Prey Model Raw Diet for Dogs - A Guide For Beginners

When it comes to dog food, there are so many types to choose from that it may get confusing. Did you know that raw dog food has been gaining popularity due to the multiple benefits? However, if you are just a beginner at raw dog food, you may not know that the prey model raw (PMR) diet is a component of raw dog food. 

To ensure your dog receives balanced nutrition, the food you feed it has to be balanced in terms of essential nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. The PMR diet is a way to go about preparing for your dog’s raw feeding. Here is all you need to know about the prey model for dogs! 

Photo by Izabelly Marques on Unsplash

What is the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet? 

The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet means the diet is made up of whole prey, just like how it is in the wild. There are no plant ingredients added. You supply your dog with a ‘whole’ animal using a semi-flexible ratio of 80/10/5/5, which doesn’t include fibre. Only later on has fibre been added to the list. The semi-flexible ratio consists of: 

• 75 - 80% muscle meat

The raw muscle meat provides protein, amino acids and vitamins. It is important to note that when it comes to muscle meat, it also includes saturated energy and muscular organs such as heart muscle meat.

• 10 - 15% bone

The raw bones provide calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for your dog. Adjust needs according to your dog as some dogs do better on a 12 to 15% raw bone content.

• 2 - 5% liver

Dogs need the liver to get essential fat-soluble vitamin A and water-soluble vitamins. However, the 5% liver guideline more than provides for the recommended allowances of vitamin A for a dog. If your dog is sensitive to organs, 2% of liver ingredients will still provide essential vitamin A.  

• 5% other secreting organs 

Other secreting organs such as kidneys or spleens provide other essential nutrients and minerals for your dog. 

To note, the traditional PMR diet does not actually include a guideline for animal based fiber. It is only in recent years that experts have added this ingredient to the list, recommended at 5% of the meal, called the Franken Prey Model Raw diet. 

Therefore, a PMR diet also includes: 

• 5% animal based soluble fiber

Dogs need fiber so that your dog can digest their food. As there are no vegetables and fruit in a Prey Model Raw diet, adding in animal based soluble fiber such as fur, feathers or rabbit feet is a good option. 

A true PMR diet actually takes after the natural feeding tendencies of dogs’ and wolves’ common ancestor and well, your buddy’s ancestors did not exactly eat kibble. 

Franken Prey feeding

Another term that Prey Model Raw diet practitioners use is the Franken Prey. Feeding your dog Franken Prey means you still use the PMR diet guidelines but do not feed whole and intact prey animals. 

Most people who want to use the PMR diet are actually using the Franken Prey feeding method instead because let’s face it, giving your dog a whole prey can be rather gross. It is an easy alternative for those who do not want to feed a whole chicken or rabbit to their dog.

Franken Prey feeding means your dog’s raw meal consists of multiple protein sources from different meats and different ingredients. 

Safety precautions with a Prey Model Raw diet

There are always safety precautions to take when feeding your dog raw food and the PMR diet is no different. When you are a beginner at giving your dog raw dog food, it is best to take more precautions than less. 

It is essential for dog owners to understand that the PMR diet is not a complete diet as it does not contain vegetables, fruit or added vitamins and minerals. Your dog needs key nutritional elements such as vitamin E and zinc which is typically found in sources other than meat. 

Your dog also needs fruits and vegetables as it is added fibre and nutrients that support your dog’s digestive system. Without the fibre, your dog may not be able to digest its food well.

Therefore, consult with your veterinarian to confirm that PMR is the best course for your dog. Your vet will also recommend any extra dog supplements if necessary. 

Conclusion

The Prey Model Raw diet is a part of the raw food diet. Although there are many health benefits when it comes to feeding raw dog food, if you choose to follow this model, ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients and minerals it needs.