BARF for Beginners: Feeding Dogs the Right Way
Step by Step to a Balanced BARF Diet
Getting Started with BARF Feeding – Here’s How!
You want to switch your dog to BARF and offer them a natural, balanced diet? A great decision! But we know that, especially in the beginning, raw feeding often raises many questions: What goes into the bowl? How do I create a sensible feeding plan? And what should I definitely keep in mind?
With some background knowledge and the right tips, starting with BARF is easier than you might think. On this page you’ll find all the essential information to make the transition easier and give you more confidence when preparing balanced BARF meals.
Switching from Processed Food to BARF
For most dogs, the switch from conventional processed food to BARF is uncomplicated. Still, it’s worthwhile to approach this process consciously and in a structured way so your dog’s body can adapt optimally to the new diet. This way, almost any dog can transition to BARF. Particularly sensitive dogs benefit from a slow transition.
The Fasting Day – A Gentle Start
At the beginning of the switch, a fasting day is recommended – except for puppies. This allows your dog’s digestive system to completely empty and prepares them ideally for the new feeding method. Of course, your dog should always have access to fresh water. After the fasting day, the actual transition begins – ideally in several well-coordinated steps.
Step by Step to Raw Feeding:
Successful BARF Feeding in Five Phases
Phase 1: Feeding Muscle Meat
During the first one to two days, it’s best to feed only easily digestible, ground muscle meat – and from just one type of meat. Particularly well tolerated are, for example, beef tartare or ground beef muscle meat and chicken. It’s important to stick to one type of meat, as this “single-protein phase” helps your dog’s digestive system gradually adjust to and adapt to the new fresh food.
Phase 2: Add More Meats & Plant Components
If your dog tolerates the first muscle meat well, you can gradually introduce one or two additional animal protein sources such as turkey, horse or fish. Only then should the meat be combined with easily digestible vegetables such as carrot or pumpkin and some fruit, e.g. apple or berries.
Important: Plant components should ideally be cooked, steamed or finely pureed before feeding. This way, they act not only as important fiber but also allow your dog to absorb the nutrients they contain. As an alternative to fresh vegetables and fruit, you can also use ready-made frozen vegetable-fruit mixes.
Phase 3: Add Rumen & Green Tripe to Meals
After about four days – provided your dog has tolerated everything well so far – you can add rumen or green tripe to the feeding plan. These components also provide important fibers and enzymes and naturally support digestion. Most dogs love rumen and green tripe and tolerate them very well.
Phase 4: Mix in Various Organs
After this step, organs can be added to the bowl fairly soon. Organs provide essential vitamins and minerals in BARF feeding, in a form and concentration not found in any other component. You can either buy and feed the required organs individually – typically heart, liver, kidney, lung and spleen – or purchase ready-made organ mixes. Be sure to pay attention to a good balance between the different organs.
Phase 5: Getting Your Dog Used to Bones
If the previous components have been well accepted and tolerated, you can slowly start getting your dog used to bones. At the beginning, soft, ground bones such as chicken necks, duck necks, or chicken carcasses and rabbit carcasses are particularly suitable. Always monitor your dog’s stool: if it is too hard or whitish, reduce the bone amount at first and then slowly increase it to the required level. Some dogs generally do not tolerate bones well – in such cases, you can provide the necessary minerals through high-quality supplements like bone meal.
From Phase 2 Onward: Add Supplements
Starting from Phase 2, depending on your dog’s tolerance of the other BARF components, essential supplements such as salmon oil and seaweed meal can be added to meals. These additions are important because covering all nutrient needs purely through food intake is usually not fully guaranteed. Salmon oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, and seaweed meal supplies the necessary iodine.
If you don’t feed fish, cod liver oil is also essential for vitamin D supply.
Slow Transition – Especially Important for Sensitive Dogs
A gradual transition is especially recommended for sensitive dogs. Even if the diet is not yet balanced in the first few days, the digestive system can adjust more gently and effectively to the new feeding method. Often, the process is complete after seven to ten days.
