Experiences with BARF: Species-Appropriate Nutrition for Better Health

BARF Success Story of Flöhchen, 14 years old, female, European Shorthair, spayed, outdoor cat

Flöhchen's owner reached out to our cat expert Petra von Quillfeldt to ask whether a change in diet could improve Flöhchen’s well-being and health.

1) Initial Situation

The following initial situation was presented: Based on Flöhchen’s medical history and two blood tests showing multiple pathological values, the veterinarian diagnosed the following conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Liver dysfunction
• Suspected kidney failure
• Chronic gastritis

Flöhchen was treated by the veterinarian with medication for kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and vomiting. Simultaneously, her diet was changed to include Kattovit renal diet wet food and Hills dry food, along with an additional wet and dry food option. Several times a week, she was given raw meat, egg yolk, cat milk, and malt paste.

Despite these measures, Flöhchen’s health continued to deteriorate. Her water intake increased to 500 ml daily, and her morning vomiting worsened. Additionally, she developed proteinuria (excretion of more than 150 mg of protein per day). A subsequent blood test showed some improved values, but the thyroid level was still significantly elevated, the phosphate level was borderline high, and a newly elevated urea level was noted.

The increased fluid intake, borderline phosphate level, elevated urea level, and vomiting indicated a worsening kidney condition.

According to her owner, Flöhchen’s condition at this time was described as follows:
"She drinks a lot. She sleeps a lot, often so deeply that she is unresponsive – this wasn’t the case before. She vomits frequently in the morning on an empty stomach – mostly just grass and reddish fluid (blood?). Flöhchen shows little interest in playing, appears apathetic, and lies in cool places."

2) Expert Assessment

Petra von Quillfeldt assessed Flöhchen’s previous diet as follows: The mix of dry food, renal diet wet food, and Hills y/d for thyroid management did not meet the requirements for her chronic conditions (kidney failure and hyperthyroidism). The daily iodine intake was particularly excessive for the elevated thyroid levels (currently about 322 mcg per daily portion). The high iodine levels were caused by the renal diet food. Additionally, the diet contained a very high amount of grains and carbohydrates, further burdening her metabolism and digestion.

Moreover, the supply of animal protein was significantly inadequate. Unlike other mammals, cats derive energy not from carbohydrates but from protein and rely on a continuous supply of animal protein. The dry food and Hills y/d contained a very high proportion of plant protein, which further strained the kidneys.

3) Diet Change to BARF

Following the expert’s recommendation, Flöhchen’s diet was completely switched to raw meat with supplements (BARF). From this point on, she was fed high-quality, easily digestible animal proteins with reduced phosphorus levels, increased fat content, no carbohydrates, and significantly reduced iodine levels.

To achieve this, Petra von Quillfeldt created four individual BARF recipes for Flöhchen, which were alternated. All other food components that had previously been fed were consistently eliminated from her diet.

4) Progress & Treatment

Alongside the diet change, SUC therapy (homeopathic complex remedy therapy) was introduced, and a four-week course of a milk thistle preparation was carried out to support liver function. Just one month later, the owner reported initial improvements: "Flöhchen is already doing much better. Her coat doesn’t smell as strong anymore. She now has only one bowel movement daily (previously 2x), and it no longer smells unpleasant."

A month later, the owner noted a decrease in vomiting, and two weeks later: "Vomiting is no longer an issue! Her water intake has also decreased, and she urinates far less frequently – previously 5x daily and 3x at night, now only 3x daily and 1x at night. Today, she even playfully climbed a tree!"

Over the following months, Flöhchen’s health continued to improve. Early blood testing was avoided because it required anesthesia each time. During follow-up visits, the veterinarian was very pleased with her condition and praised her excellent appearance.

About a year after the diet change and accompanying therapies, an annual blood test yielded outstanding results: all of Flöhchen’s values were within the normal range!

5) Conclusion

Thanks to the individual recipes from our cat expert Petra von Quillfeldt, all dietary components that positively influenced Flöhchen’s health were carefully selected and tailored to her needs, including the appropriate types of meat and supplements. Once Flöhchen transitioned to a purely BARF diet without any other treats or additional foods like milk or eggs, her condition showed significant improvement within two months, which continued steadily over the following months.

Our cat expert had this to say about the success story: "I’m always amazed at the positive effects that switching from industrially manufactured food to a raw meat diet (BARF) can have for our cats!" - Petra von Quillfeldt

In conclusion, feeding raw meat is likely the best preventive measure to keep your cat healthy for a long time! For healthy cats, our Fix-BARF® complete menus, tailored and individually prepared by Petra von Quillfeldt, are ideal. For cats with special needs, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, or allergies, she has also developed suitable complete menus that make healthy, species-appropriate nutrition simple and effective.

Here’s to good health and many more success stories like this one!