Imagine eating the exact same processed meal, morning and night, 365 days a year. You might survive, but would you thrive? Dogs are no different.

While kibble is convenient, a balanced raw diet delivers fresh proteins, healthy fats, and natural enzymes you simply can’t bottle or bake.

If that sounds intimidating—don’t worry. My step‑by‑step blueprint below walks you through every choice, ratio, and safety tip you’ll need to launch your dog’s raw‑food journey with confidence.

The Core Ratio: 50‑35‑15 Diet For Dogs And Why It Works

Below is a simple starting point that reflects what prey animals offer in nature.

Adjustments come later, but these numbers give you a rock‑solid foundation:

Tip: Heart counts as muscle meat, not organ. Start slow with rich organs like liver; they’re potent in small servings.

Raw Meaty Bones: Picking The Right Pieces For Your Dog's Diet

Raw meaty bones (RMBs) aren’t the weight‑bearing leg bones you’d find in a soup pot. Choose softer, cartilage‑rich cuts your dog can crush and digest:

• Poultry Necks And Backs – Turkey and chicken necks are perfect for beginners.
• Rib Racks – Lamb, venison, goat, or beef ribs (for larger breeds).
• Poultry Feet And Wings – Loaded with connective tissue for joint support.

Always serve bones raw—cooking hardens them and creates splinter risks. Supervise meals until your dog’s chewing style is predictable.

Muscles And Hearts: Fuel And Flavor For Your Dog's Food

Muscle meat drives energy.

Rotate through several species each month to balance amino‑acid profiles and micronutrient quirks:

1. Beef Chuck Or Brisket – Good fat marbling.
2. Turkey Thigh – Leaner option for weight‑watchers.
3. Pork Shoulder – Rich flavor and high B‑vitamin punch.
4. Venison Trim – Iron dense, ideal for dogs sensitive to beef.
5. Organized Heart Night – Substitute 10 % of weekly muscle portion with heart for extra taurine.

Cut meat into chunks roughly the size of two dice for medium dogs; mince for toy breeds or seniors missing teeth.

Organ Meat: Nature’s Multivitamin

Organs should make up about 15 % of the total bowl each week, split evenly (when possible) between liver and “other secreting organs” such as kidney, spleen, pancreas, or tripe.

• Liver – Rich in vitamin A; keep servings moderate to avoid loose stools.
• Kidney – Excellent selenium source.
• Spleen Or Pancreas – Supplies additional enzymes and bioavailable iron.
• Green Tripe – Unbleached, unwashed bovine stomach lining loaded with natural probiotics.

If access to variety is limited, freeze‑dried organ powder can fill gaps—just ensure it’s a single‑ingredient product with no flavorings.

Optional Produce: The Flexible 5 %

Dogs don’t require carbohydrates for energy the way humans do, but a touch of fiber can regulate stools and deliver phytonutrients.

Good Choices

• Steamed or puréed broccoli, spinach, zucchini
• Mashed pumpkin or butternut squash
• Berries (blueberry, raspberry) for antioxidants

Keep total produce under 5 % of the bowl; it’s a supplement, not the star.

Safe Sourcing And Storage

1. Know Your Supplier – Choose human‑grade meats or reputable raw‑feeding co‑ops. Ask about antibiotic use and processing dates.
2. Freeze For Parasite Control – Most fresh cuts from grocery stores are fine, but fish like salmon should be frozen at ‑4 °F (‑20 °C) for at least seven days before serving raw.
3. Rotate Proteins Monthly – Variety minimizes any one nutrient excess and expands flavor.

Use separate cutting boards for raw dog food, sanitize prep areas well, and store meals in labeled containers to avoid mix‑ups with family groceries.

Transition Timeline: Three Phases To A Balanced Raw Diet

Phase 1 – Days 1‑3: One Protein, One Bone

• Offer small, raw chicken neck meals twice daily at 2–3 % of body weight.
• Monitor stools for consistency; a little chalk‑white is normal during bone introduction.

Phase 2 – Days 4‑10: Introduce Muscle Meat

• Add boneless chicken thigh to maintain the 50‑35‑15 rule.
• If stools stay firm, introduce turkey or beef bones on alternate days.

Phase 3 – Days 11‑30: Organs And Variety

• Introduce liver in pea‑sized amounts, gradually increasing to full ratios.
• Rotate in a second protein (lamb, pork, rabbit) and incorporate limited produce.

Take it slower if your dog has a sensitive stomach—every animal adapts at their own pace.

Common Pitfalls Of Feeding Dogs Raw Food (And Quick Fixes)

Cost‑Saving Hacks Without Sacrificing Quality

• Buy In Bulk – Warehouse clubs often stock family‑pack chicken quarters at bargain prices.
• Befriend A Butcher – Ask for trim, hearts, or poultry frames that rarely hit retail shelves.
• Seasonal Game – Hunters often share or sell venison trimmings inexpensively after processing.
• Freeze‑Dry Deals – Stock up on organ snacks during online sales on freeze dried raw food; sprinkle powder over meals as needed.

Meal prep once a month, pack daily portions in freezer tubs, and you’ll spend less time handling raw meat overall.

The Simple Weekly Planner

Fasting one day a week (bone broth for hydration) mirrors ancestral feast‑and‑fast patterns and gives the digestive tract a break—skip this step for puppies or underweight dogs.

Safety Checklist For Every Meal

1. Thaw In The Fridge – Never on the countertop.
2. Serve Within 24 Hours once thawed.
3. Dispose Of Leftovers after 20 minutes—raw food shouldn’t linger.
4. Wash Hands And Bowls with hot, soapy water.
5. Observe Stool Quality – Firm, chocolate‑brown logs signal balance.

Fine‑Tuning Over Time

After two or three months, you’ll notice shinier coat, smaller stools, and fresher breath. Re‑evaluate weight monthly:

• Too Thin? Bump total food weight to 3 % of body weight or add fattier meat.
• Too Plush? Drop to 1.8–2 % and trim extra skin or fat off cuts.

A yearly blood panel ensures micronutrients remain in range; most raw‑fed dogs test beautifully when variety is consistent.

Final Thoughts

Switching to raw isn’t about perfection on Day One—it’s a gradual, rewarding journey toward vibrant well‑being. Use the 50‑35‑15 framework, source responsibly, and stay flexible.

Before long, you’ll watch your dog crunch bones with enthusiasm, zoom across the yard with new energy, and greet you with that glossy‑coat glow that only fresh, whole foods can deliver.

Stick to the plan, adjust for your dog’s unique needs, and enjoy the daily reminder that real nutrition is the simplest form of love you can offer.

FAQ

Can I start my dog on raw food? Yes, pet parents can safely start their dog on a raw food diet by following a gradual introduction to raw meals using a balanced ratio of meat, organ, and edible bones. Raw feeding dogs mimics what wild animals eat and supports a healthier skin, stronger immune system, and better digestion.

What is the 80-10-10 rule for raw dog food? The 80-10-10 rule refers to a raw dog food diet composed of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% edible bones, designed to provide a nutritionally balanced diet for adult dogs. This natural diet delivers key nutrients and digestive enzymes that improve your dog’s health and energy.

Why do vets say not to feed raw? Some vets caution against a raw meat based diet due to concerns over bacterial contamination and ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet. However, many dog owners find that feeding their own raw diet with proper bone safety and sourcing can support a dog’s immune system and overall health.

Are dogs happier on a raw diet? Many dog owners report that their dogs have healthier skin, better digestion, and a healthy weight after switching to a raw food diet. A raw diet for dogs provides variety, raw feeding flexibility, and satisfies their natural instincts better than most processed diets.