Healthy dogs, puppies, and young dogs usually tolerate a faster transition – sometimes even from one day to the next. But always remember: every dog is unique. Some need more time, others adapt quickly to their new food. Pay attention to your dog’s signals and give them the time they need. Dogs that have been fed industrially processed food for a long time or are in poor health in particular benefit from a slow, step-by-step transition.
Note on Tolerance During the Transition
During the transition, temporary issues such as diarrhea, constipation, mucus in the stool, vomiting, or even skin irritations and itching may occur. These symptoms are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own. However, if they persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out other causes.
Especially important: Avoid feeding dry or canned food alongside BARF during the transition. The different digestion times could cause problems and make the adjustment unnecessarily difficult and lengthy.
After the transition – whether gradual or fairly quick – you can begin feeding according to an individual BARF plan. How to create such a plan will be explained in the next section.
BARF by Plan – Creating a Balanced Feeding Plan for Dogs
A balanced BARF plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be well thought out in advance. The most important factor is variety. Just like carnivores in the wild, your dog’s BARF meals should consist of different components to ensure they get all the essential nutrients.
Don’t worry: your dog’s nutrient needs do not have to be met in full every single day. That’s a myth promoted by the pet food industry. What matters is that all essential nutrients are covered in a balanced way over a period of up to four weeks.
Despite general guidelines, every dog should always be considered an individual with their own needs. A feeding plan should therefore always be created individually, reviewed regularly, and adjusted if necessary.
All you need at the beginning to create a feeding plan is your dog’s current body weight and a calculator. Even easier is using a BARF calculator, which helps determine the right food amount and distribution of components. Based on these values, it’s fairly simple to create an initial plan that not only covers nutritional needs but also suits your dog’s preferences – and can later be adjusted as needed.
Note: The information provided here refers to creating a feeding plan for healthy, adult dogs without special needs. For growing dogs or in special circumstances such as illness, pregnancy, etc., the creation of a feeding plan can be more complex. In such cases, it’s always advisable to seek help from experts if you’re unsure.
4 Steps to a Balanced BARF Diet
1) Calculate the Total BARF Food Amount
In the first step, determine how much food your dog needs per day and, if necessary, scale it up for a week or a month. The food amount is calculated based on body weight.
As a rule of thumb: an adult, normally active dog receives about 2–3% of its body weight in food per day. Puppies, very active, or underweight dogs often need more, while older or overweight dogs need somewhat less.
The total food amount should be divided into several meals per day. For adult dogs, two portions daily are generally recommended.
2) Divide the Food into Animal & Plant Components
Once you have determined the total food amount, the next step is to divide it into its components. BARF meals are modeled after the natural prey of carnivores. Based on this, rations should consist of 80% animal and 20% plant components. The plant portion is made up of 75% vegetables and 25% fruit. The animal portion usually consists of 50% marbled muscle meat (with 15–20% fat) or alternatively lean muscle meat plus extra fat, as well as 20% rumen or green tripe, 15% mixed organs, and 15% raw meaty bones (RMBs).
These are the standard percentages you’ll also find in specialist literature. Both the animal and plant portions are each considered 100%, with the subcategories adding up to 100% within their group. This may seem confusing at first, but it makes sense and is necessary for calculations.
Tip: Use the free BARF calculator from eBarf
To make it easier to get started with BARF, you can use not only our detailed BARF Starter Guide but also our free BARF calculator for dogs. It helps you quickly calculate an appropriate food amount and distribution of components based on factors such as age, weight, and activity level.
For a balanced diet, both meat types and fruits/vegetables should be varied. We recommend feeding two to three different types of meat. Vegetables and fruits can be chosen seasonally, which naturally creates enough variety. Ready-made frozen mixes are also a good option.
