The acronym "BARF" stands for "Bones And Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food". According to the developer of this feeding regimen, it is about "feeding dogs and cats the food they have evolved for over millions of years of genetic adaptation" – a species-appropriate nutrition. The basis of the BARF feeding programme is food provided in their raw form: meat (muscle flesh), meat bones, stripe, leaf stomach, cartilage and innards, vegetables, fruit, additives such as oils and herbs. A crucial prerequisite for healthy animals is a balanced BARF diet composition, meaning that all important components (nutrients, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, proteins, etc.) need to be present in the food in appropriate and sufficient amounts. The amount of food depends on the individual pet; additionally, breed, activity level, and age can help determine the daily food quantity. BARF feeding experts offer a guideline for an adult dog with a normal activity level which is 2-4% of the current body weight in grams as the recommended amount of food per day. Meat, innards, fruit and vegetables need to be offered in bite-sized portions so that your pet can easily chew and swallow the food.