A 3-Step Guide for Raw Feeders at Any Level
When it comes to raw feeding, thereâs no one-size-fits-all approach. Every pet is an individualâand thatâs why there are so many styles of raw diets out there!
This year, weâve explored PMR (Prey Model Raw) and the Feed Real 6x Ancestral Dietâ˘. Now itâs time to dive into another popular style: the BARF DietâBiologically Appropriate Raw Food. Originally put forth by Dr Ian Billingshurst.Â
The BARF approach typically includes raw meat, bones, and organsâwith fruits and veggies added in for variety and added nutrition. While some pets do best on all-animal diets, others benefit from small, seasonal additions of plant matter. And some move between both approaches at different points in their lives!
The key is always: Do what works for your pet.
It is typically best to use low glycemic fruits & veggies. Never feed avoid onions or grapes! And if you aren't sure if a plant is good for you pet or not, search it online & see what you can find out.Â
In this post, weâll walk you through three ways to build a BARF-style diet using our My Pet Carnivore productsâfrom super simple to fully DIY.
1ď¸âŁ Easy BARF
Perfect for beginners or busy raw feeders!
This approach uses one of our whole ground products as the base, with a small amount (around 10%) of fruits or veggies added in. Thatâs it!
Example Meal makes 1 LB:
- 14.4 oz Ground Whole Goat
- 1.6 oz lightly steamed asparagus, peppers, and shiitake mushrooms
đĄ Why cook or puree veggies?
Dogs arenât great at breaking down plant cell walls. Lightly steaming, fermenting, or blending veggies helps them absorb more nutrients.
đ§ Why it works:
âď¸ Simple
âď¸ Balanced
âď¸ Easy to portion
âď¸ No prep needed for the meat
2ď¸âŁ Enriched BARF
For feeders looking to add variety & enrichment.
This version still includes about 10% fruits or veggies, but now you're combining different MPC products to create a more intentional mix of meat, bones, and organs.
Example Meal, makes 1 LB:
- 11.2 oz Boneless Ground Chicken (includes meat + organs)
- 3.2 oz Duck Feet (edible bone source)
- 1.6 oz Pureed Veggies (like zucchini, kale & blueberries)
đŚ Duck feet are a fun source of calcium, collagen, and glucosamineâand they make a great enrichment chew too!
đ§ Why it works:
âď¸ More variety
âď¸ Additional textures & chewing satisfaction
âď¸ Easy to adapt to your petâs preferences
3ď¸âŁ Fully DIY BARF
Build it yourselfâpiece by pieceâfor maximum customization.
This approach is for raw feeders who want full control over every component. Youâll select meat, bone, secreting organs, and produceâbased on your petâs needs.
đ¸ Example Meal, makes 1 LB:
- 12.8 oz Chicken Chunks (meat & bone)
- 0.8 oz Lamb Kidney (from our pasture-raised Makerâs Meadow line)
- 0.8 oz Duck Liver
- 1.6 oz Fruit & Veggies (green beans, summer squash, blueberries & pomegranate)
đ This gives you the flexibility to rotate proteins, adjust organ ratios, and fine-tune your petâs diet with precision.
đ§ Why it works:
âď¸ Completely customized
âď¸ Ideal for pets with allergies or sensitivities
âď¸ Allows you to rotate in seasonal support or nutrient-rich extras
Final Thoughts
The BARF diet is just one of many valid ways to feed your pet a fresh, species-appropriate diet. Whether you're adding a handful of steamed veggies or building full DIY bowls from scratch, My Pet Carnivore products make it easy to support your petâs healthâyour way.
Not sure where to start? Reach out! We're happy to help you build a plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and your petâs unique needs. â¤ď¸
