BARF DIET™
Getting down to ingredient specifics ...
BONES
For millions of years, dogs have cleaned up the remains of other animal's
bodies. Mostly bones. That ability remains. All modern dogs easily and joyfully
tackle bones. A dog's whole system is designed for and in fact needs bones to
function properly. Bones are living tissue composed of living cells. Because
bones are living tissue, just like any other part of the body, they are a
complex source of a wide variety of nutrients. Bones contain minerals which are
embedded in protein. They also contain fat. If the bone is from chicken or pork,
then that fat will be very high in the essential fatty acids. Along with the fat
are fat soluble vitamins. The central parts of most bones contains marrow which
is a highly nutritious mix of blood forming elements, including iron. Raw bones
also provide natural antioxidant/anti-ageing factors including enzymes.
"It is not hard to pick the dogs that eat bones. They look
and act healthy.
The acid test however, is to look in their mouth and smell their breath. I do
this daily as part of
a routine examination of all the dogs that enter my practice..."
Bones are nature's storehouse of minerals for your dog. If meat is added to bone, then methionine and most of the B vitamins are supplied. Puppies and adult dogs fed bone rarely if ever suffer from indigestion or diarrhea. They produce smallish quantities of solid minimally offensive stools. It is highly probable that bones play a similar role to fiber, that is, a role of bulking out the food, thereby removing toxins and promoting general bowel health. Bone eating dogs are long lived healthy dogs. They seem to be particularly free of the degenerative diseases of old age.
MEAT
Many people assume that a dog's natural diet is a meat only diet.
Unfortunately this is untrue as a meat only diet is highly unnatural and
unbalanced. Meat should form only a part of the over-all diet, which should
include bone, fruits and vegetables as well. For example, the muscle meat eaten
by wild dogs forms a small part of the diet that consists of a wide variety of
other foods, including bone.
What nutrients are in meat?
Meat supplies protein
That is its major role in nutrition. It also supplies varying amounts of fat,
water, and some vitamins and minerals. Because it supplies fat and protein, it
also supplies energy. Meat is first class protein. That is, it contains all the
essential amino acids necessary for dogs of all ages, including growing dogs,
pregnant dogs, female dogs feeding puppies and of course not-doing-so-much-dogs.
Meat supplies energy
There are no carbohydrates in meat. That is no starch or sugar or fiber. As the
fat content rises, the percentage of water drops and so does the protein. As the
fat content of the meat rises so does the energy it can supply to your dog. The
fat in different types of meat varies in the levels of essential fatty acids
present. Chicken and pork have the highest levels while lamb and beef are both
low. Lamb usually contains more essential fatty acids than beef, but only
because it has more fat.
Meat supplies some minerals
Raw meat is low in sodium and high in potassium. That is good news for dogs with
heart problems. The meat with the lowest sodium is beef, with pork also being
fairly low. The meat with the highest potassium is pork, with chicken having the
lowest potassium levels. This makes pork a good all round meat for heart
patients. Beef, lamb, chicken and pork meat are all very low in calcium and
moderately low in magnesium. This means they are great foods for dogs prone to
bladder stones. However, this lack of minerals requires bone material in your
dog's diet. Beef and lamb meat are relatively well endowed with zinc, making
them good foods for dogs with a deficiency of zinc. Chicken has low zinc levels
with pork containing more than chicken but not as much as lamb and beef. Of the
meats, beef is the best source of iron.
OFFAL
In the wild, dogs eat the stomach content and organ meat from the animals they
prey upon. In fact, internal organs form a vital part of the wild dog's diet.
Modern dogs have similar requirements. Dogs consuming these foods as part of a
sensible diet have superior health to dogs that do not eat them. Although organ
meats are valuable dog food, they are not required in huge amounts. They are a
concentrated source of many essential nutrients and are particularly valuable
during times of growth, reproduction and stress as a source of concentrated
nutrients.
Liver
In this one product is a vast range of important nutrition. Liver is the most
concentrated source of vitamin A and should be fed in small amounts on a regular
basis. It also contains vitamins E, D, and K in substantial quantities. Liver is
an excellent source of the minerals zinc, manganese, selenium and iron. It also
contains all the B vitamins, particularly B2, B3, B5, biotin, folacin, B12,
choline, and inositol. It contains B1 in adequate or smaller amounts and is a
good source of vitamin C. Liver provides a source of good quality protein and
the essential fatty acids, both the omega-3 and omega-6 type. It's a fantastic
food for your dog!
