The 80-10-10 raw model is a simple way to portion a prey-style diet: 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% organ (with about half of that organ being liver). To balance it correctly, treat those numbers as an average over time, then build meals that are safe, consistent, and easy to adjust based on your dog’s stool, energy, and body condition.
Start with your dog’s target intake (often around 2–3% of ideal adult body weight per day, adjusted for age, activity, and metabolism). Once you have the total ounces or grams per day, the 80-10-10 split becomes straightforward math.
Example: if your dog eats 16 oz/day, aim for about 12.8 oz muscle meat, 1.6 oz edible bone, and 1.6 oz organ. Of that organ portion, roughly 0.8 oz should be liver and 0.8 oz should be another secreting organ (such as kidney, spleen, pancreas, or brain).
Edible bone means raw, soft bones that can be fully consumed (like chicken necks, wings, frames, and rabbit bones). Avoid weight-bearing bones from large animals, which can crack teeth. If stools turn chalky/crumbly or your dog strains, reduce bone slightly; if stools are consistently loose, a small increase in bone can help.
Organs are nutrient-dense and can cause digestive upset if added too fast. Build up to the full 10% over a week or two, and keep liver and other secreting organs in regular rotation rather than feeding a large amount all at once.
Many owners find it easier to hit 80-10-10 across several days (or a full week) by meal prepping: portion muscle meat daily, then spread bone-in meals and organ servings throughout the week. For more detailed guidance and troubleshooting, visit https://pawgems.shop/how-to-balance-raw-dog-food/.
Some dogs do fine with a well-rotated 80-10-10 plan, but many benefit from targeted additions like omega-3s (fish oil) and vitamin E, especially if fish isn’t fed regularly. Your dog’s age, health history, and the variety of proteins you use all affect whether supplements are helpful.
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