Struggling to Balance the 80/10/10 Raw Diet for Your Dog?

This guide breaks down real meal plans and expert tips so Ottawa pet owners can feed raw with confidence and ease.

Feeding your dog a raw diet is one of the most proactive steps you can take for their long-term health. But if you’ve ever tried to build meals from scratch using the 80/10/10 model—80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ—you’ve probably realized that simple ratios don’t always feel simple in practice.

There’s a lot to figure out: portion sizes, where to source ingredients, how to keep the diet balanced over time, and when to add extras like tripe or omega-3s. If you’ve found yourself second-guessing your math or wondering whether your DIY meals are truly complete, you’re not alone.

At Raw Fed and Furry, we support dog owners across Ottawa and the surrounding areas with the tools and education they need to make raw feeding both doable and sustainable. Whether you're prepping meals at home or supplementing with pre-balanced blends, we’re here to help you get it right—without the overwhelm.

What Is the 80/10/10 Raw Dog Diet?

At its core, the 80/10/10 model reflects what dogs would naturally consume in the wild when eating whole prey.

• 80% muscle meat – the bulk of the animal (beef chunks, turkey thigh, duck breast)

• 10% bone – a source of calcium and phosphorus (chicken necks, ground bone)

• 10% organ – rich in vitamins and minerals (split between liver and another secreting organ like kidney or spleen)
  

This balance supports digestive function, muscle maintenance, joint health, and energy levels. But in the real world, dog owners quickly find that estimating and assembling these ratios meal-by-meal is more art than science.

That’s why structure matters—and why we’ve created this resource to walk you through actual meal plans based on your dog’s size, your prep style, and what’s available locally.

How to Make 80/10/10 Work in Real Meals

When you’re portioning meals, the 80/10/10 formula should apply across a day or week, not necessarily every single meal. Some feeders balance per meal, others across multiple days.

For example, if you’re feeding 16 oz per day to a 40 lb dog, here’s what a single day could look like:

• 12.8 oz muscle meat

• 1.6 oz bone

• 0.8 oz liver

• 0.8 oz kidney
  

But you might instead serve:

• Day 1: mostly muscle meat

• Day 2: include liver and bone

• Day 3: round out with spleen and added bone
  

As long as you average the correct percentages over time, you’re on the right track. And yes it’s perfectly okay to use pre-balanced commercial raw on busy days, too.

Sample Meal Plans by Dog Size

These examples are designed for dogs eating 2.5% of their body weight daily. Adjust slightly up for very active dogs or growing puppies, and consult with your vet or a raw feeding specialist for custom needs.

Small Dog (10 lbs)

Daily Intake: ~4 oz

• 3.2 oz chicken thigh (muscle meat)

• 0.4 oz duck neck (bone)

• 0.2 oz beef liver

• 0.2 oz lamb kidney

Add-ins (optional): Pinch of kelp powder, 1 raw quail egg (1x/week)

Medium Dog (30 lbs)

Daily Intake: ~12 oz

• 9.6 oz ground turkey or lamb

• 1.2 oz turkey neck

• 0.6 oz pork liver

• 0.6 oz beef spleen

Weekly tip: Feed oily fish (e.g. sardines) twice per week and rotate proteins weekly to cover micronutrients.

Large Dog (70 lbs)

Daily Intake: ~28 oz

• 22.4 oz beef heart and duck meat mix

• 2.8 oz chicken wings (bone)

• 1.4 oz chicken liver

• 1.4 oz pork kidney

Add-ins: 1 tbsp fermented fish broth, shell-on raw egg, and ½ tsp omega-3 oil (alternate days)

Getting the Bone and Organ Balance Right

Feeding too much bone can lead to constipation, while too little might create soft stools or calcium deficiency. The same goes for organs—overfeeding liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, but underfeeding risks nutrient gaps.

Here are a few easy checks:

• Bone: If stool is chalky or crumbly, reduce bone. If it’s soft or loose, increase slightly.

• Liver: Should only be 5% of the total diet—don’t overdo it.

• Organs: Rotate to include spleen, kidney, pancreas for full-spectrum nutrition.
  

And if you’re ever unsure, use a pre-balanced blend to reset ratios. Our in-store staff can help you choose based on your dog’s size and dietary history.

DIY vs. Pre-Made Raw: You Can Do Both

Some dog owners want total control over every meal, while others appreciate the convenience and nutritional security of pre-made raw blends. The good news is you don’t have to pick just one path.

Why DIY Works:

• You can rotate proteins, buy in bulk, and tailor meals to sensitivities.

• It can be more cost-effective over time.
  

Why Pre-Made Helps:

• Perfect for busy weekdays or travel days

• Nutrient-tested and ratio-balanced by professionals
  

At Raw Fed and Furry, we carry both raw ingredients (in bulk or portioned) and frozen 80/10/10 blends. Our goal is to give you flexible, trusted options so you can feed raw your way without second-guessing your choices.

Where to Buy Raw Ingredients in Ottawa

Not every grocery store carries organ meat or safe, meaty bones. That’s why we stock a complete inventory of:

• Chicken necks, duck wings, turkey frames

• Beef, lamb, rabbit, and seasonal muscle meat

• Liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas

• Balanced 80/10/10 blends

• Natural toppers like fermented broths and green tripe

We also offer delivery options throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas, so you can spend less time hunting for ingredients and more time enjoying your dog’s improved health.

Smart Add-Ons to Elevate the Diet

Once you’re confident with the 80/10/10 base, consider incorporating these boosters

• Green tripe: Natural digestive enzymes and probiotics

• Raw egg (with shell): Amino acids and bioavailable calcium

• Sardines or mackerel: Excellent omega-3 source

• Kelp powder: Iodine and trace minerals

• Fermented fish broth: Supports gut lining and joint health
  

These aren’t essential every day, but rotating them weekly ensures a more complete, varied diet that mirrors how dogs evolved to eat.

We’re Here to Help You Feed Raw With Confidence

Raw feeding isn’t just about ratios—it’s about knowing your dog, adjusting as needed, and feeling good about what you’re putting in the bowl.

At Raw Fed and Furry, we believe every dog deserves a diet rooted in nature and guided by knowledge. Whether you’re deep into DIY or just starting your raw journey, our team in Orleans is here to answer questions, recommend products, and simplify the path forward.

Come by for a consultation, browse our frozen section, or grab a sample pack to try. We’re proud to serve Ottawa’s growing raw feeding community with real support and high-quality options.