The 80/10/10 Rule: Nature’s Blueprint
The 80/10/10 rule (often referred to as the PMR or Prey Model Raw diet) is designed to simulate the nutritional profile of a whole prey animal. By balancing these specific ratios, you ensure your dog gets the correct levels of calcium, amino acids, and vital minerals without the fillers found in commercial kibble.
Breaking Down the Components
A successful raw diet is more than just raw steak. It requires a strategic mix of tissues:
- Muscle Meat (80%): The primary energy source. Includes heart, tongue, and gizzards.
- Edible Bone (10%): Provides calcium and phosphorus. Must be raw and soft enough to chew safely.
- Liver (5%): The "multivitamin" of the diet, packed with Vitamin A and copper.
- Other Organs (5%): Secreting organs like kidney, spleen, or pancreas provide essential trace minerals.
"Luna," a 50 lb active Border Collie, requires ~1.25 lbs (567g) of food per day at a
2.5%
feeding rate.
- Monday-Friday: Standard 80/10/5/5 daily mix.
- The Strategic Adjustment: If Luna gets a large marrow bone on
Saturday, her
"Edible Bone" portion for Sunday should be reduced to avoid constipation.
- Organ Tip: If your dog has loose stools, slightly reduce the liver
and
increase the bone content for 24 hours.
Raw Feeding Strategic FAQ
Dogs have shorter, more acidic digestive tracts than humans, allowing them to handle bacteria that would make us sick. However, hygiene is paramount: wash all bowls, surfaces, and hands thoroughly after preparing raw meals.
Feeding only chicken can lead to nutritional gaps. Strive to rotate between at least three different protein sources (e.g., Beef, Poultry, and Fish) over the course of a month to ensure a full spectrum of amino acids.