Kidneys
Not unlike liver, kidney supplies good quality protein, essential fatty acids
and many vitamins including all the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Kidneys
are a rich source of iron and all the B vitamins. They also have good levels of
zinc.
Heart
Like liver and kidneys, heart as dog food is an excellent source of protein, B
vitamins and iron. They do contain some essential fatty acids and a little
vitamin A. Heart contains appreciable levels of taurine which is important
food... for the heart!
Unbleached Green Tripe
Green tripe is the edible lining and accompanying content of a cow or other
ruminant's first or second division of the stomach. Paunch tripe comes from the
large first stomach division and honeycomb tripe comes from the second division.
Both wild canids and domestic dogs benefit from eating tripe as it contains a
very diverse profile of living nutrients including enzymes, omega- 3 and 6 fatty
acids, probiotics, and phytonutrients. It has long been quoted as being "the
finest of natural foods".
VEGETABLES
Dogs have actually eaten vegetables the whole period of their evolution, and
that's a long time! As such, vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables
should form part of the domestic dog's diet. Dogs need vegetables because they
contain many important health promoting nutrients. The fiber your dog obtains
from raw vegetables includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. Vegetables supply
many other nutrients. Many of those nutrients are the ones that have been found
to be in short supply in the modern dog's "civilized" diet. This includes
difficult to obtain omega 3 essential fatty acids, most of a dog's vitamin
needs, masses of enzymes and various anti-aging factors, including antioxidants
and phytochemicals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most nutrient dense foods. It is dense in vitamin C, beta
carotene, folic acid, calcium and fiber. It is also a good source of chromium.
Like other members of the cabbage family, broccoli has demonstrated remarkable
anticancer effects. Broccoli contains several important phytochemicals: beta
carotene, indoles, and isothiocyanates and over thirty-three cancer preventative
compounds. Research suggests that phytochemicals prevent carcinogens from
forming, stop carcinogens from getting to target cells and boost enzymes that
detoxify carcinogens.
Spinach
Spinach contains twice as much iron as most other greens. Like other chlorophyll
and carotene -containing vegetables, it is a rich source of antioxidants.
Besides beta-carotene, it also supplies two other carotenes, lutein and
zeaxanthin. Spinach has long had a reputation of being very high in nutrients.
It is a good source of fiber, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, B6 and K.
Celery
Celery is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, as well as
vitamins A, B, C. The phytochemical 3-n-butyl phthalide, one of the components
that gives celery its characteristic smell and taste, is especially potent as an
anti-tumor agent. Along with the compound sedanolide, an aromatic ingredient
also found in celery, 3-n-butyl phthalide significantly reduces the incidence of
tumors in laboratory animals. It is said to decrease nervousness, and is used as
an acid neutralizer.
Bok
Choy
A cruciferous vegetable like cabbage, bok choy is an excellent source of Beta
carotene, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and calcium. It contains significant
amounts of nitrogen compounds known as indoles, as well as fiber - both of which
appear to lower the risk of various forms of cancer. Bok choy is also a good
source of folate (folic acid).
Carrot
The carrot is the king of the vegetables. It is the richest source of
pro-vitamin A carotenes among commonly consumed vegetables. But unlike vitamin
A, beta carotene and other carotenes in carrots do not cause toxicity. Beta
carotene is also a powerful antioxidant. Carrots also contain vitamins B, C, D,
E, K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron.
Carrots have repeatedly shown to nourish the optic nerve and significantly
improve eyesight.
Capsicum
This is an excellent source of many essential nutrients. By weight, red peppers
have three times as much vitamin C as citrus fruit. Moreover, red peppers are
quite a good source of beta carotene, and they offer a good amount of fiber and
vitamin B6. Because capsicum stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow, it
is considered food for the circulatory system and as a digestive aid. Red
peppers are one of few foods that contain lycopene, a phytochemical that may
help prevent various forms of cancer.
FRUIT
Yes, dogs can and do eat fruit. Wild dogs - domestic dogs, they all do it!
