Raw feeding is rooted in the belief that fresh, whole foods are more biologically appropriate for dogs than ultra-processed kibble. While dogs are no longer wolves, many pet parents look to the ancestral diet as a guide, feeding a variety of muscle meat, organ meat, bones, and vegetation to support gut health, immune function, and longevity.
If you're new to raw feeding, you may not realize there are multiple feeding models to choose from. In this article, I’ll walk you through five popular raw feeding models, highlight the pros and cons of each, and explain the hybrid approach I use with my own dogs.
What's a Raw Feeding Model?
A raw feeding model is simply a framework or set of guidelines that helps dog owners build a species-appropriate diet. Each model varies slightly in its philosophy and ingredients, but all aim to support a dog’s nutritional needs using real, whole foods.
Raw feeders follow these models because:
They offer a starting point for DIY raw feeding.
They’re based on the idea that dogs’ diets should resemble what their wild ancestors ate.
They provide helpful ratios or “recipes” to follow when preparing meals.
However, it’s important to understand that following a model doesn’t automatically guarantee a balanced diet. It wasn’t until I incorporated a base mix and worked with a nutritionist, supported by hair analysis testing, that I could confidently say my dogs’ diets were complete.
Let’s take a closer look at each model.
1. Premade (Commercial) Raw Dog Food
While not a model in the traditional sense, commercial raw food has become a convenient option for pet parents.
Premade raw includes ready-to-serve meals you can find at local pet stores, order online (Chewy.com, Raw Paws Pet Food, etc.), or purchase directly from brands. It’s a great option for beginners who want to transition to raw feeding without the guesswork.
Pros
No need to worry about balancing nutrients; many brands do this for you.
Wide variety of proteins.
No need for extra freezer space unless you have multiple large dogs.
Minimal prep and cleanup.
Many brands offer home delivery.
Some brands use HPP or other kill steps, which make raw more accessible for pet parents who are concerned about harmful pathogens that may be in raw meat.
Cons
Some brands use HPP or other kill steps, which may reduce beneficial bacteria.
Can be expensive due to formulation, packaging, and delivery costs.
Some include synthetic vitamins, which are less bioavailable than whole foods.
Sourcing practices vary; some brands use factory-farmed meat.
Not all brands formulate for puppies or all life stages; check before feeding young dogs.
2. Prey Model Raw (PMR)
The Prey Model mimics the diet of wild canines, focusing on whole prey animals and excluding fruits, vegetables, and supplements. It emphasizes feeding:
75–80% muscle meat
10–12% bone
5% liver
5% secreting organs (like spleen or kidney)
Optional: fur or feathers for fiber
When feeding whole prey isn’t possible, many follow a “FrankenPrey” approach, combining parts from different animals to meet the model's ratios.
Pros
Appeals to those wanting to feed a “species-appropriate” diet.
Encourages chewing, which helps clean teeth and exercise muscles.
Meals take longer to eat, aiding digestion.
Cons
Often lacks key nutrients like zinc, Omega-3s, and certain vitamins.
Requires more freezer space due to bulkier cuts and whole parts.
Can be messy and more labor-intensive.
Ground raw is often discouraged in favor of whole prey parts.
Avoids supplements, which can make achieving full nutritional balance difficult.
3. BARF Model (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
The BARF model, created by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, and even dairy in addition to raw meat, bones, and organs. It’s one of the most flexible and beginner-friendly models.
Typical ratios include:
65–75% muscle meat
10–15% bone
5% liver
5% secreting organs
5–10% vegetables, fruits, seeds, or dairy
Pros
Easier to meet micronutrient needs with the inclusion of produce and whole food supplements.
More options for antioxidant-rich foods and fiber.
Accepts both ground and whole raw feeding.
Flexible sourcing; no need for entire prey animals.
Recreational bones can be offered separately for dental health.
Cons
Ground raw can encourage gulping in some dogs.
Less dental benefit compared to whole prey if primarily fed in ground form.
Some dogs may refuse vegetables.
May require a meat grinder and more freezer space.
4. Ancestral Diet Model
The Ancestral Model is similar to Prey and BARF but places greater emphasis on variety and evolutionary nutrition, including seafood and fur. It aligns closely with what wild canines might have eaten in their natural environment.
The Feed Real Institute's version includes:
63–65% muscle meat
10% seafood
10–12% raw meaty bones
5% liver
5% secreting organs
5% fiber (vegetables, fur, feathers)
This is the model I follow and recommend.
