BARF for dogs: the ultimate guide (and how to choose the right eBARF / Fix-BARF menus)
You want to switch to BARF (raw food), but you want to do it properly : without deficiencies, without random recipes, and with simple daily logistics.
This article explains everything , then shows you how to choose and use eBARF / Fix-BARF in a concrete (and really practical) way.
⚠️ Important: Raw food requires strict hygiene. If your dog is a puppy, senior, fragile, immunocompromised, or if you have at-risk individuals at home (baby, pregnant woman, elderly person), seek veterinary advice before switching.
1) What exactly is BARF?
BARF = raw food diet based on a mixture of:
muscle meat
offal
fleshy bones (or source of calcium)
sometimes a vegetable component (vegetables/fruits)
and, depending on the approach, supplements (oils, iodine, vitamins/minerals…)
The real challenge isn't "giving raw meat." The real challenge is:
nutritional balance
regularity (over weeks/months)
health security
That's why there are two main paths:
✅ Homemade BARF (super flexible but easy to unbalance)
✅ Formulated menus (e.g., Fix-BARF) which greatly reduce the risk of error.
2) Why are so many people interested in it?
The reasons come up frequently:
Palatability : many dogs love it
ingredient control (when you want to avoid certain compositions)
Better quantity control (if you weigh it, you're in control)
variety (protein rotation)
But be careful: the benefits come mainly from the quality of the ingredients + an appropriate ration , not from the “raw” itself.
3) The two real risks: imbalance & hygiene (to be taken seriously)
A) Risk #1: Nutritional imbalance (the most frequent)
The classic trap: “meat + a little bit of vegetables = it’s good”.
In reality, a sustainable ration must cover:
calcium / phosphorus (very important)
essential fatty acids (omega 3)
iodine
vitamins / minerals (depending on the composition of the ration)
all in quantities adapted to age and activity level
👉 In puppies, balance is even more critical.
B) Risk #2: Contamination (especially for humans)
Raw food may contain bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria, etc.).
Even if the dog is well, it can “bring back” germs into the environment (food bowl, floor, hands…).
If you're feeding raw food, hygiene isn't optional. It's fundamental.
4) The major advantage of eBARF / Fix-BARF menus: their “clean and simple” aspect
When you're starting out, the hardest part isn't feeding them:
It's about making sure you don't make a mistake that won't be visible over 3 months.
The advantage of eBARF menus, and especially the complete Fix-BARF menus , is:
you have a ready-made logic
You limit the errors in ratios
you save time
it's easier to keep track of on a daily basis
Fix-BARF: the idea in one sentence
A complete menu = meat + vegetables + supplements designed to avoid daily deficiencies.
5) Our “easy start” for most dogs: Fix-BARF Complete Beef & Horse Menu (dog)
If you want a versatile and simple base, this type of recipe is often an excellent starting point.
What you're looking for in a good, complete menu
a clear animal component (meat + offal)
a source of minerals (often via chopped bones or supplements)
a vegetable component for fibers
a logic of intake (oils, iodine, etc.) according to the formulation
👉 What makes it work: you don't have to "tinker" behind the scenes .
6) How much to give? Guidelines to avoid problems
The ration depends on:
weight
age
activity level
metabolism
goal (weight loss/weight gain)
Simple landmark (adult dog)
Often, we aim for around 2% to 3% of the dog's weight per day , then we adjust:
very athletic dog → rather higher
neutered/low-activity dog → rather lower
Example :
dog 20 kg → 400 to 600 g / day (to be adjusted)
dog 30 kg → 600 to 900 g / day
✅ The pro method: you weigh the dog every 1–2 weeks at the beginning, you adjust gently.
7) Transition: how to switch to BARF without upsetting your stomach
If your dog was eating kibble/wet food, the digestive system needs to adapt.
Simple 10-day transition (very effective)
Days 1–3: 25% BARF / 75% old
Days 4–6: 50% / 50%
Days 7–9: 75% / 25%
Day 10+: 100% BARF
Monitor:
stools (too soft / too hard)
vomiting
scraping
energy
weight
If it gets worse: you slow down and return to the previous level.
8) Hygiene: the “zero stress” (but mandatory) checklist
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Defrost in the fridge (never on the worktop)
Wash hands + surfaces with hot water + soap
Bowl washed after each meal
Animal-specific utensils
Prevent the dog from licking your face right after meals (especially children).
Clean the floor around the dining area regularly
9) How to choose eBARF according to YOUR dog (the seller's and useful guide)
Profile 1 — “I’m a beginner, I don’t want to make a mistake”
➡️ Fix-BARF Complete Menu (you minimize the risk of error)
Profile 2 — “My dog is very active / large breed”
➡️ More “dense” menus + protein rotation
(and we monitor the weight to adjust the ration)
Profile 3 — “Sensitive dog / suspected intolerance”
➡️ Often a simpler recipe is preferred
⚠️ And if a menu is indicated as requiring a supplement (ex calcium), we make the combo properly.
Profile 4 — “I want to vary and rotate”
➡️ You alternate 2 to 4 recipes over the month
(beef / poultry / horse, etc.) according to tolerance
10) Why buy eBARF from Trufféo (and not at random)
Because BARF is good when it's simple and correct .
In our country:
We'll guide you to the right menu (beginner / sports / sensitive)
We'll help you avoid the classic mistake: "menu that requires an addition" without the addition
We give you a clear method: transition + portion size + hygiene routine
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And above all: we prioritize practical advice (not theoretical tips that are impossible to follow).
Can you mix kibble and raw food?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you mix, do it properly: often separate meals (BARF in the morning, kibble in the evening) and observation.
And the puppies?
It's possible, but it's the most sensitive period. If you're unsure about the balance, a well-defined solution (complete menu) plus professional advice is best.
The bones?
Cooked bones should be avoided. Raw bones should be handled on a case-by-case basis, with appropriate sizing and monitoring.
Conclusion: BARF yes… but a structured, simple, and sustainable approach is key.
BARF is neither magic nor devilish.
This is an option that can work very well , provided that the following is respected:
balance
hygiene
regularity
And if you want the simplest version to get started without stress:
➡️ Start with a complete Fix-BARF menu , follow a smooth transition, and adjust the ration to weight.