26. March 2025
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Checklist, Health, Nutrition, Tips

The right dog food

The optimal diet for your dog

Opinions differ widely on the right diet for dogs. Some are convinced that dogs should be fed a grain-free diet. Others favor barf, some prefer to cook their own food and many dog owners prefer to simply open a can.

As with training, there is no clear right or wrong when it comes to food – as long as food is off limits. The right diet for your dog depends on many factors: Age, activity level, state of health, but also your own preferences and budget play a role. Here is an overview of the three most common feeding methods:

1 BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding)

The BARF method relies on raw, fresh ingredients and promises a particularly natural diet for your dog. Many owners report a shiny coat, more energy and better digestion. But how exactly does BARF work – and what needs to be considered?

Advantages

  • Fresh and natural ingredients without hidden additives

  • Individual adaptation to age, activity and allergies

  • Often better digestibility and more beautiful coat structure

  • Promotes dental care through raw chewing

Disadvantages

  • High planning and time expenditure

  • Risk of bacterial infections with poor hygiene

  • Risk of nutrient imbalances if implemented incorrectly

2. ready-made food (dry or wet food)

Whether in a can or as dry food: ready-to-eat food is practical and versatile. But the colorful packaging often hides big differences in quality. What makes good food – and what should you look out for when buying it?

Advantages

  • Fast, comfortable feeding – ideal for everyday use

  • Nutrients are already coordinated by experts

  • Large selection for different needs

Disadvantages

  • Partly artificial additives or inferior ingredients

  • Difficult to recognize declarations for many brands

  • Little scope for individual adjustments

3. self-prepared food

Cooking for your dog yourself? If you want full control over ingredients and quality, homemade food is an interesting alternative. But to keep it really healthy, you need knowledge and a good sense of balance.

Advantages

  • Full control over the quality and origin of the ingredients

  • Adaptable to preferences, allergies and health conditions

Disadvantages

  • Requires knowledge of dog nutrition and requirements

  • Time-consuming shopping, planning and cooking

  • Possible risk of inadequate supply without advice

 

Recipe: Simple BARF meal for beginners

Would you like to try BARF but don’t know exactly how to get started? This simple recipe for beginners gives you an initial, safe framework – tailored to a healthy, adult dog (approx. 20-25 kg).

  • 250 g beef muscle meat (e.g. heart or leg)
  • 100 g rumen or leaf stomach
  • 50 g carrots (grated or steamed)
  • 50 g zucchini or pumpkin (lightly steamed)
  • 1 teaspoon salmon oil or linseed oil (for omega-3)
  • 1 pinch of eggshell powder (for calcium)
  • Optional: herbs (e.g. parsley), pinch of seaweed meal (for iodine)

👉 Mix all ingredients well, wait for room temperature – ready. Important: This recipe does not replace a permanent ration calculation. For long-term BARF feeding, please seek professional advice!

Book tip: Healthy & easy to cook yourself

Would you like to go deeper and feed your dog yourself in the long term – with fresh, balanced meals? This book is a valuable companion for beginners and advanced users.

📖 “Dogs would live longer if …” by Jutta Ziegler

An honest, practical book about species-appropriate dog nutrition, disease prevention and the importance of natural ingredients. The author is a vet and criticizes common feeding practices – ideal for all those who want to think and create for themselves.

Note: The link is an affiliate link. If you buy through this link, HolaWuff will receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you.

A contribution from DoggyVibes, Holawuff