I’ve watched enough wildlife, both on the trail and from the quiet edge of a campsite, to know one thing for sure—animals in their natural state don’t rely on processed food. They hunt, forage, and thrive on raw, whole nourishment. You don’t see that kind of vitality coming out of a kibble bag.
That’s how I found Ian Billinghurst’s B.A.R.F. Diet—Biologically-Appropriate Raw Food. And to be honest, it changed how I care for my dogs as much as it changed how I think about nutrition.
Back to Nature, Where They Belong
Billinghurst isn’t just a vet. He’s a voice of reason in a world of processed pet food and marketing gimmicks. His premise is simple: dogs thrive when we feed them the way nature intended—raw meat, bones, and vegetables. Real food. Not mystery pellets with a shelf life longer than my truck.
That struck a chord with me.
As someone who spends most of their time outdoors—camping, hiking, exploring backcountry routes—I’ve always believed in living closer to the earth. Why shouldn’t my dog get the same respect?
What the Wild Teaches Us
Since switching to the B.A.R.F. diet, I’ve noticed real, physical changes. My pointer, Dakota, has more energy on the trail. Her coat? Shimmering. Her breath? Way less swampy. And her digestion is smoother than ever—no more random grass eating or bloated evenings after kibble.
I’ve butchered deer. I know what good meat looks like. When you’re feeding raw, you control the quality. You see every cut, every organ, every veggie blend that goes into their system. You cut the preservatives, the fillers, and the mystery “meat byproducts.”
It’s not just about feeding. It’s about fueling.
Respecting the Biology
Billinghurst dives deep into the science, but he keeps it practical. This isn’t just some fad diet for pampered pets. It’s about honoring the evolutionary design of canines. Their bodies are built for raw. Their teeth, their digestive systems, their behavior—it all points to a raw, carnivorous foundation.
And let me tell you—when you watch your dog crunch through a meaty bone like nature intended, you understand what that means. It’s not just satisfying for them. It’s primal. Instinctive. Real.
Sustainable in the Long Run
For the eco-conscious among us, raw feeding opens a conversation about sourcing. I work with local butchers and small farms. I use game meat when I can. Nothing goes to waste. In fact, feeding raw has made me more mindful about where my food comes from, too.
It’s not always easy. Prepping raw meals takes time and planning. But then again, so does living with intention. And that’s the point.
Not Just a Diet—A Philosophy
The B.A.R.F. Diet isn’t just a feeding guide—it’s a philosophy of care. Of reconnecting animals with their biological roots. Of taking responsibility for what we put into their bodies. It’s for people who believe that our companions deserve more than convenience. They deserve what’s natural.
If you’re the kind of person who believes in hiking with your dog off-leash, in letting them dig, chase, roam, and live the way they’re wired to—then this diet will feel like a natural extension of your values.
It did for me.
