batch and freeze in daily portions
Week 3-4: Gradual transition
Do not change suddenly. The dog's digestive system needs to adapt.
- **Days 1-3:** 25% natural + 75% kibble
- **Days 4-7:** 50% natural + 50% kibble
- **Days 8-14:** 75% natural + 25% kibble
- **Day 15 onwards:** 100% natural
Signs that the transition is going well:
- Firm and small stools
- Good appetite
- Normal or increased energy
- Shiny coat
Warning signs (go back to the previous step):
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
5. Portion Table by Weight (Example for BARF)
| Dog weight | Total daily portion | Lean meat | Offal | Raw bone | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 125-150 g | 75-90 g | 15-20 g | 20-25 g | 15 g |
| 10 kg | 200-250 g | 120-150 g | 25-30 g | 35-45 g | 20-25 g |
| 20 kg | 350-400 g | 210-240 g | 40-50 g | 60-70 g | 35-40 g |
| 30 kg | 450-525 g | 270-315 g | 55-65 g | 80-95 g | 45-50 g |
| 40 kg | 550-650 g | 330-390 g | 65-80 g | 100-120 g | 55-60 g |
Note: These are general guidelines. Adjust according to your dog's body condition and activity level.
6. Essential Supplements in Natural Feeding
Even the best balanced natural diet may need supplements:
- **Salmon or krill oil:** Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) for skin, coat, joints and brain. Dose: 100-200 mg of combined EPA+DHA per 10 kg of body weight.
- **Probiotics:** Plain unsweetened yoghurt, kefir or supplement. They aid digestion and the immune system.
- **Dehydrated liver (as a supplement):** Vitamin A, iron, copper. No more than 5% of the total diet.
- **Seaweed (kelp):** Natural iodine for thyroid function.
- **Ground eggshell:** Natural source of calcium (especially important if the diet does not include bone).
7. Forbidden Foods (Always, Without Exception)
Whether BARF or cooked, these foods should NEVER be in your dog's diet:
- ❌ **Chocolate** (toxic theobromine)
- ❌ **Onion and garlic** (destroy red blood cells)
- ❌ **Grapes and raisins** (acute kidney failure)
- ❌ **Xylitol** (sweetener, fulminant liver failure)
- ❌ **Cooked bones** (splinter and perforate the digestive tract)
- ❌ **Avocado** (persin, toxic to dogs)
- ❌ **Macadamia nuts** (weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia)
- ❌ **Alcohol and caffeine** (never)
8. Is Natural Feeding for All Dogs?
No. Some profiles require extra caution:
- **Growing puppies:** Need exact calcium/phosphorus ratios. A mistake can cause bone deformities.
- **Dogs with kidney or liver disease:** The diet must be medically adjusted. Excess protein can be harmful.
- **Immunocompromised dogs:** Raw meat is a real bacterial risk.
- **Homes with young children or elderly people:** The risk of cross-contamination with raw meat is higher.
Conclusion
Natural feeding for dogs is not a passing fad. It has solid foundations and real benefits. But neither is it a panacea, and doing it wrong can be worse than low-quality kibble.
If you decide to explore this path:
- **Get informed** — Read, research, cross-reference sources
- **Consult** — Work with a veterinary nutritionist
- **Transition slowly** — Your dog's body needs to adapt
- **Observe** — Every dog is unique. What works for one may not work for another
- **Don't be afraid to make mistakes** — But correct quickly if something isn't right
The best diet for your dog is not the one that is fashionable. It is the one that keeps them healthy, active and happy. Whether premium kibble, BARF or cooked, what matters is that it is an informed decision.
🐾 This article is part of the DogStar educational series. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet.
🌐 dogstar.club