Pros
Provides a well-rounded nutrient profile with seafood and vegetables.
Flexible: meals can include whole or ground raw, and a mix of proteins.
Closely reflects what wild dogs would consume.
Cons
Like other DIY models, it may require more freezer space and bulk sourcing.
5. Rotational MonoFeeding (RMF)
RMF is a more recent and controversial model created by Nora Lenz. It’s based on the belief that dogs should eat one food group at a time, mimicking a natural rhythm of hunting (meat days), foraging (vegetable/fruit days), and fasting.
Pros
Introduces regular fasting days.
Simplified meal prep.
Stretch your protein budget further.
Cons
Appears to be primarily plant-based for some.
Difficult to meet full nutritional needs.
Discourages supplements, bone broth, and functional foods.
Relies on carb-heavy meals like sweet potatoes or fruit, which may not be species-appropriate.
Lacks scientific backing for claims about curing disease through fasting or mono-feeding.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Dog
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to raw feeding. I explored several models, finally landing on the Ancestral Model. However, when I examine how I feed my dogs, I’ve incorporated elements from several models to create a hybrid approach that works for my dogs, my budget, and our local sourcing options. Here’s what I use:
BARF for base mix and vegetables
PREY for 80/10/10 guidance and whole raw options
ANCESTRAL for seafood and fur
RMF for the fasting component
Staying open to new research and adjusting as my dogs’ needs evolve has helped me feel confident in the diets I prepare.
Hybrid: Feeding Raw and Kibble
With the rising cost of premade raw and limited variety in some areas, feeding a raw diet can feel out of reach for some pet parents. When I first started, I was overwhelmed by both the complexity and the expense. So, I began with a hybrid approach - raw food in the morning and kibble in the evening.
This strategy helped me:
reduce overall food costs
start incorporating fresh, whole foods
take the time to learn about raw feeding, sourcing ingredients, and expanding storage (including investing in a freezer)
Some pet parents choose to mix raw and kibble in the same meal. While some dogs tolerate this well, it can be too rich or hard to digest for others. Every dog is different—do what works best for yours.
Where to Source Raw Ingredients
Once you’ve chosen a model, it’s time to find your ingredients. Here are a few sourcing ideas:
Muscle Meat, Organs, and Bones
Local farms/homesteaders
Outlet grocery or restaurant supply stores
Ethnic markets
Seafood (Sardines, Mackerel, Salmon, Oysters, Mussels)
Ethnic grocery stores
Restaurant supply stores
Vegetables, Fur, Feathers, Seeds
Your garden (your friend’s garden)
Real Dog Box (fur & feather - cow ears, rabbit feet, turkey poults, etc.)
Farmer’s markets
Local farms
Costco (organic hemp seeds)
My Raw Dog Food Recipes
Many dog owners struggle to find balanced raw food recipes, so I’ll be sharing mine, plus a little extra, with my newsletter subscribers. I do meal prep once a month, making two or three recipes for my dogs. Here are two recent recipes I followed.
Grass-Fed Beef / Turkey Necks | Duck / Quail |
|---|
grass-fed beef | whole duck (with everything, including feathers / excluding intestines) |
ground turkey necks | whole quail |
turkey and beef organ blend | ground duck necks |
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance base mix | duck and beef organ blend |
canned oysters | Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance base mix |
organic kelp | canned oysters |
raw sunflower seeds | organic kelp |
organic hemp seeds | raw sunflower seeds |
organic hemp seeds |
I'll be sharing more details, like ingredient amounts and nutrient breakdowns, in each individual newsletter post that features a recipe.
Throughout the week, I rotate in additional foods using a "balance over time" approach rather than aiming for daily precision. These additions include:
chicken or quail eggs
salmon oil, whole or ground fatty fish, and green-lipped mussels
bone broth for hydration, gut support, and to take the chill off of the food
I also feed one meal of raw meaty bones and one meal of raw goat’s milk each week. Every Thursday, my dogs fast for 20 hours as part of their routine.
Learn More
For those who want to deepen their understanding of raw feeding, I highly recommend the online Feed Real Dog Food Nutrition Course. It breaks down everything you need to know in an approachable, well-organized way. I also wrote a book that may be helpful if you’re looking for a simpler approach to raw feeding: Raw Feeding from A to Z.