Contrary to the misconception that fat is not healthy, it is an important component of a dog's diet. Fat is the main source of energy and is used by the four-legged friends to generate energy. Fat is therefore an essential component of dog food and is part of BARF, among other things. As a guideline for sufficient fat intake, the proportion of fat in BARF is calculated at 15 to 25 percent. In BARF, this guideline is calculated from the muscle meat . The other components of raw meat feeding, such as offal , fruit and vegetables , and bones , contain little to no fat. The percentage of fat needed depends on the dog and its individual needs. Puppies, for example, need a fat content of 15 percent so that it does not grow too quickly. Other dogs that are much more active, such as sled dogs, have a high energy consumption and therefore need more fat. This also applies to lactating bitches, for whom a fat content of 30 percent is calculated. The fat content should therefore always be individually adjusted to the dog. If there is too little fat in the BARF meal, this may manifest itself in the dog through lethargy or weight loss. If the feeling of satiety does not set in and the dog is constantly hungry, even though the portions have already been adjusted, this can also indicate a low fat content. Conversely, too much fat means that the dog is very energetic and can hardly lie still. This is why the correct calculation of the fat content is so important for the dog.
The right choice of fats
The fatty acid profile and fat tolerance play a major role in the selection of fats. Saturated fatty acids, for example, are preferable to unsaturated ones, as they are more stable and provide the dog with energy. These fatty acids are found in animal products such as beef, chicken or lamb. In general, animal fats are preferable. Feeding fat as evenly as possible through different types of meat and fish, rather than feeding large amounts of fat on a few days, is easier for the dog's digestion. In addition, a good average can be calculated using the different types of meat and fish . This average helps to find out whether the muscle meat provides the dog with sufficient fat or whether additional fat needs to be added to the bowl. Poultry, for example, is very low in fat and lean, while lamb is rich in saturated fatty acids. As a supplement, animal fats such as beef, lamb or horse fat can generally be added to the lean muscle meat as an energy source when BARFing. Feeding oils is also a must when BARFing. These provide the four-legged friend with vital omega fatty acids and can alleviate skin diseases. If there is a lack of essential fatty acids from oils, this can manifest itself in poor fur and skin with dandruff or itching.
Carbohydrates and protein do not replace fat for dogs
If there is not enough fat available, the dog can get its energy from carbohydrates and proteins. However, the body has difficulty converting these two sources into energy, so this is not a long-term solution. In addition, the carbohydrates expand in the stomach, which can lead to gastric torsion if consumed over a long period of time. In addition, large amounts of carbohydrates can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal diseases or diabetes. Feeding proteins in the form of protein can lead to liver or kidney damage in the long term, as the breakdown products can put a strain on the organs when metabolized in large quantities. Carbohydrates and proteins are therefore not a long-term replacement for fat for energy production.
