Here at Raw Cut, we pride ourselves on providing your dogs with the freshest, healthiest diets possible, whether that means raw feeding or prepared food. This article goes over how to properly balance a raw diet.

A large component of keeping your dog's raw diet balanced is giving him a range of proteins, or meats. If your dog has allergies and is only allowed to eat a few proteins or is on an elimination diet— then, it's the best you can do! It is highly advantageous to feed as many proteins as possible to your dog during the rotation if he is not known to experience allergies or itching. This can take place every week or every month.

Feeding a variety of proteins results in a broader intake of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, because various proteins offer diverse nutritional profiles.

Let's see what some of the well-liked choices have to offer! 

Chicken: provides high amounts of Vitamin B3 and B12, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Biotin.

Beef: great source of Iron, Vitamins B2, B3,B6 and B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc.

Lamb: Source of Iron, Vitamins B3 and B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus.


Adding in Omegas

Omega 3 and 6 are particularly significant omegas among the necessary fatty acids! While omega 6 is inflammatory, omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties. Since the meat-based diets of our pets are naturally high in omega-6, it's critical to provide lots of omega-3 in the diet!

Omegas play a major role in the formation of cell membranes, and diet-related omega content has a direct impact on heart and brain health, as well as puppy growth, joint and skin health, and weight management. Let's talk about the various kinds of omega!

Since they are polyunsaturated, the body is unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids. Three types of Omega-3 fats exist:

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation.

Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development.
Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these.

Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body.

Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – its great for control of hormones.

Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed.
Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA).

Sources of omega 3 include:

Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel.
Fish oils: Krill Oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, herring oil.
Raw eggs: (EPA and DHA)
Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA)
Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA)
Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA)
Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice)

Ensuring your pet’s diet has an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids is crucial!


Adding in some Veggies or Fruits



There are several advantages to supplementing your dog's diet with certain veggies & fruits! Plant matter contributes fibre, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols to the diet in addition to aiding with stomach motility.

Fruits and Vegetables are also full of vitamins and minerals so can really boost an 80:10:10 meal!
Some examples of suitable plant matter include:

• Kale
• Spring greens
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Courgette
• Green beans
• Strawberries
• Mango
• Pear
• Apple

You can add as much as approximately 10% of the raw portion's weight! Before feeding, it's a good idea to gently steam and/or mince vegetables to break down the cellulose cell wall and increase their bioavailability

6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets:

When feeding a raw diet, while it’s the best, most natural diet available (though not all tolerate it – that’s what we’re here for!), there are 6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets. Try to include a variety of these sources!

Zinc (essential for cell growth, DNA replication, tissue healing, and immune support) can be found most plentifully in pumpkin seeds, eggs, prawns (cooked), spinach, red meats, and hemp hearts and wheatgrass.

Copper (essential for immune support, nervous system health, red blood cell production, and formation of collagen for health skin and joints) can be found in offal, prawns (cooked), mussels (cooked), wheatgrass, seeds and nuts (avoiding peanuts and macadamia nuts) and mushrooms.

Magnesium (essential for nervous system health, protein synthesis, regulation of blood pressure, and control of blood glucose levels) is found in leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, almonds, banana, avocado flesh, and fish.

Manganese (essential as part of the enzyme system which breaks down cholesterol, protein and carbohydrates. It also plays a huge role in immune and skeletal health, as well as blood clotting after trauma) can be sought in shellfish, wheatgrass, nuts (hazelnuts and pecans are great sources), and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin D (helps regulate the amount of phosphorus and calcium in the body, keeping bones and muscles healthy) can be found in egg yolk, oily fish, and liver.

Vitamin E (essential for immune support, as well as eye and skin health) is found in wheatgerm, wheatgrass, sunflower seeds, almonds, leafy green vegetables, pumpkin, red bell peppers, and avocado flesh.

We hope that this blog post has clarified the process of correctly balancing an 80:10:10 for you! Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us and schedule a consultation with one of our team members if you need personalized nutritional guidance for your pet.

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