Why an 80:10:10 Raw Dog Food is Not Complete and Balanced
Is the 80:10:10 raw dog food diet really balanced? Discover the risks, missing nutrients, and why it’s unsafe for puppies — plus safer raw feeding alternatives.
Introduction
Feeding dogs a raw diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among owners who want to provide something “natural” and closer to what wolves might eat in the wild. One model that’s particularly widespread in raw feeding communities is the 80:10:10 ratio — 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat.
At first glance, this sounds logical: meat for protein, bone for calcium, and organs for vitamins and minerals. Simple, right? Unfortunately, when we dig into the science, this model falls well short of a dog’s true nutritional needs.
In this article, I’ll explain:
Why the 80:10:10 model is not a complete or balanced diet.
The key nutrients it leaves out.
The dangers of excess bone.
Why it’s particularly unsuitable for puppies.
How to safely create a balanced raw diet instead.
If you’re raw feeding now, or considering it, this blog is essential reading.
What Is the 80:10:10 Raw Feeding Model?
The 80:10:10 approach divides food into:
80% muscle meat (e.g., beef chunks, chicken breast, lamb mince).
10% bone (e.g., chicken wings, carcass, or ground bone).
10% organ meat (commonly liver and kidney).
Supporters claim it mirrors the natural diet of wild canines and provides all the nutrients a dog needs. The reality? Wolves in the wild eat far more variety, including skin, fur, feathers, stomach contents (plant matter), and even soil. Dogs, meanwhile, have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, adapting to eat a much more diverse diet.
The Nutrient Gaps in 80:10:10
A dog’s diet needs to meet established nutritional standards such as FEDIAF (Europe) or AAFCO (USA). These cover not just protein and fat, but also precise requirements for vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. The 80:10:10 model misses the mark in several crucial areas.
1. Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalance
Problem: While 10% bone does supply calcium, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is often far from optimal. Too much bone increases calcium excessively, which can strain kidneys and cause constipation. Too little disrupts skeletal development.
Risk for Puppies: An improper calcium-phosphorus balance during growth can result in skeletal deformities.
Solution: For adults, bone is usually better kept between 5–8%. For puppies, calcium must be calculated precisely — guessing is dangerous.
2. Vitamin D Deficiency
Problem: Dogs cannot make vitamin D through their skin like humans can. They must obtain it from diet. Meat alone does not provide sufficient levels. Studies estimate up to 70% of dogs are deficient when fed diets without added vitamin D.
Why It Matters: Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function.
Solution: Include oily fish such as salmon, sardines, or mackerel at least 3x weekly (cooked, not raw, to avoid parasites). If fish is not tolerated, consider a carefully chosen cod liver oil or algae-based supplement — but dosing must be guided by a canine nutritionist.
3. Vitamin E Shortage
Problem: Vitamin E is a key antioxidant, essential for skin, coat, immunity, and neurological function. Meat does not provide enough.
Extra Concern: If you add oily fish for vitamin D and omega-3s, the risk of oxidative stress increases, meaning vitamin E needs are even higher.
Solution: Add natural sources like sunflower seeds (soaked and ground), wheat germ oil, or a vitamin E supplement.
4. Iodine Deficiency
Problem: Iodine supports thyroid function and metabolism. It’s absent from the 80:10:10 model.
Worrying Trend: Cases of diet-related hypothyroidism are rising in dogs fed unbalanced raw or homecooked diets.
Solution: A tiny amount of kelp powder is sufficient — around 1g per 1kg of food. More is not better; iodine excess is also harmful.
5. Lack of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)
Problem: Most meat used in raw diets comes from grain-fed animals, which are low in omega-3s. Dogs need EPA and DHA for brain, joint, skin, and gut health.
Misconception: Plant oils (like flax or chia) only provide ALA, which dogs cannot effectively convert to EPA/DHA.
Solution: Add oily fish, high-quality fish oil, or algae oil for non-fish eaters.
6. Linoleic Acid Gaps
Problem: This essential fatty acid (omega-6) is especially important for puppies. Deficiency can cause dermatitis, hair loss, and anemia.
Solution: Add soaked and ground hemp, chia, or flax seeds, or use small amounts of cold-pressed seed oils. Whole seeds are better as they provide fibre and micronutrients.
