Why an 80:10:10 raw dog food is not complete and balanced
Feeding your dog a raw diet has become increasingly popular among pet owners seeking a more natural and healthy way to nourish their furry companions. One such raw feeding model is the 80:10:10 diet, which consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. While this approach might seem straightforward and nutritionally sound, it is actually not a complete and balanced diet for dogs. Here’s an in-depth look at why the 80:10:10 raw dog food model falls short and the potential risks associated with it, especially for puppies.
The Missing Vitamins and Minerals
The 80:10:10 model lacks several essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for a dog’s health. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key nutrients that are often deficient in this diet:
Calcium and Phosphorus:
Issue: While the diet includes 10% bone, which does provide calcium, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is often not optimal. An imbalance can lead to skeletal issues, particularly in growing puppies.
Solution: Potentially add a boneless meat in to reduce to the 10% bone to 5-8% for adult dog’s
Vitamin D:
Issue: Dogs do not synthesis vitamin D through their skin like we do (and a lot of other mammals). Having optimal levels of vitamin D provided in their diet is crucial. It’s estimated that nearly 70% of dogs are deficient in Vitamin D. Meat, whilst it contains some vitamin D, does not contain near enough for a dog’s optimal health.
Solution: Oily fish added to an 80:10:10 mix every day if not a minimum of three times a week. This can indlude, salmon, sardines, or mackerel. Salmon contains double the amount of Vitamin D than any other oily fish. Remember to feed salmon cooked to avoid parasites like fluke worm. Dried fish treats do not count and neither does salmon oil for the reasons mentioned in this blog. If your dog has an intolerance to these fish you may want to consider a cod liver oil, as the oil is processed it may not yield a reaction in dogs. Seek the advice of a Canine Nutritionist before dosing and make sure to purchase an oil with no added Vitamin A or D
Vitamin E:
Issue: An important antioxidant and no meat contains enough Vitamin E. It’s essential for skin and coat health as well as an integral part of helping learning and development functions. Vitamin E in puppies is essential for immune functions. If we are feeding fish (the oils of which naturally oxidise in the body) making sure adequate Vitamin E is added is key to help cell health
Solution: Supplement with vitamin E oil or include vitamin E-rich foods like sunflower seeds and wheat germ oil. Sunflower seeds are OK but they need to be soaked and ground up to be fully digestible.
Iodine:
Issue: Iodine is critical for thyroid function and is typically found in sea vegetables like kelp. The 80:10:10 diet does not account for this nutrient. With the rise in unbalanced homecooked and raw diets comes the increase is primary thyroiditis.
Solution: Add kelp powder to the diet to ensure sufficient iodine intake. A small amount goes a long way 1g per 1kg of food
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Issue: While muscle meat contains some omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3s are often deficient. Especially with most meat used in raw dog food coming from grain fed animals rather than pasture fed due to the price of the meat. Lack of omega 3s can effect brain health, joint health, coat health and overall cell health. It’s directly linked to immune functions and gut health
Solution: Include oily fish like salmon or mackerel, or a high quality omega supplement such as Nordic Naturals Plant and seed oils are not sufficient for providing our dogs with EPAs and DHAs that they need. These oils are high in ALAs which dogs are unable to convert over to EPAs and DHAs. If your dog doesn’t tolerate fish consider an algae oil omega 3 instead
Linoleic Acid:
Issue: An essential fatty acid that is often overlooked. Whilst plant forms of omega 3s are not the same as marine sources plant and seeds will provide your dog with a great supply of linoleic acid. Puppies have higher requirements than adult dogs. Deficiencies can lead to dermatitis, alopecia and potential anemia.