Remember dogs are omnivores. They can eat almost anything. Fruits are mostly
water. After that, the major nutrient in fruit is soluble carbohydrate. That is
simple sugars. Energy foods. Fruit contains lots of fiber. It also contains
vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. Because fruit is a whole food, it also
contains minerals, small amounts of protein and small amounts of fat. Two
nutrients present in most raw fruits, vitamin A as carotene and vitamin C, make
fruit a valuable food for your dog. The enzymes present in raw fruit, also make
it important as part of your dog's diet, particularly if your dog is past middle
age and showing the beginnings of degenerative disease.
Is
it essential that dogs eat fruit?
No. All of the nutrients present in fruit can be obtained from other sources.
However, by adding fruit to the diet, we ensure a wide variety of foods. This
gives the greatest chance of providing a balanced diet with plenty of longevity
and immune system promoting nutrients. Any fruit can be fed to dogs, however
tropical fruits are a particularly valuable food as they contain lots of
antioxidants. Scientists have discovered that the enzymes and antioxidants
present in fruit, many of which have not yet been identified, keep the skin and
indeed the whole body free of degeneration and old age diseases.
Whole Apple
Unpeeled apples are especially high in non-pro-vitamin A carotenes and pectin.
Pectin is a remarkable type of fiber that has been shown to exert a number of
beneficial effects. Due to its gel forming fiber, it can improve the intestinal
muscle's ability to push waste through the gastrointestinal tract. Pectin also
binds to and eliminates toxins in the gut. Apples are also rich in beta carotene
and vitamin C as well as several B complex vitamins including vitamin B6, folic
acid and lots of potassium.
Whole Pear
Pears are an excellent source of water-soluble fiber, including pectin, which
makes them useful in toning the intestines. Fresh pears contain potassium which
is necessary for maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission,
and carbohydrate metabolism. Pears also contain Vitamin C. An important
antioxidant, Vitamin C is essential for helping prevent free radical damage.
Whole Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a good source of flavonoids, water soluble fibers, potassium,
vitamin C, and folic acid. Grapefruit, like other citrus fruits has been shown
to exert some anticancer effects in both human and animal studies. Grapefruit
pectin has been shown to possess similar cholesterol lowering action to other
fruit pectins. The whole fruit contains more pectin than the juice. Recently,
grapefruit has been shown to normalize hematocrit levels. The word hematocrit
refers to the percentage of red blood cells per volume of blood. Low hematocrit
levels usually reflect anemia. High hematocrit levels may reflect severe
dehydration or an increased number of red blood cells. Grapefruit seeds are well
known as an anti-fungal agent in that their consumption kills many different
types of parasites and assists the body in producing beneficial bacteria. A
biologically active natural ingredient found in the seeds kills strep, staph,
salmonella, e.coli, candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, fungi and traveler's
diarrhea, and is used as an antibiotic, anti fungal, antiprotozoan and
antiviral.
Whole Orange
Everyone knows that oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, but they have
more to offer nutritionally than just this nutrient. One orange contains
generous levels of folate (folic acid), potassium, and thiamin, as well as some
calcium and magnesium. Equally important to the nutritional value of oranges is
their supply of flavonoids, making oranges a valuable aid in strengthening the
immune system, supporting connective tissues, and promoting overall good health.
Oranges have been shown to protect against cancer, and fight viral infections.
WHOLE EGG
Eggs are absolutely brilliant nutrition for your dog. Eggs are a whole food, and
often regarded as having the perfect protein. It is the one against which all
other proteins are measured. Eggs contain a full compliment of minerals,
including excellent levels of calcium (mostly in the yolk), all the vitamins
except vitamin C and a range of high quality saturated and unsaturated fatty
acids, the nutrient lecithin and the whole range of enzymes and other longevity
factors always present in raw foods. The shell is included as a further source
of calcium. Egg yolks are an essential food for a dog with skin problems. They
contain sulphur containing amino acids, biotin, vitamin A, essential fatty acids
and zinc.
FLAX SEED
Flaxseed has been used for more than 10,000 years. The oil of the seed is a rich
source of Essential Fatty Acids. Essential Fats, or Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
are essential nutrients that the body can't produce itself. The only way to
obtain these nutrients is through diet. EFAs are polyunsaturated fats, which are
considered "good" fats. EFAs contribute to the healthy functioning of cell
membranes, and are also critical for the synthesis of eicosanoids, a family of
hormone-like substances that help in cell maintenance on a minute-to-minute
basis. Just like other essential vitamins and minerals, EFAs are necessary for
good health.
