Raw feeding has become more popular among dog owners who are looking to provide their dogs with a more natural diet. In this blog we will look at two raw food diets that we recommend: PMR (Prey Model Raw) and BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). Both options focus on feeding dogs unprocessed, natural foods but there are differences which we will cover.

The PMR Diet (Prey Model Raw)

The PMR diet aims to replicate what dogs would have eaten in the wild.  The diet closely models the nutritional profile of whole prey animals. The diet’s plan centres around the 80/10/10 rule: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, and 10% organs (with half being liver). The philosophy is simple.  Feeding our dogs as nature intended, without human intervention through supplements or plant matter.

Despite their domestication, our dogs are descendants of wolves, and they still have the same digestive systems. Their systems are designed to eat whole, raw foods.  This means a diet consisting entirely of animal products, excluding fruits, vegetables, grains, and synthetic supplements. They get complete nutritional value from this diet naturally, making additional supplementation unnecessary.

A typical PMR meal might include chicken thighs with bone, beef liver, and kidney. The variety that is required comes from rotating the different protein sources like beef, pork, lamb, fish, and poultry over time if you shop at a supermarket, or we are blessed with so many rawfood suppliers now that you can choose from rabbit, hare, turkey, duck, possum, wallaby, venison and goat. Rotating the diet means our dogs receive a wide variety of nutrients, preventing dietary imbalances, and also helping to prevent allergies from feeding only one protein or even just two!  For more information on this diet, see this article on PMR

The BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

The BARF diet (developed by veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst) takes a broader approach to raw feeding. While still emphasizing raw animal products, BARF also includes vegetables, supplements, and dairy alongside the animal products. Typically, a BARF diet consists of about 70% raw meat and bones, with the balance of 30% comprising vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

The philosophy behind the BARF diet recognizes that dogs are omnivores rather than strict carnivores and can also gain nutritional benefits from plant sources. Some BARF diets also include dairy products like yogurt and raw goat’s milk.

The BARF diet is more complex than the PMR diet as it requires careful preparation of vegetable mixes.  For more information on this diet, see this article on BARF

The key differences between PMR and BARF

The fundamental difference lies in their interpretation of what constitutes appropriate canine nutrition. The PMR diet is based on dogs being descendants of wolves and that they are obligate carnivores requiring only animal-based nutrition.  BARF, on the other hand, acknowledges dogs' as omnivorous and includes plant matter as a beneficial element to their diet.

There are differences in their preparation as well. PMR meals are generally simpler, and require only basic knowledge of the 80/10/10 ratios and protein rotation. The BARF diet requires more preparation time for things like vegetable processing and supplement calculations.

As far as cost goes, the PMR diet can be more economical since it eliminates the need for vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

Benefits of a raw food diet

Numerous benefits including improved coat condition, better dental health, increased energy levels, and firmer, smaller stools have been reported for both diets. Many dog owners notice that their dogs are more satisfied after their meals, and they maintain a healthier weight than they do on processed foods. 

Important Considerations

Starting on a raw food journey is a big commitment.  This includes educating yourself on proper food safety practices to prevent bacterial contamination that could affect you and your dog. Also, you will need to understand proper storage, handling, and sanitation protocols, just like we do for ourselves as humans!

Above all else it’s crucial that there is nutritional balance in the diet, regardless of which one you choose to go with. Both the PMR and the BARF diet require careful planning to make sure that your dog receives a balanced, complete nutritional diet, which will not be met by feeding only 1 or 2 proteins, or by adding in 50% white rice to home-made meals – you would be surprised how many pet parents do this!

Which choice is right for you?

When it comes to choosing between the PMR and the BARF diet, your decision will  depend on many factors, such as your philosophy, available time, and your dog's individual needs. For pet parents wanting a simpler, ‘whole prey’ approach, the PMR diet will be the best choice. For those who are keen to include plant matter in their diet,  and don't mind the slightly more complex meal prep, the BARF diet fits the bill.

Both approaches can provide excellent nutrition when properly implemented. The key is education, commitment to food safety, and ongoing monitoring of your dog's health and condition. Whether you choose PMR or BARF, transitioning to raw feeding represents a significant commitment to your dog's nutritional well-being that many owners find deeply rewarding.

A note on fungal overgrowth

A very important point to consider when choosing between the PMR and the BARF diet is fungal overgrowth.  A dog who is struggling with a fungal overgrowth needs the yeast in its system to be starved to kill off the fungal overgrowth.  This means absolutely NO CARBOHYDRATES, which in this instance means the BARF diet is not the way to go.  Until the yeast infection is cleared up in your dog’s system it will need to be on a strictly PMR diet.  Once the infection is cleared up, you can begin transitioning to the BARF diet, beginning with the addition of only green vegetables not coloured ones as these are higher in ‘sugars’.

Whether you choose to go full raw on the PMR diet or add in a bit of fruit and veg with the BARF diet, both are wonderful, nutritious diets for your dog, and streets ahead of the conventional kibble diet.  Regarding fruit, this should be a once a fortnight treat as Dr. Emily Stein in her latest Pet Summit video, was advising the adverse effects of fruit due to the production of ‘acids’ that then cause ‘gum’ disease.  Choose what suits your dogs needs and watch as they blossom into a healthy, thriving dog!