In the world of Prey Model Raw (PMR) feeding, we aim to mimic the natural diet of a wild carnivore—standardized at the 60/25/15 ratio (60% muscle meat, 25% organ, 15% bone). However, one size does not fit all. Here is how to adjust the PMR approach for every stage of your pet's life.
Life Stage Feeding Guides
Puppies & Kittens: The Growth Phase
Young carnivores are building machines. Unlike adults, they have very little "reserve," meaning they need a steady stream of nutrients to support developing bones, muscles, and organs.
Key feeding adjustments for puppies and kittens:
- Higher Percentages: While adults eat roughly 2–3% of their body weight, growing puppies and kittens may require anywhere from 5% to 10% of their current weight (or 2–3% of their expected adult weight).
- Frequent Meals: Their small stomachs can't handle one large daily meal. To prevent blood sugar drops and digestive upset, divide their daily portion into 3 to 4 meals.
- Precision Matters: In a PMR diet, ensuring the 15% bone content is consistent is vital for puppies to prevent skeletal growth issues.
Try our Mousse Range for Younger Pets
Adults: Maintenance & Energy
Once your pet reaches maturity (usually 12–24 months depending on breed), their nutritional needs shift to maintenance.
- The Standard: Most active adults thrive on 2.5% of their ideal body weight.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: A working farm dog may need 3.5%, while a "couch potato" may stay lean on 2%.
Seniors: The Golden Years
As metabolism slows and activity levels drop, senior pets often require fewer calories but higher quality protein to prevent muscle wasting.
- Metabolic Shift: Reduce the overall percentage (closer to 2%) to prevent obesity, which puts strain on aging joints.
- Digestibility: Seniors may benefit from softer bone sources or more easily digestible proteins like fish or poultry.
Try Our Mousse Range for Seniors
The Visual Body Condition Score (The "Rib Check")
Raw-fed pets often look different than those on kibble. Because raw food is highly bioavailable and free of "filler" carbohydrates, raw-fed dogs and cats tend to be leaner and more muscular. Don't let the scale be your only guide—use the Rib Check:
- The Feel: You should be able to easily feel your pet's ribs under a thin layer of skin, similar to the back of your hand. If they feel like your knuckles, they are too thin. If they feel like your palm, they are overweight.
- The Waist: Looking down from above, your pet should have a clear "hourglass" tuck behind the ribs.
- The Profile: From the side, the abdomen should tuck upward from the chest to the hind legs.
Important Note: Because raw feeding reduces inflammation and bloating caused by grains, a healthy raw-fed pet may appear "too thin" to those used to seeing overweight, kibble-fed pets. Trust the touch, not just the eyes!
Understanding Protein Intolerances & The Power of Rotation
Feeding only one animal (e.g., just chicken) will eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies or protein intolerances. Aim for at least three different protein sources over the course of a month (e.g., Beef, Lamb, and Fish) to ensure a full spectrum of amino acids.
In the context of raw feeding, a protein intolerance (or sensitivity) occurs when a pet's immune system or digestive tract overreacts to a specific type of meat they have been fed too frequently or for too long.
Unlike a true allergy, which is an immediate immune response, an intolerance often develops over time. If a pet eats nothing but chicken for months on end, their body may eventually struggle to process those specific proteins, leading to symptoms like itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive upset.
Why Protein Rotation is Essential
Rotating between different protein sources (e.g., beef, lamb, fish, and venison) is the most effective way to prevent these issues. Here is why it is a cornerstone of the PMR (Prey Model Raw) philosophy:
- Prevents "Sensitization": By switching proteins regularly, you prevent the body from becoming over-exposed to one specific amino acid profile, which significantly reduces the risk of developing a new intolerance.
- A Complete Nutrient Profile: No single animal contains every vitamin and mineral in the perfect ratio. Beef is high in iron and zinc; poultry is rich in magnesium; fish provides essential Omega-3 fatty acids. Rotating ensures your pet gets a "full spectrum" of nutrients over time.
- Enhanced Gut Health: Variety encourages a diverse microbiome. A robust gut is more resilient and less likely to react negatively to new foods.
- Mental Stimulation: In the wild, a carnivore wouldn't catch the same prey every day. Different textures and scents keep your pet excited about their "work" at the bowl.
PMR Rule of Thumb: Aim for a minimum of three different protein sources per month to ensure long-term health and prevent dietary boredom.
