[107barney]

Originally Posted by Marilize

Prey model raw isn't high in protein. That is a common myth or fallacy. Meat is high in water, but only contains about 15% protein. Please check the USDA's food list if you doubt this: Foods List. Beef heart for example only has 17% protein while Royal Canin kibble has 20% protein.
BARF is often sold in mixtures or pre-made meals, aka prepackaged meals. In premade mixtures, you don't know the percentage of protein or bone, or the source of the meat. Personally I wouldn't recommend a mixture of unknown origin without a proper nutritional analysis to a dog requiring lower protein.

If there are studies to prove the anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil, they weren't done on carnivores, but on rats, rabbits and humans (herbivores and omnivores). Herbivores and omnivores do very well on vegetables and fruits, but carnivores simply don't. Carnivores don't process plant based oils very well because their digestive systems are geared towards digesting animal based products. Simply put, plant based materials take too long to digest for a dog and they cause a lag in digestion. As they ferment in a dog's stomach, they cause inflammation, gas and bloat.

Dogs do great on coconut oil. It's antiinflammatory, causes no gas or bloating. Not even in my dog with life long IBD. There's a big diff between coco oil and refined processed plant based oils. Dogs are opportunistic omnivores not obligate carnivores so they can and do digest these foods vet well. I'm not saying every dog should be a vegetarian but mine has been thriving and staying well for 7 years now (she's 12.5) eating exclusively vegan.