A Complete Guide by Life Stage: Puppy, Adult, Senior
By Xolos Ramírez | June 2025
What is the BARF Diet?
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It’s a nutritional model based on feeding dogs a natural, raw, and unprocessed diet that mimics what their wild ancestors would eat—meats, bones, organs, and small portions of fruits and vegetables. This model avoids ultra-processed kibble, additives, or fillers, and focuses on nutrient-dense, fresh ingredients.
For Xoloitzcuintles—a uniquely hairless and ancient Mexican breed—the BARF diet offers a natural solution that supports their skin, digestion, and immune system. Their metabolism is efficient, and their exposed skin requires high-quality nutrients to stay healthy and hydrated. Many Xolo owners have turned to BARF as a way to enhance the well-being and longevity of their dogs.
Why BARF is Ideal for Xoloitzcuintles
The Xoloitzcuintle is a primitive breed with unique needs:
-
Hairless skin that requires hydration and omega-rich nutrition
-
Sensitive digestion prone to reacting to artificial additives
-
Fast metabolism that thrives on bioavailable proteins and fats
BARF aligns with these needs by providing:
-
High-quality animal proteins for muscle and repair
-
Natural essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and 6) to improve skin and reduce inflammation
-
Bioavailable vitamins and minerals from organs and vegetables
-
Better hydration and digestibility compared to dry kibble
Many Xolos on BARF diets show:
-
Glowing skin and fewer rashes
-
Firmer, smaller stools
-
Better muscle tone and weight control
-
Higher energy and immune resilience
General Composition of a BARF Meal
A balanced BARF diet typically includes:
| Ingredient Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Raw meaty bones | 40–50% |
| Muscle meat | 15–20% |
| Organs (liver, heart) | 10% |
| Vegetables/fruits | 15–20% |
| Supplements/extras | 5% |
These proportions may vary slightly depending on age, activity level, and health conditions.
Stage-by-Stage: BARF for Puppies, Adults, and Seniors
1. Xoloitzcuintle Puppies (0–12 months)
Puppies grow rapidly and need extra calories, calcium, and protein. BARF is safe for puppies when carefully balanced. Use soft, digestible meats and bones like chicken necks or wings.
Feeding ratio by age (as % of body weight):
-
2–4 months: 10%
-
4–6 months: 8%
-
6–8 months: 6%
-
8–12 months: 4–5%
🦴 Example meal for a 5-month-old puppy (8 kg):
-
300g chicken wings (meaty bones)
-
150g ground turkey
-
100g blended pumpkin and spinach
-
50g liver + heart
-
1 quail egg with crushed shell
-
1 tsp fish oil
Feed in 3–4 meals/day. Monitor weight weekly.
2. Adult Xoloitzcuintles (1–7 years)
Once mature, most Xolos do well on 2.5% of body weight per day (adjust to 2% for low activity or 3% for very active dogs).
Prioritize:
-
Variety of animal proteins (chicken, beef, fish, lamb)
-
Omega-rich oils (salmon, flaxseed)
-
Crunchy vegetables like zucchini or carrots (grated or pureed)
-
Rotation of liver, kidney, and spleen for micronutrient diversity
🦴 Example meal for a 15 kg adult Xolo:
-
200g beef chunks
-
150g chicken necks
-
75g liver + kidney mix
-
100g grated veggies (carrot, apple, kale)
-
1 tsp kelp powder + 1 capsule fish oil
Split into 2 meals/day and always provide clean water.
3. Senior Xolos (8+ years)
Senior dogs need:
-
Lower fat intake to reduce pancreas/liver strain
-
More fiber to aid slower digestion
-
Easy-to-chew or ground bones (especially if teeth are missing)
-
Joint and brain support (omega-3, turmeric, green-lipped mussel)
Reduce to about 2% of body weight or slightly less if sedentary. Avoid hard bones and use ground raw bones or calcium supplements.
🦴 Example meal for a 10-year-old 14 kg Xolo:
-
120g ground turkey
-
80g ground bone mix
-
60g soft steamed vegetables (sweet potato, broccoli)
-
40g heart + spleen
-
1 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp coconut oil
-
Splash of bone broth (gelatinous, joint support)
Serve food warm or at room temperature to boost appetite.
Benefits of BARF for Xolos
✅ Improved digestion – fewer, smaller stools
✅ Healthy, hydrated skin – reduced flakiness and inflammation
✅ Muscle development – ideal body condition
✅ Stronger immune system – thanks to vitamins, antioxidants
✅ Better dental health – chewing bones naturally cleans teeth
✅ Mental stimulation – raw food and bones satisfy instincts
Potential Risks (and How to Prevent Them)
⚠️ Bacterial contamination
→ Use human-grade meat, freeze before serving, handle with hygiene
⚠️ Nutritional imbalance
→ Follow ratios, vary ingredients, use a supplement plan or vet guidance
⚠️ Choking on bones
→ Always feed raw bones, never cooked; supervise chewing; adjust size to dog
⚠️ Digestive upset (early transition)
→ Start slow, blend into current food, observe stool and skin reactions
⚠️ Time and storage needs
→ Meal-prep weekly and freeze; label portions for easy defrosting
Tips for a Successful BARF Transition
-
Go slow: Gradually mix BARF with old food over 7–10 days
-
Observe: Skin, energy, poop, and weight are key health indicators
-
Use tools: Weigh portions with a scale; use food-safe gloves
-
Rotate meats: Don’t rely on one protein source
-
Freeze in advance: Plan meals for the week to save time
Final Thoughts
A properly implemented BARF diet can transform your Xoloitzcuintle’s health from the inside out. From shinier skin to sharper energy and cleaner digestion, the results speak for themselves.
As always, consult a canine nutritionist or holistic vet to ensure balance and safety, especially for puppies or seniors. When fed with love and knowledge, the BARF diet honors your Xolo’s ancestral nature and brings you closer through care, ritual, and shared vitality.
📚 Read the full guide with examples and infographics (in Spanish):
https://www.xolosramirez.com/2025/06/01/alimentación-barf-para-xoloitzcuintles-guía-completa-por-edad/
🇲🇽 Xolos Ramírez – Guardians of an Ancient Breed
Escribir comentario