Pet Digest

Why the 80/10/10 Raw Food Ratio Isn’t Always Enough for Dogs — and How We Can Do Better If you’ve been in the raw feeding world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the 80/10/10 model — 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. It’s simple, easy to remember, and feels close to what a “whole prey” meal might look like. But as more feeders (and even nutritionists) dig deeper, we’re learning that the 80/10/10 ratio might be more of a starting point than a perfect formula. A recent article on RawFeederLife made that point beautifully — and it’s worth exploring why it matters for our dogs’ long-term health. The 80/10/10 Rule Was Inspired by Nature… But It’s Not the Whole Story The idea behind 80/10/10 was to mimic a natural prey animal — a rabbit, bird, or rodent — and what a wild canine would eat if it caught one. The problem? Most of us aren’t feeding entire prey animals. Even if you’re sourcing great ingredients, chances are you’re missing a few thi...

 Whole-Prey vs Raw Diets for Dogs: Understanding the 80/10/10 Rule and What “Whole Prey” Really Means 🥩 Introduction: The “Natural” Diet Debate Across social media and the raw feeding community, terms like “whole prey,” “prey model,” and “BARF” are everywhere. But what do they really mean? While both whole-prey feeding and raw diets aim to mirror what dogs might eat in the wild, there are important differences in balance, sourcing, and nutrient content — and even more confusion when kibble brands borrow the term “whole-prey” for marketing. Let’s break down what these diets actually involve, how the 80/10/10 ratio fits in, where nutrient differences arise, and what science (and experience) show about the health impact of feeding fresh, whole foods. --- 🐺 1. What Is a Whole-Prey Diet? A whole-prey diet means feeding an entire animal — fur, feathers, organs, bones, and all — often in the form of small prey like rabbits, quail, rats, or fish. This diet aims to replicate what a wild c...

Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Ground Beef or Human Meats 🐶 Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Ground Beef or Human Meats: A Safety Warning for Pet Parents Feeding your dog a raw diet can be an excellent way to nourish their body with species-appropriate ingredients—when done responsibly. But tossing raw ground beef or grocery store chicken into their bowl is not the same as feeding a balanced raw pet food. In fact, it could be putting your pet at serious risk. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between raw human meats and raw pet food, the hidden dangers in supermarket meat, why nutritional balance matters, and how to safely feed your dog raw if you choose that path. Raw Meat Isn't Always Safe Raw Food Many pet parents assume raw is raw—but that’s a dangerous oversimplification. Commercial raw dog foods are prepared, handled, and packaged with raw consumption in mind. Human meats, however, are not. They're produced with the assumption that they will be cooked be...

Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater? Causes & Solutions That Work Does your dog ignore their bowl but beg for table scraps? You’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners. While it might seem like your dog is just being stubborn, picky eating often stems from specific habits, feeding mistakes, or even deeper behavioral or health issues. Fortunately, there are holistic and practical ways to help your dog rediscover the joy of regular meals. Understanding the Causes Behind Picky Eating One of the most frequent contributors to picky eating is offering table scraps. While it may feel loving or harmless, feeding from your plate can condition your dog to expect tastier alternatives. Human meals are often more flavorful, oily, or rich—especially compared to plain kibble. Over time, this habit creates a cycle where your dog holds out for something \"better.\" Excessive treats are another culprit. Many dog treats are inc...

How to Make Raw Feeding More Affordable Without Cutting Corners Feeding your dog a raw diet can feel like the gold standard for canine health—fresh, species-appropriate, and full of bioavailable nutrients. But for many pet parents, the cost can feel like a roadblock. Let’s put some real numbers on the table before we talk savings. --- What Raw Feeding Really Costs Using the common formula (dog’s weight × 0.02 = lbs of food/day) and an average pre-made raw price of $25 for 4 lbs ($6.25/lb), here’s what feeding looks like: Small dog (20 lbs): 0.4 lbs/day → $2.50/day → $75/month Medium dog (40 lbs): 0.8 lbs/day → $5/day → $150/month Large dog (70 lbs): 1.4 lbs/day → $8.75/day → $262.50/month 👉 Not bad for a Chihuahua… but for a Lab? That’s over $250/month. --- How That Compares to Kibble Budget Kibble (Pedigree, ~$80 for 44 lbs) Small dog (20 lbs): $27–$55/month (typical ~$41) Medium dog (40 lbs): $55–$95/month (typical ~$75) Large dog (70 lbs): $95–$123/month (typical ~$109) Premium Kib...