What's The Difference Between BARF and PMR Diets For Your Dog?

Your dog is like another member of your family. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to what you’re feeding your dog. Some diets are better than others to feed your dog.

With so many diets out there today, it can be difficult for a responsible pet owner to know what diet is best for your dog. For instance, take these two dog diets: the BARF dog diet and the PMR dog diet.

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet and the PMR (Prey Model Raw) diet are each unique and provide their own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to providing a balanced, nutritious meal for your pup. Read below to learn more about the BARF diet and PMR diet, and which diet is right for your dog.

What is the BARF Diet?

The BARF diet is a type of raw dog food diet. The BARF diet means a wide variety of uncooked meat, bones, fruits & vegetables, whole grains, supplements, and dairy items for your pet.

Switching to a raw dog food diet versus a traditional processed dog food diet route can be great because raw food diets contain more protein than most commercial food options. As a result, choosing to give your dog a BARF diet can help boost your dog’s health and well-being. This is because the diet will reduce any digestive issues or allergies your dog may be fighting while also helping your pup maintain a healthy weight.

A BARF diet is unique because it follows a specific ratio/ formula to provide your dog with the right amount of nutrients.

• - 70% uncooked muscle meat

• - 10% raw bone

• - 10% vegetables and fruit

• - 5% liver

• - 5% other secreting organs

Some common BARF diet food items you may consider giving your dog include foods like turkey, pork, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, carrots, and cranberries.

Advantages of the BARF Diet for Dogs

The BARF diet is great for dogs because they are carnivores by nature. This means raw diets are great for dogs because they contain fresh, natural meat that parallels how your dog would naturally consume raw meat as if they were in the wild.

The BARF diet has many benefits. According to FETCH by WebMD, these benefits include:

• - Shinier Coats

• - Healthier Skin

• - Cleaner Teeth

• - Increased Energy Levels

• - Decreased Stool Size

What is the PMR Diet?

The PMR diet is another great option for your pooch. Like the BARF diet, the PMR diet is high in protein and provides your dog with only the most natural, unprocessed nutrients.

Like the BARF diet, the PMR diet contains high amounts of protein compared to most commercial pet food products on the market today. This is great for your dog because fresh, natural, unprocessed meat makes your dog healthier and will help them maintain a healthy weight without all the added processed ingredients in traditional dog food products.

A PMR diet, like the BARF diet, follows a specific ratio/ formula to provide your dog with the right amount of nutrients. This ratio includes:

• - 80% muscle meat

• - 10% bone

• - 5% liver

• - 5% other organs

One key difference you’ll notice from this PMR formula compared to the BARF diet formula is that it lacks fruits and vegetables. This is seen as a major disadvantage for this PMR diet because without fruits and vegetables incorporated into the diet anywhere, this does not give your dog the complete nutrients it needs to live a happy and healthy life. If you only give your dog a PMR diet, deficiencies in zinc, manganese, and vitamins D3 and E may occur.

Advantages of the PMR Diet for Dogs

Besides the PMR diet lacking fruits and vegetables, this diet still has some fantastic health benefits for your dog, like the BARF diet. This includes:

• - Increased Energy

• - Improved Oral Health

• - Improved Coat Health

• - Better Immune System

Which Diet is Right for Your Dog?

Your dog deserves only the best diet that will give them the strength and energy they need to live a long and healthy life. That’s why considering which diet to feed your dog is essential to your dog’s health and well-being.

With so many diets advertised today for pet owners, it can be overwhelming to know which diet is right for your pet. The BARF diet and PMR diet are two great, protein-rich diets discussed above that may provide many advantages for your dog.

Each diet consists of raw food, which is heavily based on natural, unprocessed meats so you’ll know your pet is getting enough protein to lead a strong life. Likewise, the unprocessed element of both diets compared to traditional, processed dog food allows your dog to feel more like their ancestors out in the wild because of this consumption of raw meat.

With that said, how do you know whether to choose between the BARF and PMR diet?

Although each diet is slightly different, a key aspect of the PMR diet is that it does not contain fruits and vegetables. This is crucial to understand because, without fruits and vegetables, your dog is not having a complete, balanced diet with all the essential nutrients it needs to lead a healthy life. Therefore, if you had to choose, choose the BARF diet or a variation of the PMR diet that includes added fruits and vegetables. This way, your dog will get all the nutrients it needs, and you can watch your pet live a happy, healthy life thanks to their delicious, all-natural raw food diet.

BIO: Melissa Smith is a passionate dog lover, part time pet-sitter and writes for Raw and Fresh on all things pet-related. A former dog trainer and walker, she’s spent over a decade professionally learning a thing or two about our canine buddies.