Barf And Growing

[felix]

Hi all

I think I have read somewhere that pups on barf diet grow slower.

First, is this true?

And if it is true, is the growing simply extended over longer period of time?

Cheers

[Cavandra]

From what I observe, BARF fed pups grow normally, and commercially fed pups grow artificially, which likely is too fast!

[Red Mal]

I've known breeders of my breed and others who have fed pups on Barf and pups on commercial food, with no noticeable difference in either. Pups have grown at the same rate regardless.

[The Spotted Devil]

I would think it would depend on the content of the feed rather than BARF vs dry food - i.e. high protein, high fat, high calories = a pup that grows faster.

[Ah Ngau]

Agree with The Spotted Devil, it is all about the quality and quantity of the feed.

Both of my dogs grew up on BARF. The golden retriever grew at a normal rate because I watched his weight gain closely to prevent any hip problem. But for my sheltie, I was a little lax in the feeding department. We had a get together with his litter mates when he was 8 months old. He stood like a little giant among his dry food fed siblings.