80 10 10 Raw Guide for Healthy Adult Dogs

A raw bowl can look beautifully simple: meaty pieces, a little bone and a portion of offal. But if your dog has loose stools, gains weight easily or is still growing, simple needs to be handled with care. This 80 10 10 raw guide explains what the ratio means, where it can work well and why feeding a genuinely balanced diet matters more than copying numbers into every bowl.

What does 80 10 10 mean in raw feeding?

The 80 10 10 ratio describes a traditional prey-model style approach to raw feeding. It is usually made up of 80% muscle meat, 10% edible raw bone and 10% secreting organ, with roughly half of the organ portion coming from liver.

Muscle meat is the main part of the bowl and may include meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb or duck. Heart is commonly counted as muscle meat because, nutritionally, it behaves more like meat than secreting offal. Edible bone provides calcium and phosphorus, while secreting organs such as kidney, spleen or pancreas bring valuable nutrients that plain meat does not offer.

It is a useful way to understand the building blocks of raw feeding. It is not, however, a guarantee that every meal or every week is nutritionally complete. That distinction is one of the most helpful things a dog owner can understand before changing their furry friend's food.

Why the 80 10 10 raw guide needs context

Dogs need more than protein, fat, calcium and a few vitamins from liver. They also require the right overall levels of essential fatty acids, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin E, trace minerals and other nutrients. The exact needs vary with age, size, activity, health and whether your dog is neutered.

A homemade 80 10 10 menu can be carefully formulated, but it takes consistency, weighing ingredients and an understanding of nutrition. Rotating proteins is sensible for variety, yet variety alone does not automatically fill nutritional gaps. A bowl can contain several lovely natural ingredients and still be short of something your dog needs over time.

For many owners, a clearly labelled complete raw food is the practical choice. A complete recipe is formulated to provide a balanced daily diet when fed as directed, saving you from having to source and measure individual organs, bone content and supplements. This can be especially reassuring for busy households that still want clean, grain-free feeding with no unnecessary fillers.

A complementary raw food has a different role. It can add variety to a complete diet, be used for occasional meals or form part of a plan designed by a properly qualified canine nutrition professional. Check the label before feeding any raw product as your dog's sole diet.

Is 80 10 10 right for every dog?

Not always. Healthy adult dogs may do well on an appropriate raw diet, but puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, senior dogs with changing needs and dogs with medical conditions need more individual consideration. Large-breed puppies are a particular example: getting mineral balance wrong while they are growing can have serious consequences.

Dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, allergies, digestive disorders or a history of urinary issues should not be moved on to a raw diet without advice from their vet. The same applies if your dog has had repeated constipation, frequent diarrhoea or unexplained weight loss.

Raw feeding also suits some households better than others. If you have very young children, someone with a weakened immune system, or limited fridge and freezer space, the food-handling side needs honest thought. A high-quality dry or cooked diet may be a more suitable option in those circumstances. Better nutrition is about feeding a diet you can manage safely and consistently, not following a trend.

How much raw food should you feed?

For an average healthy adult dog, a common starting point is around 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight per day. A 20kg adult dog, for example, may start on 400g to 600g daily, divided into one or two meals. This is only a starting point, not a fixed rule.

An active working dog may need more energy. A relaxed dog, a dog that has been neutered or one prone to weight gain may need less. The calorie content of recipes also varies significantly, particularly between lean chicken blends and richer beef, lamb or tripe options.

Use your hands as well as the scales. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs with gentle pressure without seeing them prominently. They should have a visible waist when viewed from above and a sensible tummy tuck from the side. Weigh your dog regularly during the first few weeks and adjust portions gradually if needed.

Treats count too. Natural chews, air-dried meats and training rewards are a brilliant part of life for many dogs, but they contribute calories. If treats are a daily favourite, slightly reduce the main meal rather than letting those extras quietly push your dog above their ideal weight.

Switching to raw without upsetting the tummy

Some dogs can change foods quickly, while others benefit from a slower transition. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or has eaten the same diet for years, start with one simple, complete raw protein and introduce it gradually over seven to ten days.

Begin by replacing a small portion of the current food with raw, then increase the raw amount every couple of days if stools remain normal. Keeping the first recipe straightforward makes it easier to spot what agrees with your dog. Avoid adding several proteins, treats, supplements and chews at once.

A temporary change in stool volume is common because raw food can be digested differently from kibble. Very pale, dry or crumbly stools can suggest too much bone, while persistently loose stools may mean the change is too fast, the recipe is too rich or the dog needs veterinary advice. Do not ignore vomiting, lethargy, blood in stools or ongoing digestive upset.

Safe raw feeding at home

Fresh frozen raw food deserves the same sensible hygiene as raw meat prepared for people. Defrost portions in a sealed container in the fridge, not on the kitchen side. Once thawed, use the food within the manufacturer's recommended time and do not leave it sitting out for long periods.

Wash bowls, utensils, worktops and hands thoroughly after preparation. Keep raw food away from ready-to-eat human food, and clear uneaten food promptly. Freeze portions until needed and avoid refreezing food that has fully thawed unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe to do so.

Choose raw, edible bone only where it is suitable for your dog, and always supervise feeding. Never give cooked bones, as cooking makes them more likely to splinter. Hard weight-bearing bones can damage teeth, even in enthusiastic chewers, so a softer appropriate option or a natural chew may be the better choice.

Building a feeding routine that lasts

The best routine is one you can keep up on ordinary weekdays, not just when you have time to prepare everything perfectly. Portion meals in advance, keep a small range of suitable proteins in the freezer and make changes one at a time. That approach helps you monitor appetite, stools, skin, coat and body condition without guessing what caused a change.

At JC Raw, the focus is on quality raw choices and natural extras that fit a cleaner feeding approach. Whether you select complete fresh frozen meals for everyday ease or use complementary foods with professional guidance, read labels closely and choose products that match your dog's life stage.

Feed the dog in front of you. A bright, comfortable dog at a healthy weight, with steady digestion and enthusiasm for meals, is a far better guide than chasing a perfect-looking ratio in the bowl.