- Before You Begin

Knowledge. Before changing to a BARF diet, review this web site for an overview. Then consult either a veterinarian experienced in raw feeding, a canine nutritionist experienced in raw feeding, or a group experienced in feeding a raw diet. It is important to provide nourishing balanced-over-time meals, to know what to expect, and to learn food buying and preparation tips. At the very least read Lew Olsen’s book, Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs.

Medical. Establish a baseline for your dog: Get a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry, and a general physical exam. Thereafter, annual blood tests will help you monitor your dog's health. See References for blood test info under Other Good Stuff.