not to sound stupid but whats "Holistic" mean

[emma'sdad]

I’ve just recently seen this word on here and looked at some of the threads, and it’s got me curious. So what exactly does it mean? And what do people mean my BARF, when they are talking about there pets food. Not to sound dumb but if I don’t ask then I’ll never know? Thanks in advance for your help.

LeRay

 

[harleyboxer]

Holistic means all natural, like with herbs instead of chemical medicines. BARF is feeding raw meat.

 

[lafsalot]

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods and/or Bones and Raw Foods. Holistic veterinary medicine is an approach to health care that employs alternative and complementary therapies (ie acupuncture and acutherapy, botanical medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage therapy, etc). ~ Cathy

 

[JulieM]

I very much like this defintion of holistic veterinary medicine, from www.peteducation.com

The philosophy of holistic veterinarians is to look at all aspects of the animal, and be open to using a variety of treatments. Holistic veterinarians often concentrate on nutrition and diet, the environment and lifestyle of the animal, and psychologic state of the animal in the treatment and prevention of disease. Communication between the animal, owner, and veterinarian are emphasized.

Holistic veterinarians use conventional and alternative therapies on a case-by-case basis. They recognize that the most modern veterinary techniques such as ultrasound, sophisticated laboratory tests, and surgical procedures are necessary in caring for an animal. Similarly they believe alternative medicine modalities such as herbal medicine, chiropractic, and others play a significant role as well.

 

[Diane]

It means to look at the whole being and to diagnose from the inside out, taking into account the entire package, lifestyle, eating habbits, exercise, everthing... it is a look at the "whole" package.

 

[emma'sdad]

thanks

Thanks all who replied.
I was thinking that it had something to do with natural healing but wasn't sure.

P.S. So with the BARF people give there dogs uncooked meat. That doesn't seem sanitary.
Are there folks out there that feed a BARF diet but cook the meat? And what about feed a mix of kibble and BARF?

Thanks for your help, I’m learning slowly but surly.
LeRay

 

[lafsalot]

The meat should never be cooked because it makes the bones brittle and they may splinter. Raw bones are more pliable and easily digested.
Dogs do not get food born illnesses like we do because they have shorter digestive tracts and enzymes that generally make them immune to the bacteria (much like their wild ancestors).
Although you can feed your dog both kibble and raw, it should not be offered in the same meal - each are digested differently.
Sounds like you are considering feeding raw. If you use the search engines, you can find a wealth of information. Good luck ~ Cathy

 

[emma'sdad]

Yes I’ve been contemplating it. But I want to do my home work first. I just want what’s best for Emma. I feed her kibble, and to my knowledge it’s a good brand, (IAMS). But she goes potty a lot I’ve heard that if they go pooh a lot then they may need a better grade of food. So that’s the reason that I’ve been looking in to BARFing.

Cathy I read one of your threads earlier today, how are things? i know you had a dilemma on weather or not you could continue BARfing or if you should go back to kibble.

LeRay

 

[lafsalot]

Must be another Cathy - my three dogs are thriving on raw. ~ Cathy

 

[Jan]

I feed her kibble, and to my knowledge it’s a good brand, (IAMS).
LeRay

Actually Iams is not very good food. Admittedly there are worse, but there is also way better. A raw natural diet is best.