snips B.A.R.F. diet... 
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A Vegetarian's Dilemma
As a vegetarian, I would like to give a little introduction to the information provided on diet. I believe that humans can have optimal health and happiness on a vegetarian or vegan diet, however, our companion animals, cats in particular, do not fare as well. Writing about the quality of meats in commercial foods, feeding raw, etc., I felt an uncomfortable twinge when referring to other domestic animals merely as meat. There is no easy answer to this question for me. If we continue to keep omnivorous and carnivorous animals as companions, then a certain number of cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and other animals will have to be slaughtered in order to feed them. In a perfect world, this would not be the case. In a better world, only our animal companions would be eating meat, at least ending the cruel, environmentally hazardous, expensive and unhealthy practice of factory farming.

 

 

 

See snips tips for more healthy recipes!

 

 

 

 

     After over a year of feeding B.A.R.F., we no longer feed a raw food diet at snips. I found that the dogs were having some trouble digesting the raw chicken, and I was concerned enough to begin researching what might be happening. Please refer to an article entitled "Romancing the Bone," by Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D, for more information. We are again feeding a commercial kibble (Azmira, which is made from completely organic, human grade ingredients) with excellent results.

     We suggest that you research the raw diet before you start. There is a lot of information available over the Internet (check our links page). I did see many benefits while the dogs were on this diet - particularly excellent dental hygiene, but have come to the conclusion that it is not the right diet for my dogs.

the B.A.R.F.* diet...
Bones and Appropriate Raw Foods* from Dr. Ian Billinghurst, B.Sc.Agr., Dip.Ed.
"Grow Your Pups With Bones" and "Give Your Dog a Bone"

Your dog should receive 60 - 80% raw meaty bones and 24 - 40% of the veggie~meat mix. For Cats, feed 60 - 80% RMB's and 20 - 40% veggie meat mix, with the mix containing 15 - 20% veggies and 80 - 85% meat

Use chicken backs, necks, wings, turkey necks, lamb shanks, occasional beef femurs, ox and beef tails, pigs' feet & necks (freeze pork for 3 weeks prior to feeding). NO COOKED BONES!! Rinse to remove excess bacteria from surfaces before feeding.

Amounts
Your dog/cat should receive approximately 2% of his/her body weight of food per day.

This is merely a rough estimate! Each animal will be different, and you must pay close attention to your animal companion to determine the correct amounts for him/her. You should be able to feel but not see his/her ribs through a thin layer of fat.

Formula
Animal's weight x 16 x 2% (x 60% for rmb's) (and x 40% for veggie meat mix)

Example: 90 lbs x 16 = 1440 ounces
1440 x 2% = 28.8 oz food
28.8 x 60% = 17.3 oz rmb's
28.8 x 40% = 11.5 oz veggie meat mix

The Veggie~Meat Mix
To Each 2.2 lbs of raw ground meat (beef, lamb, chicken, turkey - do not use lean cuts) and 2.2 lbs ground/pureed raw veggies (carrots, zucchini, kale, parsley, summer/winter squash, greens, sweet potatoes (baked), romaine lettuce, pumpkin, and smaller amounts of spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, peas, beans. No onions or white potatoes.)

Add ½ small container plain yoghurt (active live culture)
3 eggs - ground with shells
1/4 lb pureed raw liver (chicken, beef, lamb) (substitute other offal on occasion: heart, kidneys, tripe)
2-3 cloves garlic
2000 mg Vitamin C ascorbate powder
1 Teaspoon Vitamin B multi vitamins
4 - 6 teaspoons Flax Oil (or 8 - 12 teaspoons ground Flax seed)
Up to 4 teaspoons kelp powder

Optional small amounts of very ripe fruits, dried fruits, cooked grains (rice, oatmeal, etc.), sardines, cottage cheese, raw fish (except salmon)

To each serving, add 1 capsule Cod Liver oil, 50 IU Vitamin E/10 lbs weight - maximum 400 IU daily, and Digestive enzymes containing cellulase (such as Prozyme).

Variety in meats and veggies is important!

Freeze any leftover mix in meal size patties

More info: Barfworld.com/


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