BARF is an abbreviation for “biologically appropriate raw food”. The BARF method is based on the idea that the diet that wild dogs and wolves eat is also optimal for pet dogs. Therefore, one looks at the feeding habits of wild dogs and wolves and tries to get as close to this by making food consisting of raw meat, raw bones, offal/organs and a supplement of vegetables and vitamins. This meat is typically formed into meatballs and frozen raw.
BARF is neither prepared nor processed – and without artificial additives.
Is BARF good for dogs?
It is up to the individual dog owner – and the dog’s needs – to assess whether BARF is the right food. There are many opinions out there, so our best advice is to familiarize yourself with the method and choose a high-quality manufacturer.
Always choose quality: Look for a manufacturer who works responsibly and hygienically, uses fresh ingredients, and freezes quickly and correctly to minimize bacterial growth.
Considerations before you get started:
1) Do you have enough freezer space?
2) Are you okay with handling raw meat (e.g. in relation to small children and kitchen hygiene)?
3) Are you often on the go, so storing/thawing becomes impractical?
Always pay attention to how your dog reacts to food. Some dogs may be sensitive to certain proteins. The simplest “test” is your dog’s well-being: If the coat, stomach, energy level and stool are fine – and you see a positive difference – the answer is often yes. If not, BARF may not be the right match for your dog.
MUSH dog food – retailer
In Hunni we sell MUSH – a Finnish manufacturer of BARF. They use meat from nearby suppliers and compose their own recipes with added vegetables. Finland is known for high food safety and fewer pesticides in agriculture. The country also has a national salmonella surveillance program, which provides a good basis for control in the production chain.
MUSH chooses where the raw materials come from, so they can utilize the latest knowledge about raw feeding while also controlling production and packaging. MUSH BARF typically consists of 90–95% raw meat, organs and bones – as well as a smaller proportion of raw vegetables.
MUSH dog food
We have as many varieties in stock as our freezer space allows – selected so there is something for beginners, dogs with allergies and puppies. Read more about the varieties we have in the store below.
MUSH Vaisto
MUSH Vaisto is the complete food series – and the most popular. Vaisto is composed like a “prey”: meat, bones, organs and a bit of greens (to mimic the stomach contents of herbivorous prey). The recipes are adapted to the dog’s biology, the raw nutrients are easy to absorb, and because Vaisto is made from raw ingredients, the dog also gets natural enzymes. Vaisto is ideal as a beginner BARF or for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
MUSH Hella
Hella contains only one protein source and is boneless. The calcium source is eggshells. The products are balanced with a natural vitamin and mineral blend of carefully selected herbs and plants. Hella is available in two varieties (beef and chicken) and contains fermented vegetables and lactic acid bacteria for gastrointestinal balance. Omega-3 fish oil and olive oil are added.
MUSH Basic
MUSH Basic is a complementary food that you can combine and mix as needed – for example with meat, bones and vegetables. We have the Basic variants: tripe (without bones), vegetables, beef cartilage bones and chicken neck. Basic Bones (beef cartilage bones and chicken neck) can also be used as a chew snack.
MUSH Puppy
MUSH has two puppy varieties. If your puppy is not used to raw yet, start with Vaisto Green or one of the Hella varieties. When the puppy's stomach is used to BARF and the stool is normal, you can switch to Vaisto Puppy. Feed the Puppy variety until the puppy is fully grown.
MUSH freeze-dried
MUSH freeze-dried complete food is made using the same recipe as the frozen food – but is freeze-dried. It is easy to store (does not require freezing), weighs less and preserves flavor and nutrients through the manufacturing method.
How much BARF should my dog have?
It depends on age, size and activity level – as well as which variant you feed. Each variant has a feeding guide that indicates the daily amount for complete feeding. Use the guide as a starting point – and adjust according to the dog's body shape and weight.
MUSH dosage (indicative)
Puppies (over 8 weeks): approximately 5–10% of body weight per day divided into 2–4 meals.
Adult dogs: approximately 2–4% of body weight per day (adjust according to activity and body type).