3) Choose BARF Supplements
Once the animal and plant components have been calculated, the next step is to add the appropriate supplements. Since whole prey animals are usually not fed in BARF, it’s necessary to supplement meals with certain additions. Valuable vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and fibers that are naturally found in blood, brain, eyes, and fur of prey animals are instead supplied through supplements.
Some supplements, such as omega-3 oil and seaweed meal, are essential. Others can be optional or added situationally, for example if bones or fish are not fed. Always pay attention to the correct dosage so your dog is optimally supplied and no over- or undersupply of nutrients occurs.
Mini Insight: Why is a balanced BARF ration so important?
The right composition of BARF meals is crucial to avoid deficiencies or oversupply. Dogs – just like humans – need a wide range of nutrients in the right balance to keep all vital body functions running properly. A one-sided diet, e.g. only muscle meat or only tripe, will in the long run lead to deficiencies in calcium, vitamins, or trace elements, and thus to health problems.
4) Prepare BARF Meals
When feeding BARF, you basically have two options for preparing your dog’s meals: Either you feed according to a weekly plan, where the individual components are combined fresh every day, or you prepare a complete mix of food for several days or weeks at once.
For more details, see the following two sections: 4a) BARF with a Weekly Plan and 4b) Preparing BARF Complete Meals.
4a) BARF with a weekly plan
In this version, feeding follows a fixed plan that specifies which components are given on which day of the week and in which combination – for example, muscle meat with vegetables on Monday, green tripe on Tuesday, muscle meat with meaty bones on Wednesday, and so on. This method comes very close to the natural feeding behavior of wild carnivores.
Advantages:
Flexible adjustments for intolerances or preferences
Particularly natural and varied
Individual ingredients remain clearly identifiable
Disadvantages:
Daily preparation effort
Higher need for planning and organization
Tips for distribution:
First decide how many meals per day the dog should receive
Distribute offal and raw meaty bones over two to three days a week
Feed muscle meat five days a week, 1x per week alternatively fish
On the remaining two days, feed green tripe or leaf tripe instead of muscle meat
Prepare a balanced vegetable-fruit mix and freeze in portions
Supplements do not have to be given daily, it’s best to divide them sensibly
Example weekly plan for BARF feeding
The following table shows a possible distribution of the individual BARF components over the course of a week. Each day of the week indicates which components should be fed. This overview is only an example – of course, there are many other variations of how a weekly plan can be structured.
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Muscle meat |
X |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
X |
Fish |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Fat |
X |
X |
- |
X |
- |
- |
X |
Green tripe / Leaf tripe |
- |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Offal |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
- |
Raw meaty bones |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
Vegetables & fruit |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Oil |
- |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
Seaweed meal |
X |
X |
- |
X |
- |
X |
- |
4b) Preparing BARF Complete Meals
Instead of feeding according to a weekly plan, you can also prepare a kind of complete food made from all the components required on a weekly or monthly basis. To do this, combine all the ingredients needed for the chosen time period – muscle meat, organs, bones, vegetables, and fruit – in the correct ratio in a large container, divide them into daily portions in freezer boxes or bags, and then freeze them. This creates a wholesome complete food that only needs to be defrosted and served each day.
Supplements such as oils or minerals can also be integrated into the mixture and frozen along with it. Only synbiotics, certain enzymes, or medicinal herbs should be added fresh if required, as they may lose their effectiveness when frozen.
Tip: Any leftover animal or plant-based ingredients from preparing a complete BARF mix can be safely frozen again and used for the next batch.
This method is especially suitable for households with several dogs or for working people who have little time during the week. However, it is also very practical for small dogs, as they usually require only small amounts of each BARF component. Since these components are generally sold in packs of 500 to 1000 grams, it can take a long time for a small dog to use up a pack. In such cases, preparing several days’ worth of portions in advance is an efficient and practical solution for everyday life.
