Skip to main content

Why 80-10-10 Raw Dog Food Isn’t Good Enough

Dogs have evolved to need a wider mix of nutrients—some of which are barely found in this model.

Sophie avatar
Written by Sophie
Updated over a week ago

Many raw feeders start with the 80-10-10 model.

It sounds natural and simple:

  • 80% muscle meat

  • 10% bone

  • 10% offal

But this formula isn’t complete.

In fact, over time, it can cause real health problems.

What’s Wrong with 80-10-10?

The 80-10-10 model is based on the rough composition of a prey animal.

But your dog isn’t a wild wolf.

Dogs have evolved to need a wider mix of nutrients—some of which are barely found in this model.

Dr Marge Chandler, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, puts it plainly:

“Feeding 80-10-10 may meet calorie needs, but it can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies.”

So what’s missing?

What Can Be Missing from an 80-10-10 Diet?

Even though it includes meat, bone and offal, the 80-10-10 model leaves out key nutrients.

1. Iodine

  • Needed for thyroid function

  • Not found in sufficient amounts in meat or bone

  • Often missing unless kelp or seaweed is added

2. Vitamin E

  • Supports immunity and cell health

  • Meat is low in it

  • Dogs need extra from seeds, oils, or natural sources

3. Manganese

  • Supports bone and joint health

  • Found in fur, feathers, and plants—not just meat

  • Deficiency can lead to joint issues in young dogs

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

  • Help with skin, coat, joints, and brain

  • Absent unless oily fish is added

  • A poor omega-3 to omega-6 ratio leads to inflammation

5. Zinc and Copper

  • Important for coat quality and metabolism

  • Raw meat alone doesn’t consistently supply these

  • Deficiencies can cause dull coat, low energy, and skin problems

6. Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

  • Needs to be precisely balanced

  • 80-10-10 ratios can vary too much depending on meat and bone cuts

7. Fibre

  • Helps with digestion and gut health

  • 80-10-10 contains no veg or herb

8. Vitamin D

  • Essential for bones and immune health

  • Not reliably present in muscle meat

  • Dogs need it from fish, eggs or supplementation

What the Experts Say

The FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) sets nutritional standards for dog food across Europe.

They state:

“A complete diet must meet all essential nutrient levels based on life stage and size.”

The 80-10-10 model doesn’t meet these standards unless it’s very carefully modified.

That means extra ingredients, supplements, and testing—which most DIY raw feeders skip.

Dr Nick Cave, veterinary nutritionist at Massey University, says:

“80-10-10 is nutritionally incomplete and inappropriate as a long-term diet for dogs.”

Our Meals Are TRULY Complete

At Poppy’s Picnic, we don’t follow the 80-10-10 model.

Instead, we craft FEDIAF-compliant meals with:

  • Meat, bone and offal

  • Seasonal vegetables

  • Natural sources of iodine, manganese, vitamin E and more

  • No artificial additives

  • No guesswork

We balance every meal based on scientific nutritional needs.

Then we test them. And feed them to our own dogs.

That includes:

Every recipe is carefully balanced and approved by vets.

Every batch is made with love in Wiltshire.

And every bowl is complete and safe—for dogs of all ages.

Final Thought

Feeding raw should feel good, not risky.

The 80-10-10 model sounds simple, but it skips key nutrients your dog needs.

Want to feed raw the right way?

Ditch the ratio.

Choose real balance.

Choose meals that really are complete.

Did this answer your question?