Solution: Include whole seeds such as hemp, flax or chia (soak first and grind for maximum bioavailability) You can utilise seed oils but they have a higher risk of oxidisation than whole seeds They are also just 99.9% fat without the benefits of the fibre of whole seeds and the other vitamins and minerals that come with feeding them
Zinc:
Issue: Certain meats contain higher levels of zinc than others such as beef and venison. However, unless we are testing the meat we don’t know if these proteins are giving optimal levels required. Zinc is a water soluble mineral so it’s in and out the body and excess isn’t stored in the liver like the fat soluble vitamins E, D and A. It is responsible for over 400 enzymatic responses in the dog’s body. IBS issues are common in dogs that are fed an unbalanced diet for a long period, 6 months plus. It’s not uncommon that owners will move their dog’s to an 80:10:10 and don’t see issues until 4-5 months in. It’s then often misdiagnosed as an allergy or an intolerance or just “IBS”. Typical signs of a lack of zinc are IBS issues that seem to have not been triggered by any change, Cracking paw pads, loss of fur or thickening and darkening of the skin
Solution: Oysters are high in zinc or oyster meat powder which is more readily available. There is a top limit for zinc in a dog’s diet according to the FEDIAF guidelines which is 56.8mg per 1000 Kcal for adult dogs with a minimum of 18mg. Adding in a high quality bioavailable zinc supplement to your dog’s food is typically a good way to ensure levels are correct. For dosing speak with a canine nutritionist.
The Impact of High Bone Content
The inclusion of 10% bone in the 80:10:10 diet raises concerns for several reasons:
Constipation and Gastrointestinal Issues: A high bone content can lead to constipation, blockages, and other digestive problems. Dogs do have a low stomach acid PH however, food only stays in the stomach for around 2 hours before it’s moved along the digestive track. Regardless of how acidic he stomach acid is its not going to dissolve that amount of bone in 2 hours. Adult dog’s can regulate calcium absorption, 10% bone is a lot of calcium that will be excreted in the faeces and cause white chalky stools that can be hard and painful to pass.
Bone Density and Size: Not all bones are suitable for all dogs. Weight-bearing bones from large animals can be too hard and cause tooth fractures.
Nutritional Imbalance: An excessive amount of bone can skew the calcium to phosphorus ratio, leading to nutritional imbalances that can affect bone development and overall health.
Why the 80:10:10 Diet is Detrimental for Puppies
Puppies have specific nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adult dogs. Here are some reasons why the 80:10:10 diet is particularly unsuitable for them:
Growth and Development: Puppies need a balanced diet with the right proportions of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support their rapid growth. The 80:10:10 diet lacks these balanced nutrients.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: As mentioned earlier, the correct ratio is crucial for developing bones. An imbalance can result in skeletal deformities and growth issues.
Energy Requirements: Puppies require more calories and a higher fat content to fuel their growth and energy needs. The 80:10:10 model may not provide adequate energy, leading to stunted growth and development.
Immune System Development: Essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin E, and selenium play a vital role in developing a strong immune system. Deficiencies in these areas can leave puppies vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Achieving a Complete and Balanced Raw Diet
To ensure your dog receives a complete and balanced diet, consider the following:
Variety is Key: Incorporate a wide range of meats, organs, and other foods mentioned above. This helps cover a broader spectrum of nutrients. Remember, it’s important to know how much of an ingredient you need to get a certain level of nutrients from it. Fruit and vegetables DO NOT balanced an 80:10:10. Whilst fruit and veg are great for antioxidants and fibre they do not plug the nutritional deficiencies mentioned above. All vegetables should be steamed and not fed raw to reduce gas bloating and increase digestibility.
Supplements: Use appropriate supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps. Consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to determine the right supplements for your dog.
Commercial Raw Diets: Some commercial raw diets are formulated to meet FEDIAF or AAFCO nutritional standards and can be a convenient way to ensure balance. Some brands in the UK that meet these standards are Nutriment, Poppy’s Picnic, Naturaw and Luna and Me
Regular Vet Check-ups: Monitor your dog’s health with regular veterinary visits to catch any potential deficiencies early.
Conclusion
While the 80:10:10 raw dog food model may seem like a natural and simple way to feed your dog, it falls short of providing a complete and balanced diet. The lack of essential vitamins and minerals, the potential issues with high bone content, and the specific needs of puppies highlight the importance of a more comprehensive approach to raw feeding. By ensuring a diverse and well-supplemented diet, you can provide your dog with the nutrition they need to thrive. Always consult with a canine nutritionist and Veterinarian when making significant changes to your dog’s diet to ensure their health and well-being. For complete and balanced DIY feeding join The Canine Code for raw recipes