BARF: What it is, How to start, and Why hemp can be the ideal addition

Author: Lucie Garabasova

Do you want your four-legged friend to thrive, have a strong immune system, shiny coat, and a happy tummy? You may have already come across the BARF method – a natural way of feeding raw food. In this article, we’ll explain what BARF actually is, how to get started, and why it’s the ideal choice for many dogs. You’ll also learn how hemp products can perfectly complement a BARF diet and take your dog’s health one step further!

What is BARF?

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a raw food diet – meat, bones, organs, vegetables, and herbs.

The goal is to mimic the diet of wild dogs and support:

• better digestion,
• a stronger immune system,
• a healthy coat,
• and natural vitality.

How to start with BARF?

Start simple: high-quality meat, some vegetables, and a small amount of organs. Once your dog gets used to it, you can gradually expand the food selection and add hemp oil to support digestion and immunity right from the beginning.

Tip: Hemp products help the body process new ingredients more easily and support healthy digestion.

Who is BARF suitable for?

BARF is suitable for virtually all dogs – from puppies to seniors.

It’s especially great for:

• dogs with food allergies – BARF lets you control exactly what’s in the food and easily eliminate problematic ingredients,
• dogs with sensitive digestion – natural food is easier to digest and gentler on the digestive system,
• active dogs – they need a high-quality source of protein and nutrients,
• overweight dogs – BARF allows fat intake adjustment and supports healthy weight loss.

BARF vs. Kibble: Which is better?

The choice between BARF and kibble depends mainly on your lifestyle, preferences, and your dog’s individual needs.

BARF offers a natural and fresh diet, giving you full control over the ingredients. It’s ideal for dogs with allergies, sensitive digestion, or higher nutritional demands. However, it does require more planning and preparation.

Kibble provides convenience, a balanced formula, and easy portioning – perfect for owners with busy lifestyles. Modern, high-quality kibble can be a great alternative if selected properly.

Important: Even with kibble, you can support your dog’s health with hemp supplements, which provide omega fatty acids, protein, and fiber that are otherwise missing in natural form from kibble.

Ideal BARF menu for a dog

A properly balanced BARF menu should mimic a dog’s natural prey and provide all essential nutrients. The basic BARF ratio is approximately:

• 70–80% meat (muscle meat, raw meaty bones)
• 10–15% organs (kidneys, spleen)
• 10–20% vegetables and herbs (carrots, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin)

You can also add a small amount of fruit (e.g., blueberries, seedless apples).

Example BARF meal plan for a 5-year-Old medium-sized active dog

How much does BARF cost per month?

The cost depends on the dog’s size and ingredient quality, but approximate monthly costs are:

• Small dog (up to 10 kg): approx. CZK 600–1,000
• Medium dog (10–25 kg): approx. CZK 1,000–1,800
• Large dog (25+ kg): approx. CZK 1,800–3,000

Where to get BARF meat?

You can source BARF-friendly meat from several places:

• Specialized BARF stores – physical shops or e-shops focused on raw dog food. They offer frozen packs of muscle meat, organs, and bones.
• Butcher shops and farmers’ markets – fresh meat from local suppliers. Talk directly to the butcher – they often have organs or bones not sold to the general public.
• Online BARF meat shops – with home delivery. Usually frozen products in practical packaging (e.g., 500 g or 1 kg packs).
• Farms and local producers – buying directly from the source ensures meat origin.
• Supermarkets (with caution) – some types of plain meat can be found here (e.g., beef, chicken). Watch out for meat with added salt, marinades, or spices – these are unsuitable for dogs.

Tip:
Always choose fresh or properly frozen meat without added salt or seasoning. Ideally, go for organic or free-range meat.

Why add hemp products to BARF (or Kibble)?

Hemp products are a great natural way to support your dog’s health – whether you feed raw or kibble.

• Hemp oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting a healthy coat, skin, and immunity.
• Hemp bran provides valuable fiber to promote healthy digestion and gut flora. 
• Hemp press cake is a natural source of quality plant protein and amino acids, aiding recovery and muscle maintenance.

🌱 All these products are natural, chemical-free, and highly digestible – an ideal choice for any dog owner who wants the best for their furry friend.

Summary: BARF + Hemp = A healthy and happy dog

Switching to BARF or adding hemp products to your dog’s diet is a great step toward better health.
Give your dog the power of nature – for a shiny coat, a happy tummy, and a body full of energy! 🐕

Did you know…
Hemp products from Cannadorra are suitable not only for dogs, but also for cats and horses?