Der BARF-Trend in der Hundeernährung – Eine Herausforderung für den Tierarzt?

Abstract

Das Füttern von sog. BARF-Rationen ist ein aktueller Ernährungstrend bei Hunden. Der Übersichtsartikel beschreibt das tierärztliche Spannungsfeld zwischen Motivation und Kenntnisstand der Hundebesitzer auf der einen Seite und den wesentlichen Nachteilen der BARF-Fütterung auf der anderen Seite. Bei vielen Hundebesitzern besteht der Wunsch nach einer „natürlichen und gesunden Fütterung“, wohingegen die Nachteile der BARF-Fütterung maßgeblich durch Imbalancen in der Nährstoffzufuhr und der Kontamination mit Salmonellen hauptsächlich durch rohes Geflügelfleisch gekennzeichnet sind.

Computer‐aided ration calculation (Diet Check Munich©) versus blood profile in raw fed privately owned dogs

“…Zn is one of the frequently undersupplied nutrients in home‐made RMBD rations (Dillitzer et al, 2011; Pedrinelli et al, 2019; Streiff et al, 2002; Vervuert & Rückert, 2017), which also applies to our study (75.9% of the RMBD below RNL). The poor correlation of the nutritional supply with the blood level and possible influence on it by, for example, disease is already described by other studies and authors (Huber et al, 1991; Kamphues, 2014; Logas et al, 1993) which concludes that normal values cannot rule out an excess or deficient supply.…”

“…The overall weak significance, especially considering the lack of an assessment of a medium to longer‐term supply of nutrients, gives rise to doubts that a RMBD blood profile can have the same relevance as a professional ration check. In contrast, a computer‐aided ration calculation can show nutritional imbalances at any given time and thus contribute to corrections (Kölle & Schmidt, 2015; Vervuert & Rückert, 2017). The nutrition consultation at the Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine of the LMU Munich observed empirically poor kidney health in some dogs fed RMBD, especially older ones.…”

“…In addition, it is assumed that the possibly high cereal content in commercial dog food could have an adverse effect on the health of the dog, since it is supposedly not part of the dog's natural diet (Kamphues, 2014; Kölle & Schmidt, 2015). According to dog owners, other advantages of RMBDs versus commercial complete diets/foods are as follows: 1) extended feeding times and thus satisfying chewing needs, provided the food is not minced too much, 2) a precise knowledge of what is being fed, provided no ready‐to‐eat packages are fed and 3) regular bone chewing can positively influence dental health (Dillitzer et al, 2012; Vervuert & Rückert, 2017). In addition, in case of special dietary requirements, such as for certain conditions, preferences and aversions, an individual and needs‐based diet can be provided (Dillitzer et al, 2012; Zentek, 2016a).…”