Thanks Christina, for your input. I didn't know that there is a pet nutritionist who is ok with a BARF diet!
Personally I think BARF has too many calculations and supplements to it. I believe a balanced diet is key, but definitely no grains. A grain-based diet for dogs and cats just doesn't make sense to me. Hence, I still feed my dog grain-free kibble from time to time, to use as treats for positive reinforcement, and to supplement the raw meat. Grain-free kibble are usually more expensive because of the lack of "fillers". EVO and Orijen are two good brands, if anyone is interested.
dropdedfwed, yes I think you are absolutely right about dogs needing trace minerals and vitamins and they can't get that from just a diet of meat and bones. I therefore feed my dog, as much as possible, the whole chicken (head, neck, feet, heart, liver, kidney, etc).. Of course I can't feed all that in every meal but over a week, he gets pretty much everything in an animal. I make sure the variety is there and that the dog doesn't just get chicken. After all, each animal has something that another animal does not – one type of meat may be higher in Vitamin B, some may be higher in calcium or zinc, etc.
That said, raw isn't for every dog. Ultimately, I sincerely believe that every pet owner should feed what he/she feels comfortable with and
what the dog does BEST on.