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.
Choose Poppy’s Picnic.