Flaxseed contains bioactive compounds called lignans, which have been proven to prevent cancer. Once consumed, lignans found in flaxseed are converted by bacterial action in the colon to mammalian lignans. They are then circulated through the intestinal tract and liver where their action is potentiated. In the body, mammalian lignans have estrogen-like and anti-estrogen effects. Scientists believe the effects of lignans on estrogen metabolism, in addition to their antioxidant properties, may explain why diets rich in lignans have a lower incidence of cancer. Evidence suggests that lignans may also be antioxidants, although the strength of their antioxidant activity is not yet clear. Other studies indicate flax lignans reduce cholesterol and prevent diabetes in animals. So far, scientists have isolated at least three flaxseed components with potential health benefits. The first is fiber, valuable for intestinal health. The benefits of the other two substances, alpha-linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) and lignans, suggests that these components may be helpful in prevention of heart disease and perhaps in treatment of chronic kidney disease.
GARLIC
Garlic is nature's antibiotic. There is no doubt that garlic does confer some
health advantages. Garlic has been found to have effective antimicrobial
properties, inhibiting the growth of both bacteria and fungi. Garlic helps
stabilize blood pressure and gives a good solid boost to the immune system,
keeping at bay infections of various sorts particularly upper respiratory tract
infections. Much of it's success is due to various compounds of sulphur. Garlic
is a health building and disease preventing herb. It is rich in potassium, zinc,
vitamins A and C, and selenium. It also contains calcium, manganese, copper,
vitamin B1 and some iron.
KELP
Kelp contains over 60 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids and simple and
complex carbohydrates, which promotes glandular health, especially the
pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. Kelp supplies a natural source of iodine
and acts as an antibiotic to kill germs.
ALFALFA
Alfalfa helps the body assimilate protein, calcium and other nutrients. This
herb is a body cleanser, infection fighter and natural deodorizer. It is the
richest land source of trace minerals and contains vitamins A, C, E, K, B and D.
Alfalfa also contains bioflavonoids, and eight digestive enzymes to promote
proper assimilation of foods.
KEFIR
The history of kefir is centuries old. The word "kefir" is said to have
originated from the word "keif" which means" good feeling". Kefir is like
yogurt, but with a greater variety of cultures and significant health benefits.
Unlike yogurt, which typically contains only two or three different bacteria,
true kefir contains a greater range of different microorganisms, each with its
own unique contribution. This is what separates kefir from all other cultured
milk products. Kefir is made by fermentation of "kefir" grains, which resemble
minute cauliflowers. The grains consist of casein and colonies of microorganisms
that are grown together symbiotically. Kefir can only be made from pre-existing
grains.
The cultured kefir added to Dr. Billinghurst's BARF DIET™ processes antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, helping to eliminate destructive pathogenic yeast and internal parasites. The cultured kefir in Dr. Billinghurst's BARF DIET™ also contains a unique extract of colostrum. All mammals produce colostrum, sometimes called "first milk" or "foremilk". Research has shown that concentrated forms of colostrum are able to block the effects of harmful pathogens and aid in the maintenance of a healthy intestinal tract. Colostrum also contains other nonspecific immune factors including lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, which help control pathogens or harmful bacteria. These natural immune components can recognize and resist multiple species of common bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Klebsiella, Enterococci, Pseudomonas, Clostridium Difficile, and Cryptosporidium.
Kefir is considered to be one of the richest sources of enzymes. It plays a vital role in the development of a healthy digestive tract and helps improve the immune system. Kefir contains minerals and essential amino acids, an abundance of calcium and magnesium. Rich in vitamin B1, B12, calcium, amino acids, folic acid and vitamin K, it is an excellent source of biotin which aids the body's assimilation of other B vitamins. Other benefits include bowel regularity and decreased lactose intolerance. Evidence shows that the appropriate strains of lactic acid bacteria in fermented milk products can alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance by providing bacterial lactase to the intestine and stomach. Kefir is recommended to restore intestinal flora while recovering from illness or when being treated with antibiotics. It eliminates unwanted toxins and pollutants in the body, just like antioxidants do with free radicals. Kefir enjoys a rich tradition of health claims and is known around the world for its preventative characteristics.