Some people are worried about bacteria in raw food. They believe bacteria will make their dog sick. However, dogs have evolved to eat and thrive on food that may have bacteria present. The dog being a scavenger, thrives on the presence of microbes in his or her food. Wild dogs eat the gut contents of their prey, and the feces of many different animals. They also eat soil, contaminated meat, buried bones, infected meat and so on. These are all a source of microbes and any toxins they might produce. In addition, the dog has certain defenses unlike the human that enables it to handle bacteria in a different way than a human. A shorter digestive track and a more acidic PH in the stomach create a mechanism of defense against harmful bacteria.

Raw meat does of course carry bacteria. However, the presence of bacteria does not mean that disease will result! It would be impossible to guarantee that any meat source, for human or animal consumption, be totally sterile of all bacteria. Even in the most sanitary of manufacturing facilities or the most spotless kitchens there is a possibility that bacterial contamination may be present. Certain conditions have to exist in order for bacteria to multiply to a point where their numbers are capable of causing disease. Plus, those bacteria will have to be very specific strains that are capable of producing disease.

 Product Care and Safe Handling

By following the directions on packaged BARF DIET™ products,
your dog can enjoy high quality, nutritious and healthy food.

The BARF DIET™ packaging is designed to protect the flavor, color, moisture content and nutritional value from the freezer climate. All natural ingredients are selected at their peak and processed under optimal conditions. The resulting product is flash frozen and kept in a consistent subzero temperature to prevent moisture migration. Holes placed on the side of the packaging allows for trapped air to escape when placing product into the outer cases.

Preparation
A raw pet food diet will spoil if left unrefrigerated for an extended period of time. To thaw, remove required patties from the bag, place in a container with lid and defrost in the refrigerator. We recommend using stainless steel dishes. Any excess food not eaten should be discarded.

Safe Handling Instructions
Raw meat products may contain bacteria that could cause illness if mishandled. Keep raw meat separate from other foods; wash working surfaces, utensils and hands with hot soapy water after each feeding. Treat as you would any raw meat product. Dr. Billinghurst's BARF DIET™ should be used within 2-3 days of thawing. Do not re-freeze once it has been defrosted.

How Much to Feed?
No two dogs are alike in their metabolic rates, age, or activity levels but do remember that a lean dog will be healthier in the long run. You can feed more or less of the diet in order to keep your dog at its optimum weight.

Feeding Directions...
Feed normal active dogs 2% of their body weight per day. For example, a 50 pound dog may do very well on one pound of food per day, a 100 pound dog, 2 pounds of  food per day. A highly active dog may require 3% of their body weight per day. In the case of a 50 pound dog, they would then require about one and a half pounds of food per day, a 100 pound dog, 3 pounds per day.

Dr. Billinghurst's BARF DIET™ Feeding Guide

2% body weight		4% body weight		6% body weight
12 lb. dog	½ Patty/day	12 lb. dog	1 Patty/day	12 lb. dog	1 ½ Patty/day
25 lb. dog	1 Patty/day	25 lb. dog	2 Patties/day	25 lb. dog	3 Patties/day
50 lb. dog	2 Patties/day	50 lb. dog	4 Patties/day	50 lb. dog	6 Patties/day
100 lb. dog	4 Patties/day	100 lb. dog	8 Patties/day	100 lb. dog	12 Patties/day

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