Raw Food & BARF for Cats and Dogs: Complete Guide from a Vet

The raw feeding community in Indonesia is growing rapidly — thousands of Facebook groups, thousands of TikTok videos. But amid that enthusiasm, much of the information circulating is not medically accurate. This article is a science-based guide from a veterinary perspective.

How to Start Raw Feeding Safely

1. Consult a vet first — confirm your pet is healthy and has no medical conditions that contraindicate raw food
2. Choose trusted sources — fresh meat from specialized raw feeding suppliers or hygienic markets, not old meat from the freezer
3. Start with a single protein — chicken is the most common starting point. Wait 2 weeks before adding a new protein
4. Gradual transition — start with 10% raw / 90% previous food, increase by 10% every 3–5 days
5. Freeze before use — freeze meat for at least 3–5 days at -18°C to kill most parasites
6. Monitor stools — raw-fed stools should be small, firm, white/grey. Prolonged diarrhea means something doesn't agree