BARF raw dog food is a feeding option that is rapidly gaining popularity with dog owners.

BARF is an acronym for "Bones And Raw Food"

The BARF Raw dog food diet is very beneficial to your dog. However it does take a little bit more time and effort than just jumping in the old SUV and heading down to the local super market for a 50 lb bag of kibble.

One of the challenges that is bound to come up when considering whether to move your dog to a BARF raw dog food diet is of course whether Barkley the dog is going to turn his nose up at it and demand the dry dog food that he's used to.

This is somewhat of a controversial subject among those dog owners who are committed to feeding their dog a BARF raw dog food diet. Some theorize that there is no need for a transition period. That old Barkley needs to just man up and start eating what ever you put in front of him. Others say you must smoothly transition your dog. this is a very important issue. Choosing the wrong approach may lead to your dog having an aversion to BARF raw dog food.

As we all well know, just like humans, no two dogs are alike. You know your dog better than anyone else and probably have a hunch as to how he will take to a complete switch of his diet. Some dogs will eat almost anything placed in front of them. Others are very picky and will only eat certain types of food. Again, you know your dog so just be sensitive to his ability to make the transition.

Keep in mind as you transition that dry dog food and raw food given together may not sit well with your dogs digestive tract. With that said, the most common method used to switch to the BARF raw dog food diet is to mix half and half and see how the dog accepts it. Then gradually reduce the dry amounts as you go.

Another way to transition to the BARF raw dog food is to serve all dry one day and all raw the next.

Again, you know your dog, just ease him into it as best you can.

One thing to watch out for when transitioning to the BARF raw dog food diet is detoxification. This can occur when the dog still has residuals of the old commercial diet is his system. common signs of detoxification can include bad breath, earwax buildup, increased bowl movements, foul odor and even diarrhea.

Be patient if you see these symptoms a day or two after starting the BARF raw dog food diet. They will only last for a few days or so and your dog will actually be much healthier after he gets all of those nasty toxins out of his body.