Advantages:
Saves a lot of time in everyday life
Consistent distribution of nutrients and components
Ideal for sensitive dogs
Easy portioning, even for dog sitters, etc.
Supplements can be easily mixed in
Disadvantages:
Less flexibility for spontaneous adjustments
Some supplements should be added separately
Essential Utensils for BARF Feeding
Many dog owners know that industrially produced ready-made food is not always the best choice – yet they hesitate to switch to BARF because they fear it will be too much effort. And yes, preparing a BARF meal does take longer than simply opening a can of wet food or pouring dry food into a bowl. But with a little routine and the right equipment, the effort is far less than most people think.
A good first step towards more efficiency when preparing BARF portions is having the right basic equipment. Don’t worry: you don’t have to rebuild your entire kitchen for this. Many things are already available in a well-equipped household, but a few specific utensils are worth getting.
Freezer: The Heart of Storage
The most important piece of equipment for BARF is a freezer or a chest freezer – especially if you want to store larger amounts of frozen food hygienically. When buying, pay attention to low energy consumption to avoid unpleasant surprises on your electricity bill. A capacity of about 80 liters is usually sufficient and leaves enough space in your regular refrigerator for your own supplies.
But don’t worry: it’s not strictly necessary to buy a separate freezer just for BARF. If you only order or store smaller amounts of frozen food – for example weekly or biweekly – it is often enough to free up one or two compartments in your existing fridge-freezer combination. This is also a good solution if space is limited or if a separate freezer is not an option for financial reasons.
Blender or Food Processor: For Chopping Vegetables & Fruit
A powerful food processor or blender makes it easier to process raw vegetables and fruit. When buying, make sure the device can also handle harder varieties such as carrots or parsnips without difficulty. If you want to use the machine for other purposes as well, it’s worth looking at versatile models with additional functions. That way, you can also use it for your own cooking and baking recipes.
Freezer Containers: Keep Your Stock Organized
For storing prepared rations, dishwasher-safe freezer containers made of plastic or glass are ideal. When using plastic, make sure it is free of harmful substances (e.g. BPA-free). Glass containers are more hygienic and environmentally friendly but also heavier, more expensive, and more fragile.
Tip: Color-coded containers or labeled stickers help you organize meat types or different dogs’ portions neatly in the freezer. This makes everyday life much easier, especially for multi-dog households.
If you only have limited freezer space, you can alternatively use freezer bags for storing portioned food. There are also eco-friendly alternatives made of silicone that can be reused and cleaned in the dishwasher.
Kitchen Scale: For Accurate Measurements
A digital kitchen scale is indispensable when barfing to measure each ingredient precisely. For larger dogs, a model with a capacity of at least 1–2 kg is recommended.
Tiny amounts – such as minerals, oils, or other supplements – are best measured with a precision scale or spoon scale. This is especially useful if you add the supplements fresh every day, as the portions are usually quite small.
If, on the other hand, you prepare larger amounts of complete meals – for example for a week or a month – you can mix in the supplements directly. In this case, a regular kitchen scale is usually sufficient since you’ll be handling larger amounts of supplements at once.
Practical Tools for Portioning
To process frozen food hygienically and conveniently, you’ll also need a few small helpers:
a cutting board, ideally plastic so it can be cleaned in the dishwasher
a spoon or spatula
rubber gloves or disposable gloves
a sharp knife
optional: a small cleaver or axe to chop larger bone pieces
Ideally, you should use these tools exclusively for preparing BARF and always clean them thoroughly afterward.
The Right Food Bowl
After switching to BARF, it may make sense to consider a larger food bowl, as fresh food is often bulkier than commercial food. This is especially true if you want to feed chunkier components.
Make sure the bowl is non-slip and easy to clean. Ideally, it should also be dishwasher-safe. Of course, the bowl’s capacity should match the size of the meals.
