What is the 80/20 rule for dog food?

Many commercial dog foods contain excessive fillers like grains, corn, and soy, which can be difficult for dogs to digest. This has led many pet owners to explore alternative dietary approaches, including the 80/20 rule for dog food, a concept that emphasizes higher protein content for better health.

Quick Summary

The 80/20 rule for dog food primarily refers to two dietary concepts: a raw diet composed of 80% meat, bone, and organ, with 20% plant matter; or a kibble diet supplemented with 20% fresh food.

Key Points

• Two Interpretations: The 80/20 rule can mean either a raw diet of 80% animal matter and 20% plant matter, or supplementing a balanced kibble diet with 20% fresh food.

• High-Protein Focus: The central idea is to increase high-quality, animal-based protein while reducing fillers and excess carbohydrates.

• Potential Health Benefits: Supporters report improved digestion, better skin and coat health, sustained energy, and weight management on an 80/20 diet.

• Risks of Imbalance: Homemade 80/20 diets require careful formulation to avoid nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium and other essential minerals.

• Consult a Professional: Due to the complexity and risks, it is strongly advised to consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before implementing a homemade 80/20 diet.

• Hygiene is Crucial: Raw feeding carries the risk of bacterial contamination, so proper food handling and cleanliness are paramount.

Understanding the Core Concepts of the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule in canine nutrition has evolved to encompass two distinct feeding philosophies, both rooted in the idea of providing a diet closer to a dog's ancestral intake. While the name is the same, the application varies significantly. It is crucial for pet owners to understand these differences before making any changes to their dog's feeding regimen. Both methods prioritize higher-quality, species-appropriate ingredients, moving away from heavily processed foods and fillers.

The 80/10/10 Raw Diet with Added Produce

One common interpretation of the 80/20 rule is linked to raw feeding models. In this context, the ratio refers to the final composition of a complete and balanced raw meal.

• The 80% component is composed of high-quality animal muscle meat, including heart, which is considered a muscle meat.
• The 10% component consists of raw, edible bones from smaller animals like chicken necks or wings, providing a crucial source of calcium and other minerals.
• The final 10% is made up of secreting organs, with liver typically making up half of this portion.
• The addition of 20% fruit and vegetables is then incorporated into this foundational mix, providing essential fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The Kibble Topper Method

A less intensive, but still beneficial, approach involves supplementing a dog's dry kibble with fresh, whole foods. This method uses the 80/20 ratio as a guideline for daily feeding.

• The 80% component is a commercially complete and balanced kibble, which provides the foundational nutrition for the meal.
• The 20% component consists of healthy extras, such as cooked lean meat, pureed vegetables, or small amounts of fruit.

Core Benefits of an 80/20 Diet

Regardless of the implementation, both versions of the 80/20 rule aim to provide several health advantages for dogs:

• Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: High-meat, low-filler diets are easier for a dog's digestive system to process. This can lead to less bloating and smaller, firmer stools.
• Enhanced Skin and Coat Health: The rich content of animal-based protein and essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, supports a lustrous, shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Sustained Energy and Vitality: A diet focused on protein and healthy fats provides consistent energy throughout the day, avoiding the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with high-carbohydrate foods.
• Reduced Allergies and Sensitivities: By eliminating common allergens like grains, corn, and soy, this diet can help alleviate food-related sensitivities that cause itching, ear infections, and digestive upset.
• Healthy Weight Management: High-protein diets can promote a feeling of fullness, which can help prevent overeating and aid in maintaining a healthy weight.

Risks and Considerations

While appealing, the 80/20 rule is not without its risks and requires careful implementation:

• Nutritional Imbalances: For homemade raw or cooked diets, achieving a perfect, complete balance of nutrients, including the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, can be challenging without expert guidance. Mistakes can lead to deficiencies or excesses that harm your dog's health.
• Bacterial Contamination: Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, posing a risk to both dogs and human handlers. Proper hygiene and handling are essential to mitigate this risk.
• Pancreatitis Risk: High-fat meats, like 80/20 ground beef that hasn't been drained, can increase the risk of pancreatitis, especially in less active dogs. Portion control and ingredient selection are critical.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: Rapidly switching to a new diet, particularly raw, can cause digestive upset. A slow and gradual transition is recommended.

