One of the most important things to understand when raw feeding is the ratio of meat, bone and offal in your dog's diet. Get this right and your dog gets everything they need. Get it wrong and you can end up with nutritional imbalances over time. Here is a straightforward guide to the numbers.

The 80/10/10 Ratio

The most widely used framework for raw feeding is the 80/10/10 ratio:

• 80% muscle meat - the main protein and energy source
• 10% raw bone - provides calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals
• 10% offal - of which at least half should be liver, with the rest being secreting organs such as kidney, spleen or pancreas

This ratio is designed to broadly mirror the nutritional profile of whole prey and provides a solid foundation for a balanced raw diet. Our complete raw meals are formulated to this ratio, so if you are using complete minces you do not need to calculate anything yourself.

Why Each Component Matters

Muscle meat

This is the bulk of the diet and provides protein, fat, B vitamins, zinc and iron. It includes heart, which is technically a muscle organ and is particularly nutrient-dense. Rotating between different proteins, such as beef, chicken, lamb, duck and turkey, helps to provide a broader range of amino acids and nutrients over time.

Raw bone

Raw bone is the primary source of calcium in a raw diet and is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscle function. The bone content needs to be balanced carefully: too little and you risk calcium deficiency; too much and stools become very hard and pale. Bone should always be raw, never cooked.

Offal

Offal is nutritionally dense and provides fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E and K, as well as B12, folate and trace minerals. Liver is the most important organ to include, but it is also rich and should not make up more than 5% of the overall diet to avoid vitamin A toxicity over time. Other secreting organs make up the remaining 5%.

Raw Feeding Ratios for Puppies

Puppies follow the same 80/10/10 ratio but need more food relative to their body weight to support growth. As a general guide:

• Under 4 months: around 8% to 10% of current body weight per day, split across three to four meals
• 4 to 6 months: around 6% to 8% of current body weight per day, across three meals
• 6 to 12 months: around 4% to 6% of current body weight per day, across two to three meals
• 12 months and over: transition to adult feeding guidelines of 2% to 3% of body weight

These are starting points. Puppies grow at different rates and some breeds take longer to reach maturity. Monitor body condition and adjust as needed. Large and giant breeds in particular should not be overfed during growth as rapid weight gain can put strain on developing joints.

Do You Need to Hit the Ratio Every Day?

Not necessarily. Many experienced raw feeders aim to balance the ratio over the course of a week rather than hitting it precisely at every meal. This is sometimes called feeding a balanced diet over time. If you are using complete raw meals, the balance is already built in, which makes things much simpler.

A Practical Starting Point

If you are new to raw feeding, the easiest approach is to start with a complete raw mince that already has the ratios sorted. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can start to mix in additional proteins, chunks or offal to add variety.

Our raw feeding guide covers everything from getting started to rotating proteins and adjusting portions. And if you have questions, we are always happy to help.