Proper feeding of the dog is one of the most important aspects of care for our pets. Proper diet is crucial for the overall health of our dog, especially in the growth phase (first two years of the dog life are the key here). To a large extent, adequate feeding determines the development of the pet, its condition and its health and well-being. It has also an impact on the propensity dog to the illness. Bernese mountaind dog at every stage of his life needs healthy balanced diet. The nutrition needs to be differentiated, accurate for his age, energy requirements, and health. Dietary mistakes, especially in the first two years of dog's life, not only affects his beauty, but could be serious threat to his health.
In Bernevirtus kennel, health and physical conition of the bernese mountaind dog are the most important. That's why adequate, healthy, not processed food is one of my value. Bernevirtus FCI dogs are fed raw food - BARF diet.
I assure for owners of Bernevirtus dogs necessary knowledge sharing, consultancy and assistance in planning BARF feeding.
BARF
BARF is an acronym that stands for biologically appropriate raw food diet.
BARF program has been developed based on many years of experience and observation by a veterinarian Ian Billinghurst and is based on the fact that the digestive system and digestion of food by dogs did not change compared to their wild ancestors. BARF diet is based on the concept that the dog food should be as close as possible to that of the animal under natural conditions. This means that the diet is reflecting the proportion of the natural diet of wild ancestors dog. It is based on meat, entrails and bones, and some raw fruits and vegetables.
Feeding your dog raw food provides all what is necessary for his health nutrients: proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. necessary for the proper functioning of the body of the dog. BARF diet consists of meat from the bones, meat (you can also add the fish), meat offal, vegetables and fruits, and additives such as: eggs, cottage cheese, kelp, yogurt, fish oil. This method of feeding is based on fresh raw animal products only. Balancing the diet is achieved by giving various products in a certain period of time (week, two weeks, one month). Completeness of such diet is provided by differentiation: for a certain period of time the owner is feeding the dog with various products within the groups described below and in certain proportions.
The composition of the BARF
1. The basis of the diet is raw meat bones (meat on the bone). Meaty bones, shoudl consist about 60% of the whole diet program. Example of meaty bones are necks, chicken wings or ribs. In the BARF diet long big bones shoudl be rather avoided, unless for chewing. Meaty bone deliver all proteins, right proportions of calcium to phosphorus, fats, minerals and vitamins. Chewing bones promotes strengthening the jaw muscles, massaging the gums, reduces almost completely the formation of tartar. Moreover, it is very calming activity dog, and, also great fun for the pet. Do not give your dog bones heat-treated.
2. The next ingredient is meat (fish occasionally, but these better blanched / cooked). Meat should be the second or third grade: the veined, cartilage, fatty. It is the source of all nutrients in the diet of the dog. Never give rotten meat or meat of unknown origin.
3. Guts: raw, fresh liver, kidney, heart, brains, green tripes. This is an extremely important part. First class comprises proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. According to the principles of BARF diet these products should be around 10% of the total diet dog at a certain time.
4. Vegetables and fruits are also an important part of the BARF-a. The greater the variety, the better. Do not give fruits and vegetables toxic, harmful to the dog. Fruits and vegetables should be better ripped. Garbage and peels also can be used. Raw vegetables and fruits (passed through a juicer and then combine the juice with the pulp) are very easily absorbed by the digestive system of the dog.
5. Additives such as oils (fats), dairy products, eggs, vitamins are also recommended as an additional component of the BARF diet because of the support the uptake of nutrients.
Industrially processed products are avoided - the concept lies on giving natural, fresh, raw products. Carbohydrates like cereal, pasta, various cereals, potatoes are completely not needed.