Some dogs prefer eating at an elevated level. In this case, a bowl with a matching stand can be useful. But be cautious with wooden constructions, as they are harder to clean if your dog makes a mess while eating. Materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic are more suitable here.
Bowl Mat for a Clean Feeding Area
To keep the area around the bowl clean, it’s also a good idea to get a washable bowl mat. This makes it easy to maintain hygiene at the feeding spot.
Hygiene rules when feeding BARF
Ideally, use all these utensils exclusively for preparing your dog’s BARF meals and clean everything that can go in the dishwasher after each use. After direct contact with raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. If you follow these simple hygiene rules, you don’t need to worry about bacteria, germs, or parasites.
Dogs naturally have very strong stomach acid, which neutralizes many potential pathogens. In addition, their digestive system is designed to process raw meat efficiently – feeding raw food is therefore generally completely unproblematic for healthy dogs.
Conclusion: 8 tips for an easy BARF start
Tip 1: Switch your dog’s food step by step.
Tip 2: The number and size of BARF meals depend on factors such as breed, activity, size, age, hormone status, outside temperature, etc.
Tip 3: Base the percentage composition of BARF meals on natural prey animals.
Tip 4: It’s not necessary to feed all components in a balanced ratio every single day.
Tip 5: Feed your dog according to an individually prepared feeding plan.
Tip 6: Use free BARF calculators and literature to create the feeding plan.
Tip 7: Tailor the feeding plan specifically to your dog’s needs and adjust it as necessary over time.
Tip 8: If you are unsure, seek help – certified nutritionists are happy to assist with questions or in creating a BARF plan.
So, for a healthy adult dog, even as a BARF beginner, you can quite easily create a balanced feeding plan with a bit of practice. When feeding puppies, pregnant females, or sick dogs, nutrient supply may need to be adjusted and planned even more carefully. In such cases, it can be useful to get support from BARF consultants.
Free calculators & individual advice
Free BARF Calculator
Our free BARF calculator helps you determine the right food amount and composition for your dog in just seconds.
BARF Starter Guide
Find valuable tips and tricks for starting out as a BARFer clearly summarized in our BARF starter guide. Download, print, and get started now!
Individual BARF Plans
You want to feed your dog with BARF but don’t know exactly how it works?
Fat Calculator
Calculate the required amount of additional fat when using lean muscle meat with a fat content below 15%.
Kelp Calculator
With this calculator you can easily determine the ideal amount of kelp powder for your dog.
Calcium Calculator
As an alternative to bones, a calcium supplement can also be fed. Use our calculator to determine the right dosage.
Organ Calculator
Create your individual organ mix and easily get the correct amount calculated for each organ.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starting BARF (FAQ)
How do I properly prepare BARF for dogs?
All important information on how to correctly prepare BARF meals can be found in the section "BARF by Plan – Creating a Balanced Diet Plan for Dogs".
How do you start feeding BARF?
Tips and tricks for switching to BARF and the first steps as a BARF feeder can be found in the section "Switching from Commercial Food to BARF".
How do you get a dog used to BARF?
A step-by-step guide on how to get your dog used to BARF can be found in "Step by Step to Raw Feeding: Five Phases for a Successful BARF Diet".
How do I calculate the right BARF food amount for my dog?
The answer to this and further valuable tips for creating a feeding plan for your dog can be found here: "In Four Steps to a Balanced BARF Diet".
How long does it take to switch to BARF?
You can find out how long a switch to BARF usually takes in the section "Slow Transition – Especially Important for Sensitive Dogs".
Can every dog be fed BARF?
Whether every dog can be fed BARF is explained in the section "Switching from Commercial Food to BARF".
Is BARF dangerous because of germs or parasites?
The answer to whether BARF contains many bacteria, parasites, or other germs can be found in the section on Hygiene when Feeding BARF.
Do I need supplements when feeding BARF?
The answer to whether supplements are necessary when feeding BARF can be found in the section "In Four Steps to a Balanced BARF Diet".