Holistic Health Hub

80/10/10 Raw Diets and Defficiencies

A common misconception in raw feeding is that a diet composed of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs is sufficient to meet a dog’s full nutritional requirements. While this model provides a macronutrient distribution that closely mimics prey-based feeding, it is nutritionally incomplete without additional components. Dogs fed such a diet long-term without careful formulation are at significant risk for multiple micronutrient deficiencies, especially if no supplements, oily fish, or plant-based ingredients are included.

This article outlines the most common nutrient shortfalls associated with feeding only raw meat, bone, and organs in these ratios, and explains the physiological role of each nutrient and the consequences of its deficiency.

1. Zinc

Zinc plays a critical role in skin and coat health, immune function, and wound healing. Animal-based diets often fall short of meeting canine zinc requirements, particularly when phytate-free plant sources (such as seeds) or zinc-rich seafood (like oysters or mussels) are excluded.

Deficiency in zinc can lead to:

  • Hyperkeratosis of paw pads and nose

  • Poor wound healing

  • Immune dysfunction

  • Reproductive failure

Zinc bioavailability from red meat varies and may not be sufficient without rotation or supplementation, especially in growing dogs or those with absorption issues.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and energy metabolism. It is present in soft tissues and bones, but muscle meat alone is insufficient to meet recommended levels.

Magnesium deficiency may lead to:

  • Muscle tremors or weakness

  • Hyperexcitability

  • Abnormal heart rhythms

  • Reduced growth rates in puppies

Magnesium-rich foods (such as leafy greens, seeds, or whole fish) are typically not included in basic raw formulations.

3. Manganese

Manganese supports connective tissue formation, joint health, and antioxidant enzyme activity. It is virtually absent from skeletal muscle and present in only small amounts in liver and bone.

Manganese deficiency may result in:

  • Impaired skeletal development

  • Joint instability or dysplasia

  • Poor reproductive performance

Sources such as shellfish, nuts, seeds, or fur/feather matter in wild diets provide manganese but are often omitted in modern raw feeding.

4. Iodine

Iodine is vital for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolic regulation. Muscle meat, bone, and land-based organs provide negligible iodine.

Iodine deficiency may result in:

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Weight gain

  • Hair thinning or alopecia

  • Lethargy and poor thermoregulation

Seafood (especially seaweed or kelp) is a critical source in nature, and must be included or supplemented in a complete diet. Excess iodine is also a concern, so dosing must be precise.

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports immune and neuromuscular function. It is degraded during storage and is often low in raw diets not supplemented with fresh plant oils or eggs.

Vitamin E deficiency can lead to:

  • Muscle weakness or degeneration

  • Reproductive issues

  • Pancreatitis or fat metabolism disturbances

  • Oxidative stress and inflammation

Dogs fed high-fat diets (especially those rich in polyunsaturated fats) without corresponding vitamin E levels are particularly vulnerable.

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism and is critical for bone health and immune function. Unlike humans, dogs cannot synthesise vitamin D via skin exposure to sunlight.

Muscle meat and bone contain negligible vitamin D. Liver contains some, but not enough to meet requirements unless fish liver or oily fish are included.

Deficiency risks include:

  • Osteomalacia or rickets

  • Muscle weakness

  • Immune dysfunction

Wild prey animals often provide vitamin D through fatty tissues and exposure to sunlight. In raw-fed domestic dogs, cold-water fish or carefully formulated supplements are typically needed.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

EPA and DHA support anti-inflammatory pathways, brain function, skin and coat condition, and cardiac health. They are not present in significant quantities in most land-based animal tissues.

Deficiency in omega-3s may present as:

  • Dry or flaky skin

  • Poor cognitive development in puppies

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Increased allergy expression or poor healing

Grass-fed ruminants contain slightly higher omega-3 content, but not enough to meet canine needs. Inclusion of oily fish (e.g., sardines, mackerel, anchovies) or high-quality fish oil is necessary for balance.

A raw diet composed solely of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs is incomplete and unbalanced without additional nutrient-dense components. Long-term feeding of such a simplified model may result in clinically relevant deficiencies, especially in growing puppies, breeding animals, and dogs with increased physiological demands.

Raw diets must be designed with full awareness of micronutrient requirements, and should include a range of seafood, seeds, egg yolks, leafy greens, or appropriate supplements to ensure adequacy across all essential nutrients.

For detailed nutrient profiles and data on common raw ingredients, see:

  • National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.

Jackie Gowland