Healthy food for dogs – an overview of the different feeding methods
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Why species-appropriate feeding is so important – with the knowledge of Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf
Our dogs' diets have a huge impact on their health, well-being, and quality of life. But which type of feeding is best? Opinions vary widely – from dry food and wet food to raw food (BARF). Especially in German-speaking countries, two experts have made a name for themselves when it comes to healthy and species-appropriate nutrition for dogs: Swanie Simon and Nadine Wolf.
Who are Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf?
Swanie Simon
- Animal healer 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 based on the model of the wolf
Nadine Wolf
- Author, blogger and expert consultant for species-appropriate dog nutrition
- Operator of “The BARF Blog”
- Known for her understandable explanations of complex nutritional questions
- Author of “The BARF Book”, a standard work for dog owners
Why are they so competent?
- Both combine practical experience with sound specialist knowledge
- Years of advising dog owners with individual challenges
- Focus on knowledge instead of dogma – no black and white thinking, but solution-oriented advice
The different feeding methods – advantages and disadvantages
1. BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food
Principle: Raw feeding based on the wolf’s natural prey
Ingredients: Meat, offal, bones, vegetables, fruit, oils, herbs
Advantages:
- Fresh and without artificial additives
- Individually customizable
- Good control over the ingredients
- Natural dental care through bones
- Helpful for allergies or intolerances
Disadvantages:
- Requires expertise for correct assembly
- Time-consuming in preparation & planning
- More difficult during vacation or illness
- Some dogs cannot tolerate raw bones
2. Cooked feeding (home-cooked)
Principle: Freshly cooked meals made from meat, vegetables, fruit, oils and possibly carbohydrates
Advantages:
- Fresh & easy to control
- Lower germ load than raw feeding
- Individually adaptable, even for sick dogs
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming
- Expertise required to avoid nutrient deficiencies
- Additional calcium source often necessary
3. Dry food (kibble)
Principle: Industrial feed in pressed or extruded form
Advantages:
- Practical & simple
- Long lasting
- Available at a reasonable price
Disadvantages:
- Often inferior ingredients & fillers
- High processing temperatures destroy nutrients
- Low moisture content – puts strain on kidneys and 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 customizable
- Often long storage times
General tips for healthy dog food
- Transparency: The list of ingredients should be clear and understandable
- Origin: Meat from species-appropriate husbandry wherever possible
- Additives: As few artificial additives as possible
- Individual adaptation: Nutrition should take into account age, activity & health status
Conclusion
There's no "one perfect way to feed" all dogs—every dog is different. But: the fresher, more natural, and more personalized the food, the better for their health.
With the knowledge of Swanie Simon & Nadine Wolf, dog owners have the chance to design their four-legged friend’s diet in a species-appropriate and healthy way – adapted to the dog’s everyday life and needs.
Would you like support in transitioning to species-appropriate feeding? Feel free to contact me – I'll be happy to help!
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“If you want to delve deeper into the topic, I can highly recommend the following books:
- The BARF Book: Including 14 recipes by Nadine Wolf https://amzn.to/3QETWN7
- BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Food for Puppies and Pregnant Bitches by Swanie Simon https://amzn.to/3XmLyFK
- BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food for Dogs by Swanie Simon https://amzn.to/4bq3nK8
- BARF SENIOR - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food for Older Dogs and Those with Illnesses by Swanie Simon https://amzn.to/3Fap1Wm
By purchasing through these links, you support me and my blog – there are no additional costs for you.”