80/20 or 80/10/10? Which Raw Feeding Model is Best for Your Dog?

Confused by the numbers on raw dog food labels? In this episode of The Raw Feeding Journal, Charlotte and Robin explain the key differences between 80/20 complete meals and 80/10/10 complementary diets. Learn how to ensure your dog’s raw diet is balanced, whether you prefer the simplicity of complete meals or the flexibility of the 80/10/10 model.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between complete and complementary raw food.
• What 80/20 and 80/10/10 mean for your dog’s nutrition.
• How to balance an 80/10/10 diet with additions like eggs, fish, and vegetables.
• Why protein rotation is essential for long-term health.

Understand your options and feed your dog with confidence!

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hello and welcome back to the Raw Feeding Journal. I'm Charlotte.

SPEAKER_00 0:03

And I'm Robin. Today we're going to tackle a topic that comes up a lot in the raw feeding community. The numbers you see on food labels. Specifically 8020 and 801010. If you're new to raw feeding, these numbers can be a bit confusing. So we're here to break it all down.

SPEAKER_01 0:24

That's right, Robin. These numbers refer to different raw feeding models, and understanding them is key to ensuring your dog gets the nutrition they need. But before we dive into the specifics, let's start with the basics. Complete versus complementary food.

SPEAKER_00 0:43

Great place to start. Complete food is exactly what it sounds like. It contains every nutrient your dog needs for daily health. You can feed it every day without adding anything else.

SPEAKER_01 0:55

On the other hand, complementary food is not balanced on its own. It's rich in certain nutrients but lacks others, so it must be combined with other ingredients to ensure your dog gets complete nutrition. Feeding complementary food alone for too long can lead to deficiencies.

SPEAKER_00 1:14

Now that we've got that covered, let's look at the AT20 model. This is a complete raw food diet made up of 80% raw meat, offal, and bone, and 20% fresh vegetables, botanicals or other plant-based ingredients.

SPEAKER_01 1:28

What makes AT20 so appealing is its simplicity. Because it's complete, you can just defrost, serve, and know your dog is getting everything they need. There's no need for additional supplements or planning.

SPEAKER_00 1:42

Exactly. For busy owners who want to feed raw without the complexity of balancing nutrients themselves, 8020 is a great option.

SPEAKER_01 1:50

Now let's move on to the AT1010 model. This one is very popular, especially among those who want to mimic a dog's ancestral diet. It's made up of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% offal.

SPEAKER_00 2:07

But here's the catch. 8010-10 is classified as complementary, not complete. While it provides many essential nutrients, it lacks some key vitamins and minerals like iodine, manganese, and vitamin D.

SPEAKER_01 2:22

That's why, if you're feeding AT1010, you need to make additions to ensure your dog's diet is balanced over time. Let's talk about how to do that, Robin. Sure.

SPEAKER_00 2:34

First, add eggs two to three times a week. Eggs are a fantastic source of vitamins, choline and healthy fats. Next, include oily fish like sardines or mackerel a couple of times a week to provide omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

SPEAKER_01 2:50

You can also add herbs or natural supplements for phytonutrients and antioxidants. And don't forget fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples or spinach, which provide fibre, vitamins, and prebiotics for gut health.

SPEAKER_00 3:06

Another important tip is to rotate proteins. Feeding a variety of proteins like chicken, lamb, duck, or venison, ensures your dog gets a broader range of amino acids and nutrients.

SPEAKER_01 3:18

And here's something to watch out for. Some AT1010 products are incorrectly marketed as complete. Always check the label for compliance with nutritional guidelines, such as those set by European standards like FEDIAF.

SPEAKER_00 3:34

That's an important point, Charlotte. If the label doesn't clearly state that the food is complete, assume it's complementary and plan to add those missing nutrients.

SPEAKER_01 3:43

So Robin, which is better, 8020 or 801010?

SPEAKER_00 3:48

It really depends on your lifestyle and how much effort you want to put into your dog's diet. If you want simplicity and peace of mind, 8020 complete meals are the way to go. They eliminate the guesswork and make raw feeding easy.

SPEAKER_01 4:02

But if you prefer a hands-on approach and enjoy the flexibility of building your dog's meals, 801010 can work beautifully. Just be prepared to add variety and supplements to ensure balance.

SPEAKER_00 4:16

And remember, no matter which model you choose, the most important thing is ensuring your dog's diet is nutritionally balanced. When in doubt, consult a professional, like a vet or an animal nutritionist.

SPEAKER_01 4:29

Absolutely. Raw feeding can be incredibly rewarding when done correctly. It supports your dog's health, energy, and overall vitality.

SPEAKER_00 4:39

Well said, Charlotte. Thanks for tuning in to the Raw Feeding Journal. If you found this episode helpful, don't forget to subscribe, and we'll see you next time. Bye for now.