A BARF diet generator for cats — an optional proposal you can reshape.
The generator is an optional starting point. It is not a chatbot or language model; BARFLAB's calculation engine evaluates options using nutritional data, the cat profile, reference thresholds and constraints. Every product and every amount remains editable afterward. You can also create an empty diet manually and skip the generator.
Web and iPhone apps are available. Android version coming soon.
- S–Fgrade of the generated diet
- 68parameters in the proposal analysis
- broad databasefoods and supplements to choose from
- 3modes: raw, cooked and steamed
What the generator’s calculation engine does
The calculation engine creates a proposal by evaluating product and amount options against structured nutritional data, the cat profile, available thresholds and constraints. The proposal then opens in the same editor and feline analysis used for a manually built diet.
- estimates the daily portion from the healthy-adult cat profile and energy context
- includes taurine and arachidonic acid in the feline analysis context
- evaluates protein, vitamin A and the other available data
- can consider foods and supplements as product options
- passes the proposal to the same 68-parameter analysis
It is a starting point for further work, not a promise of a recipe suitable for every cat. Review and adapt it just as you would a diet built manually.
Which feline diet parameters to review
A feline profile has its own nutritional context. Whether you start manually or from a proposal, review parameters including:
- taurine — cats require a regular dietary supply; product and preparation data affect the estimate
- arachidonic acid — cats cannot synthesize enough from linoleic acid to meet their needs and require a dietary source
- vitamin A — a cat does not convert beta-carotene and needs the ready form (e.g. liver)
- iodine, vitamin D and omega-3 (EPA/DHA) — as in a dog’s diet
The analysis shows taurine and the other parameters against available values. A parameter may have MR, RA and/or SUL in an implemented reference set, and missing values are not zero.
Generator or building a cat’s diet by hand
The generator is not the core of the BARFLAB workflow. You can manually create an empty diet and build the entire recipe yourself, or request a proposal and then reshape it. Both paths use the same feline editor and analysis.
- an optional calculation-based starting point
- manual building from an empty diet remains available
- full control — you can swap every product and every amount
- compare the raw, cooked and steamed version
The generator is a starting point — the final shape of the diet depends on you and, if needed, on advice from a specialist.
What the engine considers in a proposal
- the daily portion from the energy requirement (RER/DER)
- protein in the feline profile context
- taurine and arachidonic acid
- vitamin A from a ready source (e.g. liver)
- calcium, phosphorus and the Ca:P ratio
- available thresholds and constraints for analysed parameters
How does the BARF diet generator for cats work?
It is not a chatbot or language model. The calculation engine evaluates options using nutritional data, the cat profile, thresholds and constraints, then creates an editable proposal rather than a locked meal plan.
Does the generator keep taurine in check?
Taurine is one of the 68 feline analysis parameters. The proposal uses data about its sources, but the whole recipe result and available reference threshold still need to be reviewed afterward.
Can a cat eat a cooked diet?
BARFLAB supports raw, cooked and steamed diets. It uses available retention and yield factors to estimate processing changes; the result depends on the food and preparation.
Do I have to use the generator?
No. It is optional. You can create an empty diet, choose the products and amounts yourself and use the same 68-parameter feline analysis without generating a proposal.
Does the generator replace a nutritionist or a vet?
No. BARFLAB supports healthy adult profiles and does not replace a specialist. Kittens, pregnancy, illness and therapeutic diets are outside the current scope and require individual assessment.
Bibliography
The full list of scientific sources, nutritional standards and composition databases behind BARFLAB's calculations, limits and content.
Bibliography →