BArF

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (also known as Bones and Raw Food) and refers to a diet for dogs and cats that centers on feeding raw meat, bones, and organs, with optional additions of raw fruits and vegetables. The term was popularized by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s, who argued that a diet based on raw, whole foods more closely resembles what canines and felines would eat in the wild.

Typical BARF formulations emphasize raw muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meats, with some plans adding ground or chopped vegetables, eggs, and supplements to address micronutrient needs. Proponents claim benefits such as improved coat condition, digestion, dental health, and energy, though evidence is largely anecdotal.

Crucially, the BARF approach carries safety concerns. Pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can be present in raw meats and pose risks to both pets and humans handling the food. Nutritional imbalances, especially in growing animals or when diets are not properly planned, can occur, and bones—particularly cooked or small, brittle bones—can cause choking, dental fracture, or gastrointestinal injury. Some studies show increased shedding of pathogens with raw diets, while others find no clear health advantages.

If a BARF diet is considered, it should be designed with guidance from veterinary nutritionists to ensure balance of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins; meat should be sourced from reputable suppliers; bones should be appropriate and handled carefully (avoiding cooked bones); strict hygiene is essential. Many veterinarians recommend commercially prepared raw or cooked diets as safer, nutritionally balanced alternatives.

The acronym BARF also stands for other phrases and, outside of this context, is commonly used as a slang term for vomit.