Abstract
The interest of dog owners in “biologically appropriate raw food” (BARF) has grown in the last years. Proponents of BARF feeding speak of numerous advantages like healthier teeth, healthier skin and nicer coat, an optimized immune system, reduced faecal volume and better odour of faeces. These advantages are only anecdotic and not scientifically proven. On the other hand studies have shown, that in many fed BARF-rations nutritional imbalances occur (Dillitzer, Becker et al. 2011, Gerstner and Liesegang 2014). The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of BARF- and commercial dry feeding on faecal consistency, coat quality, dental health and blood values of dogs.
Bieri, Monika