Why Species-Appropriate Feeding is So Important – With Insights from Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf

Our dogs' nutrition has an enormous impact on their health, well-being, and quality of life. But what is the best type of feeding? Opinions vary widely – from dry food to wet food and raw feeding (BARF). Especially in German-speaking countries, two experts have made a name for themselves when it comes to healthy and species-appropriate dog nutrition: Swanie Simon and Nadine Wolf.

 

Who are Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf?

 

Swanie Simon

• Animal naturopath with decades of experience
  - Pioneer of BARF feeding in German-speaking countries
  - Author of several specialist books, including "BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food"
  - Focus on natural, prey-oriented feeding modeled after wolves

 

Nadine Wolf

• Author, blogger, and specialist consultant for species-appropriate dog nutrition
  - Operator of "Der BARF-Blog"
  - Known for her understandable explanations of complex nutritional questions
  - Author of "Das BARF Buch," a standard work for dog owners

 

Why are they so competent?

• Both combine practical experience with profound expert knowledge
  - Years of advising dog owners with individual challenges
  - Focus on knowledge over dogma – no black-and-white thinking, but solution-oriented advice

 

The Different Feeding Methods – Pros & Cons

1. BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food

Principle: Raw feeding oriented towards the natural prey of the wolf

Components: Meat, offal, bones, vegetables, fruit, oils, herbs

Advantages:
- Fresh and without artificial additives
- Individually adjustable
- Good control over ingredients
- Natural dental care through bones
- Helpful for allergies or intolerances

Disadvantages:
- Requires expertise for correct composition
- Time-consuming in preparation & planning
- More difficult during holidays or illness
- Some dogs cannot tolerate raw bones

 

2. Cooked Feeding (Homemade)

Principle: Freshly cooked meals made from meat, vegetables, fruit, oils, and possibly carbohydrates

Advantages:
- Fresh & easily controllable
- Lower bacterial load than raw feeding
- Individually adjustable, also for sick dogs

Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming
- Expertise required to avoid nutrient deficiencies

 

3. Dry Food (Kibble)

Principle: Industrial food in pressed or extruded form

Advantages:
- Practical & simple
- Long shelf life
- Readily available and inexpensive

Disadvantages:
- Often inferior ingredients & fillers
- High processing temperatures destroy nutrients
- Low moisture content – strains kidneys & bladder
- Not very species-appropriate

 

4. Wet Food (Canned)

Principle: Cooked food in cans or trays

Advantages:
- Higher meat content than dry food
- Higher moisture content – better for kidneys & bladder
- Simple & practical

Disadvantages:
- Quality varies greatly
- Less individually adjustable
- Often long storage times

 

General Tips for Healthy Dog Food

• Transparency: Ingredient list should be clear and understandable
  - Origin: Meat preferably from species-appropriate husbandry
  - Additives: As few artificial additives as possible
  - Individual adjustment: Nutrition should consider age, activity & health status

 

Conclusion

There is no "one perfect feeding method" for all dogs – every dog is different. But: The fresher, more natural & more individualized the food, the better for their health.

With the knowledge of Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf, dog owners have the chance to provide their four-legged friends with species-appropriate & healthy nutrition – adapted to their daily life and needs.

Would you like support in switching to species-appropriate feeding? Feel free to contact me – I will help you!

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If you want to delve deeper into the topic, I highly recommend the following books:

(Amazon link, paid link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

 

• Das BARF-Buch: Inklusive 14 Rezepten by Nadine Wolfhttps://amzn.to/3QETWN7

• BARF Biologisch Artgerechtes Rohes Futter für Welpen und trächtige Hündinnen by Swanie Simonhttps://amzn.to/3XmLyFK

 

• BARF - Biologisch Artgerechtes Rohes Futter für Hunde by Swanie Simonhttps://amzn.to/4bq3nK8

 

• BARF SENIOR - Biologisch Artgerechtes Rohes Futter im Alter und bei Erkrankungen by Swanie Simonhttps://amzn.to/3Fap1Wm

 

By purchasing through these links, you support me and my blog – at no additional cost to you.”