7. Zinc Shortfalls
Problem: While beef and venison are good zinc sources, levels vary. Zinc is water-soluble, so it must be supplied consistently. Deficiency signs include cracked paw pads, skin darkening, poor coat, or chronic digestive upset often mistaken for IBS or food intolerance.
Solution: Add oysters, oyster powder, or a canine-safe zinc supplement. According to FEDIAF, adult dogs need at least 18mg zinc per 1,000 kcal, with a safe upper limit of 56.8mg.
The Problem with Too Much Bone
The 10% bone recommendation in 80:10:10 has its own risks.
Constipation: Too much bone leads to hard, chalky stools and painful defecation.
Digestive Blockages: Food only stays in a dog’s stomach for ~2 hours; bones are not fully dissolved, risking impaction.
Tooth Damage: Hard bones can fracture premolars, leading to costly dental surgery.
Imbalanced Minerals: Excess calcium interferes with absorption of other minerals, compounding nutritional issues.
Why 80:10:10 Is not suitable for Puppies
Puppies are not small adults. Their nutritional needs are stricter, and imbalances have permanent consequences.
Bone Development: Incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratios can cause skeletal deformities and joint disease.
Higher Energy Needs: Puppies require more calories and fat than the 80:10:10 typically provides.
Immune Development: Deficiencies in zinc, selenium, and vitamin E compromise immune defence.
Growth Demands: Puppies need tailored recipes, not generic ratios.
Important: Puppies fed 80:10:10 are at serious risk of long-term health problems.
Why Fruit and Veg Alone Don’t Fix It
Some raw feeders add fruit and vegetables to “balance” 80:10:10. While fibre and antioxidants are useful, they do not replace the missing vitamins and minerals. Dogs cannot extract all nutrients from raw veg — steaming improves digestibility. Still, vegetables alone won’t close the nutrient gaps identified above.
A Better Way to Raw Feed
If you’re committed to feeding raw, here’s how to do it responsibly:
Variety Is Key
Feed different proteins DAILY (beef, lamb, poultry, fish) and organ types. No single meat provides everything.Use Supplements Wisely
Vitamin D: via oily fish or carefully chosen supplements like cod liver oil
Vitamin E: via seeds, wheat germ oil or supplementation.
Iodine: small amounts of kelp powder.
Zinc: oysters, oyster powder, feeding beef or supplementation
Choose FEDIAF/AAFCO-Compliant Raw Brands
In the UK, balanced options include Nutriment, Poppy’s Picnic, Naturaw, and Luna & Me. These have been formulated to meet standards.Work with a Canine Nutritionist
DIY raw feeding can be rewarding, but it’s complex. A tailored recipe ensures safety and balance.Regular Vet Checks
Bloodwork can flag problems early, before they become major health issues.
Common Questions About 80:10:10
Q: Can I just feed 80:10:10 and add a multivitamin?
A: Generic multivitamins often lack the precise dosing required. It’s better to build balance into the food itself, guided by professional formulation.
Q: Isn’t raw food better for teeth?
A: Not necessarily. Hard bones can break teeth. Brushing and safe dental chews are better alternatives.
Q: Can I feed 80:10:10 short-term?
A: While short-term use may not show immediate issues, deficiencies often take months to appear. It’s risky, especially for puppies.
Final Thoughts
The 80:10:10 raw feeding model is simple, but simplicity doesn’t equal balance. Dogs have complex nutritional needs that this ratio cannot meet. From missing vitamins and minerals to the dangers of excess bone, the risks are significant — particularly for puppies whose development depends on precise nutrition.
If you want to raw feed, do it right. Choose FEDIAF-compliant brands, work with a canine nutritionist, and use supplements strategically. Your dog deserves more than just “close enough” nutrition.
For safe, balanced DIY raw recipes, join The Canine Code. You’ll get complete, FEDIAF-compliant raw recipes tailored to your dog, plus ongoing support to keep them thriving.
Want to balance out your dogs raw diet? Book in a consultation now with The Canine Dietitian
References
Freeman LM et al. Nutritional adequacy of commercial and homemade raw diets for dogs. JAVMA, 2001.
Axelsson E et al. The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature, 2013.
FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food, 2023.
Case LP, Daristotle L, et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition, 4th Edition, 2021.
