I have heard a lot about BARF, But I am Afraid - Dimitris (Email Query From Dog Owners)

 Email Query From Dog Owners

Question by Dimitris Riganezis, Civil Engineer, Location:- Athens, Greece

Hellow from Athens, Greece!

I will be a happy owner of a GSD in three months and thanks to your wonderful website i have plenty of useful information for me to prepare my self as better as i can! What i want to ask is about nutrition of my dog! I have heard a lot about BARF and comparisons with dry food! Although BARF seems to be the best nutrition way I am afraid that for inexperienced owners some crucial elements might be missed!

I want to ask if i feed my dog with a super premium dry food can I supplement raw food (mostly raw meat and bones) lets say two-three times a week? Can i do this from the beginning or is it better that the dog reaches some months of age?

Thanks a lot in advance and keep up the good work! It is very important what you do for us dog owners.

 

Response to Dimitris' mail

Thank you so very much Dimitris for adding value to our site. We are honored that you have liked our website.

 

BARF is good obviously and the one of the most renowned canine nutritionists, Maggie Rhines who have shared her valuable knowledge with our readers on "Welcome Dog Lovers Blog". Hope you have already checked out her suggestions on raw dog food diet and Prey Model vs. BARF Diets

 

 

Food and nutrition are amongst the most crucial factor of concern that every dog owners should spare serious thought over. Commercial food is good but not always. It is important that you should choose the right brand and correct type of food for your puppy. We have chosen not to mention any specific brand. Your vet is the right person to recommend you about that. Insofar the type of food is concerned we would recommend the ones that are fit for puppy; not for the adult dogs. We would recommend you to get the "super premium dog food", as you mentioned in your question. This way you can supplement raw food.

 

 

Another most important thing is to avoid offering very high protein. Remember, fast growing puppies get exposed to the risk of certain health conditions - especially Anatomic Diseases. Researches have shown that very high protein diet can catalyze development of Wobbler Syndrome in many canine breeds, including German Shepherds. Excessively proteinous diet can lead to conditions like Pano in GSD

Related Read on Aringsburg's GSD Blog: Panosteitis (Pano) or Long Bone Disease in GSD

 Home made food are also good. We suggest you to give him green. Veggies have great nutritional benefits. Fruits are also important. Whether you give your puppy commercial food or want to keep him on BARF diet, fruits and vegetables are important. Please follow a holistic feeding strategy for your Dog.

More Related Reads:

 

Cautionary Measures for Raw Dog Food

Dogs Food Philosophy - BARF vs Non-BARF

More Email Queries From Dog Owners