BARF vs Kibble: Which Dog Food Is Cheaper?
BARF Dog Food vs Kibble: Is BARF Cheaper Than Feeding Kibble?
Barf dog food is a type of dog food which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF). This diet consists of raw meat, organs, bones, and small amount of vegetables. It is similar to what a dog would have eaten in the wild. The ingredients are not cooked, heated, or processed so the food maintains its natural nutritional value. To learn more about BARF, you can read our article here. The health benefits are many and varied.
On the other hand, kibble dog food is a type of processed dry food. It typically consists of small, crunchy pieces of food that are made from a variety of ingredients, such as meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Kibble is usually cooked with high-temperature processing to make it shelf-stable. It is a convenient and economical option for feeding your dog and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals to reintroduce the nutrients which were lost during the heating process. Grain-free kibble is also another option.
What’s the Difference Between BARF & Kibble Dog Food?
Most people that learn about feeding a raw food diet or BARF to their pet, would be more than happy to make the change and help their fur friend live as long and healthy a life they can, but all too often, people don’t make the switch and the most common reason is because of financial reasons.
In a predominantly money driven world, cost is taken into account when making decisions on everything. And more often than not, people choose to pay $120/month on the bag of kibble they buy rather than $150/month on Raw & Fresh pet food delivery.
Unfortunately comparing a commercial pet food diet like kibble/dry food to Raw & Fresh is of course like comparing apples and oranges - they’re completely different products!
Is BARF Dog Food Worth the Higher Upfront Cost?
Feeding a Raw & Fresh / BARF diet is most likely going to cost more at the checkout than most kibbles, but have you weighed up all the costs that it will be saving you over the months or years at the vet?
For example, the most common health concern in pets these days is obesity and health matters related to it i.e. breathing difficulty, osteoarthritis, heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing malignant tumors. And you know the best way to manage weight is, just like humans, with fresh unprocessed foods, like Raw & Fresh!
Unfortunately merely by loving pets too much and feeding them highly processed foods and too many sugar filled treats, humans can actually be doing more damage than good!
Or another example, people come to me who are spending a small fortune on steroid creams to help their pet overcome their allergies, but are inadvertently hindering any efforts by continuing to feed them the kibble the pet is actually allergic to! Once they make the switch to Raw & Fresh, they no longer have to visit the vet constantly and buy medications to set them back $200+ per month.
Long-Term Savings From Feeding BARF
A raw diet can look pricier on the surface, but the checkout cost isn’t the full story. Dogs that thrive on biologically appropriate food often avoid the chronic issues that send many kibble-fed pets to the vet. Fewer vet bills and less reliance on medications mean that, over the years, feeding BARF often works out cheaper than sticking with processed dry food.
Health Costs Saved Over Time
Think of the conditions you hear about most: diabetes, obesity, itchy skin, and digestive upset. These problems rarely come out of nowhere. They’re usually linked to highly processed diets. By switching to raw meat, organs, bones, and vegetables, you cut down the chances of these illnesses developing in the first place. Preventing problems is always easier on the wallet than treating them later.
Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Pet parents often spend hundreds chasing allergy relief — creams, tablets, repeat consults — without ever fixing the root cause. The culprit is often right there in the kibble bag: grains, fillers, or additives. When dogs are fed a simple, single-protein raw diet, many of these issues disappear. No ongoing prescriptions, no constant trial-and-error, just healthier skin and fewer trips to the clinic.
Joint Health as Dogs Get Older
Aging dogs frequently struggle with stiff joints, arthritis, or mobility problems, and the cost of long-term pain management can add up fast. Diet plays a huge role here. A fresh, balanced BARF diet keeps weight under control and provides natural anti-inflammatory nutrients. That combination supports healthier joints and can save owners from years of expensive treatments.
Dental Care Without the Extra Bills
Dental surgery is one of the most common hidden expenses of dog ownership. Dogs on kibble often need professional cleaning or even extractions under anaesthetic. Raw meaty bones do the work naturally — scraping plaque, strengthening gums, and keeping teeth cleaner for longer. Better dental health means fewer surprise vet bills and a happier dog overall.
Start Your Raw & Fresh Journey Today
If your pet is constantly at the vet and you’re spending more money on treatments than you’d like, it might be time to look at what’s in their bowl. Many of the most common health issues in dogs, such as obesity, allergies, skin conditions, and digestive problems, are often linked to heavily processed diets. Switching to a fresh, biologically appropriate diet like Raw & Fresh can ease or even prevent many of these problems by giving your pet the nutrients they need naturally.
A BARF diet built on raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables is closer to what dogs are designed to eat, and it can have lasting benefits for their weight, energy levels, coat condition, and overall well-being. Instead of putting money into endless medications and vet bills, you can invest in food that works with your pet’s biology to keep them healthy in the first place.
Making the change can feel like a big step, but the rewards are long-term: fewer health concerns, fewer vet visits, and a happier, more vibrant companion at your side. If you’re ready to see the difference Raw & Fresh can make, explore our meal options today and start your pet on the path to a healthier future.