My only experience with the BARF-type diet is with our poor Newfoundland who was damaged for life from a few weeks eating raw food.
Our Newfie was fed on a raw diet until we got him at 12 weeks. Our Vet. says that his deformed leg bones were caused by an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. He suggested that, unless we had access to a lab to analyze the mineral content of the food, we stick to a professionally prepared food.
The pup also arrived with a bacterial infection, worms, and dry brittle fur from the raw meat.
Here is a link that gives information on the other side of the BARF discussion.
www.secondchan ceranch.org/rawmeat.htmlSo far, his twisted legs have resulted in $4,000.00 worth of surgery, and that is only for one joint on one leg.
How do you raw feeders ensure that the mineral balance is correct? Most commercial dog food is just nasty. I am getting a Cane Corso pup and do not want to repeat the mistakes the Newfie's breeder made with him.