Raw Dog Food Guide UK | 80/10/10 vs 80/20 Diets Explained

Raw Dog Food Guide UK | 80/10/10 vs 80/20 Diets Explained

🐾 Raw Dog Food Guide UK | 80/10/10 vs 80/20 Diets Explained

 

🥩 Understanding Raw Feeding for Dogs

Raw feeding has become increasingly popular across the UK, with more owners switching to natural, species-appropriate diets to support their dog’s health.


But with so many options available—especially 80/10/10 and 80/20 raw diets—it’s important to understand what you’re feeding and whether it’s truly balanced.


At Woofingtons, we help customers every day with choosing the right raw dog food in Wigan, Leigh, Hindley and Pemberton, so here’s a simple guide to help you get it right.

 

🥩 What Is an 80/10/10 Raw Diet?

An 80/10/10 raw diet is one of the most common raw feeding approaches and typically consists of:


  • 80% muscle meat
  • 10% bone
  • 10% offal
    • (usually 5% liver and 5% another secreting organ such as kidney, spleen or pancreas)

This forms a strong natural foundation—but it’s important to understand that 80/10/10 is not automatically a complete diet.

 

🥕 What Is an 80/20 Raw Diet?

An 80/20 raw diet builds on the 80/10/10 structure but includes an additional 20% of:


  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Sometimes added supplements

These are often marketed as “complete raw meals”, but adding fruit and veg alone doesn’t always guarantee full nutritional balance.

 

⚠️ Is 80/10/10 a Complete Diet?

This is where many people get caught out.


An 80/10/10 diet can work very well—but only when done properly.


To make it nutritionally balanced, you need:

  • A wide variety of protein sources
  • A good mix of offal
  • Oily fish and natural omega sources
  • The correct balance of fats, vitamins and minerals

👉 Feeding just one or two proteins (like chicken or beef) long-term can lead to deficiencies.


Variety is key when feeding raw.

 

⚖️ Why Ratios Really Matter

One of the most important factors in raw feeding is the calcium to phosphorus ratio.


If you’re already feeding bone as part of an 80/10/10 diet, adding extra calcium sources—such as eggshell powder or large amounts of sprats—can disrupt this balance.


Too much calcium can:

  • Interfere with nutrient absorption
  • Reduce zinc availability
  • Lead to longer-term health issues

🐾 Signs of Nutritional Imbalance

A poor balance of nutrients—especially zinc—can cause symptoms that are often mistaken for allergies:

  • Itchy skin
  • Redness
  • Poor coat condition
  • Recurring ear or skin issues

Zinc is essential for immune health, so deficiencies can have a bigger impact than many people realise.

 

🐟 Omega Balance – The Overlooked Factor

Omega balance is one of the most overlooked areas of raw feeding.


While omega 6 fats aren’t harmful, they must be balanced with omega 3.


Proteins like:

  • Chicken
  • Duck
  • Pork

are naturally higher in omega 6, so feeding them too frequently without adding omega 3 (such as oily fish) can lead to inflammation.

 

❗ Signs of Omega Imbalance:

  • Itchy skin
  • Redness
  • Excessive shedding
  • Recurring ear infections


Sound familiar?

Often, these issues are blamed on allergies—but in many cases, diet imbalance is the real cause.

 

🥩 Variety and Ingredient Quality Matter

Feeding raw isn’t just about ratios—it’s about quality and diversity.


You shouldn’t rely on:


  • A single protein source
  • Poor-quality ingredients
  • Random additions without purpose

 

Even when adding fruit and vegetables, it’s important to ask:


  • What nutrients does this provide?
  • Why am I adding it?
  • How does it benefit my dog long-term?

 

A balanced raw diet should always be intentional, not guesswork.

💊 Supplements Can Help Fill the Gaps

For many dog owners, adding a high-quality supplement is the easiest way to ensure nutritional balance—especially when feeding an 80/10/10 style diet.


Some excellent options include:

  • Naked Dog – The Answer (designed for 80/10/10 diets)
  • AniForte BARF Complete
  • Smart BARF
  • Keeper Mix

 

These can help support:

  • Vitamin and mineral balance
  • Omega levels
  • Overall long-term health

 

 

 

📍 Raw Dog Food Advice Near You

 

If you’re looking for help with raw feeding in Wigan, Leigh, Hindley or Pemberton, our team at Woofingtons is always happy to guide you.


We stock a wide range of:

  • 80/10/10 raw meals
  • Complete 80/20 options
  • Raw bones and natural treats
  • Supplements to support balanced feeding


 

🏪 Visit Us In-Store:

 

Leigh (Main Store)

Unit E1, Leigh Trading Estate

Butts Street, Leigh, WN7 3EQ


Hindley

28 Butts Street, Hindley, WN2 3LQ


Pemberton

765–767 Ormskirk Road

Pemberton, Wigan

WN5 8AT


 

🐾 Final Thoughts

 

Raw feeding can be one of the best things you do for your dog—but only when it’s done properly.

Understanding balance, variety, and nutrition is key to avoiding common issues that are often mistaken for allergies.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess—get advice.

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