raw feeding
glossary.

The foundational ratio used in PMR raw feeding: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bone, 10% organ (with at least 5% liver). Balance is aimed for over time — typically across a week — rather than at every meal.

A six-component raw feeding model: muscle meat, raw meaty bone, seafood, liver, secreting organ, and plant matter (fibre/fruits). Designed to provide the broadest nutritional spectrum.

An omega-6 fatty acid that cats cannot synthesise themselves and must obtain from animal fat. Dogs can convert it from linoleic acid. Found in animal fats, eggs, and organ meats.

A low-temperature drying method that removes moisture from raw ingredients. Less thorough pathogen elimination than HPP or freeze-drying but preserves more nutrition than kibble. Often used as a topper or partial substitute.

A raw feeding model similar to PMR but with the addition of fruits, vegetables, and sometimes dairy (typically around 10%). Based on the idea that dogs have evolved alongside humans and can benefit from plant matter.

The proportion of a nutrient that is actually absorbed and used by the body. Raw food typically has higher bioavailability than heavily processed food, because heat and processing can denature proteins and destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.

The proportion of actual bone within a given cut of meat. Different cuts vary widely — chicken necks are around 70% bone, while chicken thighs are around 20%. Knowing this helps you calculate how much of a cut to feed to hit your bone target without overshooting.

The balance between calcium and phosphorus in the diet. The ideal ratio for dogs and cats is approximately 1.2:1 to 1.4:1 (Ca:P). Raw meaty bones naturally provide this balance. An imbalanced ratio over time can cause skeletal issues, especially in growing puppies.

Bones that can be fully consumed by the animal — typically smaller, softer bones from poultry or rabbit. Distinguished from recreational bones, which are too dense to eat and are given for enrichment only.

Nutritional guidelines published by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). These define minimum and maximum nutrient levels for complete pet food in Europe and are the standard used by commercial raw food manufacturers when formulating compliant products.

Raw food that has been frozen and then dried under vacuum pressure, removing moisture while preserving nutrients and eliminating pathogens. Can be stored at room temperature, making it a convenient option. Rehydrate before feeding or use as a topper.

Bone that has been minced or ground into a paste, often included in pre-made raw mince products. Provides the same calcium content as whole bone but is safer for dogs that gulp food or can't handle whole bones.

Unwashed, unbleached stomach lining from a ruminant animal (usually cow or lamb). Contains digestive enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. One of the most nutritionally rich foods you can feed a dog.

A cold pasteurisation method that uses extremely high water pressure (rather than heat) to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria in raw pet food. Preserves the nutritional integrity of the food while making it safe for households with vulnerable individuals.

A secreting organ high in B12, selenium, and iron. Counts toward the organ portion of the diet (but not the liver portion). Often used alongside liver to provide organ variety.

The most nutrient-dense organ and an essential part of any raw diet. Rich in Vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, and CoQ10. Should make up at least 5% of the total diet. Too much can cause Vitamin A toxicity — don't exceed 10%.

The primary component of a raw diet — the skeletal muscle of the prey animal. Includes cuts like chicken breast, beef mince, lamb shoulder, and duck leg. Should make up roughly 80% of the diet.

Essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Found in oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon), fish oil, and to some extent in grass-fed ruminant meat. Important for skin, coat, brain function, and immune health.

An animal that must eat animal tissue to survive — they cannot derive sufficient nutrition from plant matter alone. Cats are obligate carnivores. Dogs are facultative carnivores (primarily carnivorous but with some metabolic flexibility).

A raw feeding model that aims to replicate the whole prey animal by ratio. Typically 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bone, and 10% organ (at least 5% of which is liver). No plant matter included.

Commercial raw pet food formulated to meet complete and balanced nutritional standards (usually FEDIAF). Contains the correct ratios of muscle meat, bone, and organ already mixed. Ideal for beginners as it removes the need to source and balance components yourself.

The practice of feeding different animal protein sources over time (e.g. chicken one week, beef the next, lamb after that). Provides a broader amino acid and micronutrient profile and helps prevent food sensitivities.

Feeding dogs and cats a diet based on uncooked meat, bones, and organs — as opposed to processed commercial pet food. Encompasses several different approaches including PMR, BARF, and whole prey.

Bones with a significant amount of meat attached, fed raw. Examples include chicken wings, duck necks, rabbit legs, and lamb ribs. These provide the calcium and phosphorus portion of the diet while also supporting dental health.

Large, dense bones (such as cow femurs or knuckle bones) given for mental stimulation and dental engagement rather than consumption. Should not be fed raw as the primary bone source as they can crack teeth if too hard.

Organs that secrete something — including liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, brain, thymus, and testicles. These are nutritionally distinct from muscle meat and are a critical part of a balanced raw diet. Liver is the most important and should make up at least 5% of the diet.

A diet aligned with what an animal's digestive system and physiology is designed to process. For dogs and cats, this means a diet based on animal protein and fat, with minimal or no highly processed carbohydrates.

An amino acid essential for cats — unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesise taurine from other amino acids and must get it from animal tissue. Deficiency leads to dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration. Found in heart muscle, seafood, and dark poultry meat.

The process of gradually switching a pet from their current diet to raw. A typical transition takes 7–14 days, starting with a single protein source and slowly increasing the proportion of raw food. Some pets do well with an immediate switch; others need a slow changeover.

Feeding entire animals — including fur, feathers, skin, organs, and bones — to most closely mimic what a carnivore would eat in the wild. Common whole prey items include mice, chicks, and quail.