The risks of the BARF diet connected with bacterial infections for pets and their owner’s

Abstract

The base of the original BARF (Biologically appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) diet was established by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinary surgeon in the 90`s. He advised that 60% of the diet should contain raw meat and bones and the rest should come from vegetables, fruits, and grains. This idea initiated a reform in the diet of companion animals, pets, in North America, Australia and later in the UK. This diet then spread quickly in the European region after the first introduction in the UK and there are many followers of this “new feeding” technique. Although, this method has several advantages, we need to remember the disadvantages, which will be discussed and focused on in this literature review. The main interests in this review will be microbiological risk factors of the BARF diet, towards the owners and the companion animals.