Comparison of 80/20 Methods

Feature	80/20 Raw Feeding	80/20 Kibble Topper	Standard Commercial Kibble
Preparation	Time-intensive, requires sourcing muscle meat, organ, and bone.	Simple; adds fresh, cooked ingredients to standard kibble.	Minimal; just measure and serve.
Ingredient Quality	Control over every ingredient; can use human-grade components.	Quality is dependent on both the kibble and the added fresh food.	Varies by brand; often contains fillers and rendered ingredients.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to sourcing high-quality meats.	Can be more affordable than a full raw diet but costs more than kibble alone.	Generally the most budget-friendly option.
Nutritional Control	High control, but requires a deep understanding of canine nutrition to ensure balance.	Less control than a raw diet, but allows for enhancing overall diet.	Least control over individual ingredients and nutrient profile.
Allergen Management	Easily avoids common allergens like grains, corn, and soy.	Depends on the kibble base; can help if fresh foods are novel proteins.	May contain common allergens, though limited ingredient diets are available.

How to Implement the 80/20 Rule Safely

If you decide to try the 80/20 rule, follow these steps for your dog's safety and well-being:

1. Consult a Veterinary Nutritionist: Before starting any homemade diet, especially a raw one, speak with a professional. They can help create a complete and balanced plan tailored to your dog's specific needs.
2. Choose Your Method: Decide whether you will use the kibble topper approach or attempt a homemade raw diet. The topper method is a simpler entry point.
3. Introduce Gradually: To avoid digestive upset, introduce the new foods slowly. For kibble toppers, start with a very small amount and increase over several weeks. For a full diet switch, allow a transition period.
4. Prioritize Variety (for raw feeders): A balanced raw diet is achieved over time by feeding a variety of protein sources, not just a single one.
5. Maintain Excellent Hygiene: When handling raw meat, follow strict food safety protocols to prevent bacterial contamination. This includes dedicated cutting boards, thorough cleaning, and proper storage.

Conclusion

What is the 80/20 rule for dog food? It's a dietary guideline with two main interpretations: a high-meat raw diet or a kibble-based diet supplemented with fresh ingredients. It aims to improve canine health through higher protein and fewer fillers, offering potential benefits like better digestion and improved skin. However, implementing it, especially the raw version, requires a deep understanding of nutrition and commitment to safety to avoid risks like imbalance and bacterial contamination. Always consult a veterinary professional to ensure the chosen approach is suitable and safe for your dog's individual needs. For more information on canine nutritional myths and facts, see the American Kennel Club's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 80/20 rule mean for dogs eating commercial kibble?

For dogs on a kibble diet, the 80/20 rule suggests feeding 80% of their nutritionally complete kibble while supplementing the remaining 20% with healthy, fresh food additions like cooked lean meats or pureed vegetables.

Is an 80/20 diet automatically grain-free?

Yes, in the context of commercial and homemade 80/20 raw or dry formulas, the diet is grain-free. The 20% plant portion is made up of fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, rather than grains.

How do I ensure the correct balance of bone and organ meat in a raw 80/20 diet?

A common guideline for raw feeding is the 80/10/10 ratio, meaning the 80% animal component should consist of 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% secreting organs. Consulting a nutritionist is recommended to get this balance correct.

Can the 80/20 rule cause health problems like pancreatitis?

Yes, if not implemented carefully. The risk of pancreatitis can increase if you use high-fat meats, like undrained 80/20 ground beef, especially for less active dogs. Proper ingredient selection and portion control are essential.

Is the 80/20 ratio for puppies different from adult dogs?

Yes, puppies have unique and higher nutritional requirements. Some commercial raw food brands offer specific 80/20 puppy formulas. A puppy's diet requires precise balancing, so it is vital to consult a vet or nutritionist.

What are some good fresh foods to add for the 20% portion?

Good additions include cooked lean meats (like chicken or turkey), pureed or steamed vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or broccoli), and small amounts of fruits like blueberries or apples.

Is the 80/20 rule based on ancestral diets?

Yes, the 80/20 concept is often associated with the idea of providing a diet that more closely resembles what a dog's wild ancestors would have eaten, focusing on high-meat and low-carbohydrate content.