Your Philosophy
Verified Math
PMR, BARF, NRC, 80/10/10: Everyone has an opinion on the "right" way to raw feed. RawPawIQ doesn't pick sides. We give you ratio tracking AND nutrient tracking, so you can follow your philosophy with full visibility into what's actually in the bowl.
Understanding the Frameworks
Each approach has its philosophy, strengths, and limitations. Understanding them helps you make informed choices.
PMR (Prey Model Raw)
Ratio-Based80% muscle / 10% bone / 10% organ (5% liver)
Mimic whole prey consumption. No plant matter.
Strengths
- Simple to understand and follow
- Whole-prey inspired approach
- Focus on variety over time
Limitations
- •Assumes all proteins are nutritionally equal
- •May miss nutrients not in muscle/bone/organ
- •No built-in micronutrient tracking
BARF (Biologically Appropriate)
Ratio-Based70% muscle / 10% bone / 10% organ / 10% veg/fruit
Raw feeding with plant matter for additional nutrients and fiber.
Strengths
- Includes plant nutrients and fiber
- More flexibility in ingredients
- Addresses some PMR gaps
Limitations
- •Ratio-based, not nutrient-based
- •Plant additions don't guarantee balance
- •Still requires proper formulation
NRC-Based Formulation
Science-BasedNo fixed ratios—nutrient targets per 1,000 kcal
Science-based targets for all essential nutrients. Food is a delivery mechanism.
Strengths
- Tracks 40+ individual nutrients
- Accounts for protein variation
- Prevents deficiency and toxicity
Limitations
- •Steeper learning curve
- •Requires nutrient data for ingredients
- •More complex than ratio feeding
80/10/10 (Generic)
Ratio-Based80% meat / 10% bone / 10% organ
Simplified starting point used by many new raw feeders.
Strengths
- Easy entry point for beginners
- Simple to calculate
- Gets people started with raw
Limitations
- •Oversimplified—same as PMR without nuance
- •Ignores organ type requirements
- •No pathway to actual balance
What Each Approach Tracks
Quick comparison of tracking capabilities
| Feature | PMR/80-10-10 | BARF | NRC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracks macronutrients | |||
| Tracks vitamins & minerals | — | — | |
| Tracks amino acids | — | — | |
| Tracks fatty acids (omega-3/6) | — | — | |
| Accounts for ingredient variation | — | — | |
| Safe upper limit warnings | — | — | |
| Lifestage-specific targets | — | — | |
| Simple to follow | — |
The RawPawIQ Approach
We don't force you into one philosophy. We give you the tools to follow any approach with full transparency into what's actually happening nutritionally.
Ratio Tracking
See your PMR/BARF ratios update in real-time as you add ingredients. Meat, bone, organ percentages always visible.
Nutrient Tracking
Simultaneously track all 40+ NRC nutrients. Know exactly where your recipe stands—gaps and all.
Your Choice
Use ratios as a starting point, then refine with nutrient data. Or go full NRC from the start. Both work.
A Practical Workflow
How to use ratios as a starting point, then refine with nutrients
Start with your preferred ratio (80/10/10, PMR, BARF)
Build your recipe watching the ratio panel
Check the NRC compliance panel for any nutrient gaps
Address gaps with targeted additions (supplements, specific organs, etc.)
Result: A recipe that satisfies your feeding philosophy AND meets NRC nutrient targets.
Feed Your Way. Know Your Numbers.
Whether you're team PMR, BARF, or full NRC—RawPawIQ gives you visibility into both ratios and nutrients.