Nutrition & BARF

A Guide For Border Collie Owners

What Is BARF?

BARF Diet for Border Collies: A Natural and Balanced Approach

BARF is commonly used to describe a biologically appropriate raw-food style of feeding.

Some owners choose a BARF-style diet because they prefer a fresh or minimally processed approach to feeding.

However, feeding raw food does not automatically mean that a diet is complete or balanced.

A suitable diet needs to provide the correct balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

This is particularly important for growing puppies, whose nutritional requirements are different from those of adult dogs.

UNDERSTANDING THE BARF DIET

A BARF-style diet may include a combination of animal-based ingredients and selected plant ingredients.

Depending on the individual feeding plan, this may include:

Muscle meat
Raw meat bones
Organ meats
Suitable vegetables
Appropriate fruit
Sources of essential fatty acids
Necessary vitamins and minerals

The proportions and nutritional requirements need to be considered carefully.

Simply feeding meat or combining ingredients without considering nutritional balance can result in deficiencies or excesses.

For puppies, a properly formulated growth diet is particularly important.

Raw does not automatically mean complete or balanced.

Feeding meat on its own, or mixing ingredients without a plan, can leave a dog short of some nutrients and getting too much of others. This matters most for puppies, who need a properly formulated growth diet.

CORE PROTEIN SOURCES IN AUSTRALIA

Protein provides the building blocks dogs need to grow, and to maintain and repair their bodies.

Common Australian options include:

1. Kangaroo

Kangaroo is a lean, high-protein meat that is naturally free-range and abundant in Australia. It’s also low in fat and considered hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

2. Beef & Lamb

Australian beef and lamb are high-quality protein sources rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Both are commonly used in raw feeding and can include muscle cuts, heart (a muscle, not an organ), liver, kidney, and green tripe (if available).

3. Chicken & Turkey

Chicken is one of the most accessible and affordable BARF meats. Chicken necks, wings, and carcasses offer both meat and bone. Turkey, though slightly less common, is also an excellent lean protein.

4. Fish

Fish is an incredibly valuable addition to the BARF diet. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish helps reduce inflammation, supports brain and eye health, and promotes a shiny coat. In Australia, popular fish choices for dogs include:

Salmon (raw with bones, or canned in water)
Pilchards or Sardines (preferably wild-caught, canned in water)
Mackerel

Fish should be fed 1–2 times a week or included in small portions as part of the weekly plan. Always ensure fish is fresh and free from parasites.

ESSENTIAL PLANT INGREDIENTS IN BARF

Vegetables and fruit can add fibre and extra nutrients when used in sensible amounts.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It helps support the immune system and offers detoxifying properties. Feed in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.

2. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another cruciferous vegetable that provides vitamin K, C, and folate. It’s low in calories but high in fiber and works well when lightly steamed or blended into meals.

3. Pumpkin & Sweet Potato

Both are excellent sources of soluble fiber, which helps with digestion and stool formation. Pumpkin is also known to soothe upset stomachs in dogs.

4. Spinach & Kale

These leafy greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. Use in moderation due to their oxalate content, which can interfere with calcium absorption in large quantities.

5. Carrots, Apples & Berries

Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, while apples (without seeds) provide fiber and vitamin C. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are especially useful for aging dogs.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED BARF DIET

Some owners notice these changes when feeding a well-balanced fresh diet.

1. Improved Digestion & Stool Quality

Dogs on a raw diet tend to produce smaller, firmer, and less frequent stools due to better nutrient absorption and the absence of indigestible fillers.

2. Healthier Skin & Coat

Thanks to the high content of natural fats and oils—especially from fish and eggs—dogs often develop shinier coats, reduced itchiness, and fewer skin irritations.

3. Dental Health

Raw bones act as a natural toothbrush for dogs, reducing tartar and plaque buildup. This helps maintain healthy gums and fresh breath.

4. Enhanced Energy & Vitality

Owners often note a marked increase in their dogs’ energy levels, especially among older dogs or those previously on processed kibble.

5. Stronger Immune Function

The natural vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics in raw food diets help support the immune system, making dogs more resilient to illness and infections.

6. Healthy Weight

A raw diet helps maintain lean muscle mass and can assist in weight loss for overweight dogs due to the lack of excessive carbs and fillers.

Results vary between dogs and are based on owner experience. Talk to your vet about what’s right for your dog.

IMPORTANT BARF CONSIDERATIONS

Nutritional Balance: Avoiding Common Mistakes

A raw diet should be carefully planned, not based on guesswork. Too much or too little of a nutrient can cause health problems over time.

This matters most for puppies, because their needs are different from adult dogs. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or a qualified animal nutritionist to help you plan a balanced diet, or choose a complete commercial raw diet.

Transitioning to a BARF Diet

If changing your dog’s diet, switch slowly over about 7 to 10 days, increasing new food and decreasing the old.

Monitor your dog’s:

Appetite
Stool quality
Weight
Energy levels
General wellbeing

If your dog develops persistent digestive problems or other concerning symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

For puppies, dogs with medical conditions or dogs with specific nutritional requirements, seek professional advice before making significant dietary changes.

Safety & Hygiene

Raw food can carry bacteria that can make dogs and people sick, so handle it carefully.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw food
Clean surfaces, utensils and bowls regularly
Keep raw food separate from human food
Store food at the right temperature and thaw it safely
Throw out spoiled food

Take extra care if your household includes young children, elderly people, pregnant women or anyone with a weakened immune system.