The 80/10/10 BARF model
Raw feeding portions are usually set as a percentage of body weight per dayrather than in calories: about 2% for easy keepers and seniors, 2.5% for a typical adult, and 3–3.5% for genuinely hard-working dogs. That daily weight is then divided using the80/10/10 ratio popularized by BARF ("biologically appropriate raw food") and prey-model feeding: 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% organ meat — with liver making up half of the organ share and other secreting organs (kidney, spleen) the rest.
| Component | Share | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | 80% | Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb; heart and gizzard count as muscle |
| Edible bone | 10% | Chicken necks, wings, backs; turkey necks — always raw, never cooked |
| Liver | 5% | Beef or chicken liver (vitamin A source — don't overfeed) |
| Other secreting organs | 5% | Kidney, spleen, pancreas |
Important caveat: 80/10/10 is a ratio, not a nutrient guarantee. Diets built only from meat, bone and organ can still fall short on zinc, vitamin E, iodine and omega-3s. Many experienced raw feeders add fish, eggs or specific supplements, or use commercially formulated raw diets that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles. A veterinary nutritionist can audit a home recipe.
Puppies are a special case
Growing dogs eat dramatically more for their size: the usual guidance is5–10% of current body weight per day, or alternatively2–3% of expected adult weight, split into three or four meals and adjusted weekly as the puppy grows. Because errors in calcium, phosphorus and energy during growth can cause permanent skeletal problems — especially in large breeds — puppy raw plans should be designed and monitored with your vet, not taken from a calculator.
Transitioning and monitoring
Switch gradually over 7–10 days, starting with a single bland protein (chicken is common) before rotating in new proteins one at a time. Watch stools: chalky, crumbly stool suggests too much bone; loose stool can mean too much organ meat or too fast a transition. After the first month, use body condition as your guide — ribs easy to feel, visible waist — and adjust the percentage up or down in small steps. Weigh portions on a kitchen scale rather than eyeballing; at these quantities, small errors compound quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How much raw food should I feed my dog per day?
Most adult dogs eat 2-3% of their body weight in raw food per day — around 2.5% for a typical adult, 2% for inactive or senior dogs, and 3-3.5% for very active or working dogs. A 50 lb adult at 2.5% eats about 570 g (1.25 lb) daily, split into two meals.
What is the 80/10/10 ratio?
It's the classic BARF/prey-model split: 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% organ meat, of which half (5% of the total) should be liver. It roughly mimics the composition of whole prey, but on its own it is not automatically complete and balanced — many raw feeders add extras or use a formulated recipe.
How much raw food do puppies need?
Puppies eat far more for their size — typically 5-10% of their current body weight per day, or alternatively 2-3% of their expected adult weight, split into 3-4 meals. Because calcium and phosphorus balance is critical during growth, raw-fed puppies should be on a plan designed with a vet or veterinary nutritionist.
Is raw feeding safe?
Raw meat can carry Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, which is a risk for both pets and people — the FDA and AVMA advise caution, especially in homes with young children, elderly or immunocompromised people. If you feed raw, strict freezer-to-bowl hygiene and vet involvement are essential.