First of all, "Raw" simply means "raw" in English. Therefore, regardless of the model chosen, there is a good chance that you will be feeding Raw, therefore, with raw meat. That being said, let's take a closer look at the major Raw trends available in France.
The Prey Model
The Prey Model tends to reconstitute a prey that the dog could find in nature according to the following ratios: 45% muscle meat, 45% fleshy bones, and 10% offal including 5% liver , and that's all ! In this approach, any vegetable product is prohibited, from vegetables to starchy foods, as well as any supplement such as oil, seaweed, or vitamin or mineral supplement.
The main positive point of this mode of feeding is the ease of preparation. Indeed, the absence of cooking and diversity (apart from the diversity of the meats distributed), makes it possible to overcome a certain number of manipulations.
Amounts are defined as a percentage of body weight. In general, 2% when a dog needs to lose weight, 2.5% to stay stable and 3% to gain weight. The problem with this method of calculation is that it does not take into account the individual particularities of the dog to calculate its energy requirement expressed in Kcal. As a result, the adjustment will be made according to the weight gain or loss of the animal, without measuring the impact on the consistency of both the energy requirement and the associated nutritional requirements.
Unfortunately, a ration composed solely of these meat products does not allow an optimal balance. The absence of fruits and vegetables is problematic for good intestinal functioning.Indeed, although they are carnivores, dogs need soluble and insoluble fibers both to nourish the microbiota and the intestinal flora, and for the normal functioning of the intestinal tract. Finally, to a lesser extent, they provide phytonutrients contributing to good general he alth.
On the other hand, it is easy to realize by comparing the nutritional values of the ingredients (using the site ciqual.anses.fr) to the proportions used that the Prey Model is often deficient in magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, manganese, and vitamin D if you don't distribute fish. Contrary to deficiencies, the distribution of 5% liver generally provides up to 400% of vitamin A requirements. Although these doses do not reach toxic thresholds, it is appropriate to question the consistency of such levels distributed daily, vitamin A being a fat-soluble vitamin that the body is able to store and interacting with other nutrients and vitamins.
The BARF
The BARF uses the principles of the Prey Model in terms of the distribution of meat foods and the calculation of the quantities required. However, the latter authorizes plants in the form of mixed and pureed fruits and vegetables up to one tablespoon per 10kg of body weight. The BARF also authorizes the use of vegetable or animal oils, thus allowing a better balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the ration.
Given a distribution of ingredients equal to the Prey Model, the BARF has the same disadvantages in terms of balance, except for the fibers, which although insufficient, have the merit of existing within of this model, and of a more flexible vision of the use of complements although they are generally used empirically.
PMR+
Behind this term hides the term "Prey Model +" , and it comes straight from the United States.It is an ideal compromise between a prey model ration and a control of energy and nutritional needs. You could say that PMR+ is positioned as a nutritional and scientific approach to BARF.
Most of the time, it is advisable to start from a base identical to the Prey Model: 45/45/5/5, even if in France the approach tends to be around 45/30 /7/3+15% plants.
Starting from this basis, it is then necessary to calculate the energy requirement of the animal as well as its nutritional needs, and to adapt the rations accordingly.
As a result, the PMR+ encourages the use of fruits and vegetables, but also of supplements when food is not sufficient to cover all needs (which is possible in the event of caloric restriction when an animal needs to lose weight, or when he suffers from intolerances). It also allows the reasoned and well-chosen use of starchy foods to meet an increased energy requirement or to balance the ration.The oils are chosen to obtain the perfect omega3/6 ratio, whether vegetable or animal.
The major positive point is the control of the contributions while keeping an open mind on the balance which can be done over a maximum week, by selecting the nutrients which can be or not.
The negative point can be a certain difficulty in embarking on a more scientific and calculated approach.
Finally, if you want to change your dog's diet, do not hesitate to get help from professionals or knowledgeable enthusiasts who can guide you towards an individualized approach for your dog. Don't hesitate any longer, you won't be disappointed!