Raw food diets are all the rage for doggos these days. Not only do these diets taste delectable (to Fido, anyway), but they’re also incredible for your pup’s health.
There are several different raw dog food diets you can try, but two of the most popular are the PMR diet (Prey Model Raw) and the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). But what’s the difference between these meal options, and how do you know which one is right for your furry friend?
The Prey Model Raw Diet
If you’re looking for a diet to give your pup a taste of the wild, then the PMR diet (or Primal diet) is just what you need. Expect a diet rich in raw muscle meat, organs, and bones – no additives, vegetables, or fruit here. It’s all about feeding your pup the way their ancestors would have, with nothing but whole animals.
What’s in it
PMR diets typically include options such as rabbit, chicken, game birds, lamb, fish, ostrich, venison and almost any other prey animal. Prey Model Raw meat and organs can be ground up into a rough mince like mixture. The balance between muscle meat, organ and bone needs to be precisely balanced as to not upset your pooches stomach, while also offering a nutritional meal. The mixture is measured out to the following ratio, 80% raw muscle meat, 10% crushed/grounded bones, 5% liver meat and 5% secreting organs. Our PMR packs typically use kidney, pancreas and spleen for the secreting organs.
Adding other ingredients, such as vegetables or supplements, are not necessary to achieve a balanced diet.
It is important to remember that the prey animal should be fed in its whole form, or as close to its original form as possible. This will ensure that your pup is getting the full spectrum of nutrients they need to keep them healthy and thriving.
The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. Created by an Australian vet and nutritionist, this diet is all about feeding pups the food that their ancestors used to eat.
Just like the PMR diet, BARF focuses heavily on raw meat and organs and is a high-protein, moderate-fat, low-carb feeding approach. Unlike the PMR diet, though, BARF also includes fresh fruits and veggies, supplements and sometimes even dairy products like eggs and milk.
How Do They Stack Up?
So, what’s the big difference between these two diets?
PMR | BARF | |
Consists mainly of muscular meat | ||
Includes bones and organs | ||
Includes fruits and veggies | ||
Added supplements | ||
Better for your doggo | ||
DIY and commercial options |
It all comes down to the extra bits! PMR diets don’t include any fruits, veggies, dairy products or supplements, while BARF diets do. It’s as simple as that!
The benefits
While PMR and BARF diets are slightly different, they both offer many of the same benefits. Not only do these raw food diets help eliminate a lot of the processed ingredients you’ll find in kibble or canned dog foods, but they can also make life a lot nicer for your pup.
Raw food diets are thought to:
- Improve overall health
- Increase your doggo’s energy
- Lead to fewer food sensitivities and allergies
- Contribute to lean muscle mass
- Help with weight loss and management
- Improve your pup’s skin and coat
- Make for a healthier gut biome
- Give your pooch a healthier, happier mouth
In addition, raw food that’s sourced from ethical providers can be better for the environment since many of these diets include animal pieces that would otherwise just be thrown away.
Choosing the Best Raw Food for Your Doggo
The BARF and PMR diets are full of benefits, but some people may wonder about the risk of E. coli or salmonella contamination. Is it safe to be feeding your pup all this raw meat?
Yes!
Remember that your pooch’s ancestors subsisted on a carnivorous diet and their stomachs are well-suited for raw meat — much more so than ours are. Just be sure to source your pup’s raw meat meals from trustworthy providers like Gully Road. Raw food dog diets are also a bit more hands-on than opening a bag of kibble, so be sure you’re ready for the extra effort. If you’re anything like us, though, you know that your furry friend deserves that extra love!
Regardless of which diet you choose for your pup, it’s important to start with the right ingredients. Check out our collection of raw dog food at Gully Road and discover ethically sourced, human-grade options (and plenty of tasty pup-approved snackos!) that your doggo is going to go wild for.
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