If you've been raw feeding for a while, you're likely aware that there are several approaches to this method of feeding. Terms like PMR (Prey Model Raw), 80/10/10, ancestral, BARF, keto, and others may sound familiar. Today, we're focusing on PMR—Prey Model Raw—a popular and effective way to nourish carnivores.

At its core, PMR aims to replicate the natural diet of wild carnivores: whole prey animals. The main components of a PMR diet are meat, bone, and organs, with fur and feathers as optional additions. Unlike some other raw feeding methods, PMR excludes plant matter, except for small amounts that might be present in the stomach contents of whole prey animals.

The Key Components of PMR

1. Meat:

   • Provides the bulk of the diet.
   • Packed with amino acids essential for building strong muscles.

2. Organs:

   • Nutrient powerhouses, often referred to as a carnivore's multivitamin.
   • Rich and concentrated; feeding too much can lead to loose stools, so moderation is key.

3. Bones:

   • Excellent source of minerals.
   • Feeding in chunks promotes dental health, while ground bone can be a more convenient option.
   • Be cautious with quantities; too much bone can lead to constipation.

4. Fur and Feathers (Optional):

   • Great source of manganese.
   • Provide natural fiber for carnivores.

The Importance of Variety in PMR

Offering a variety of proteins is essential in a PMR diet. Aim for at least four different proteins per week to:

• Enhance Nutrient Balance: Different proteins provide unique nutrients, contributing to a fuller nutrient profile over time.
• Prevent Allergies: Feeding the same protein daily can lead to allergies; variety reduces this risk.
• Keep Mealtimes Exciting: Variety ensures meals remain engaging and enjoyable for your pet.

Feeding Methods in PMR

Whole Prey Feeding:

The gold standard of PMR is feeding whole prey animals, fully intact with fur, feathers, and innards. Wild whole prey is ideal but can be challenging to source.

Frankenprey and Ratios:

For convenience, many raw feeders use the 80/10/10 guideline: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. This can be achieved by combining different proteins, a method known as Frankenprey. For example:

• Muscle Meat: Goat tripe, turkey gizzards, beef heart, lamb lung.
• Bone: Duck neck.
• Organs: Pork liver, goat spleen.

Adjustments can be made to suit individual pets. Some dogs thrive on 12% bone, while cats often do better with less than 10%. Similarly, organ intake can be tailored to prevent loose stools. Adding fur or feathers, such as furry goat ears or rabbit feet, is another way to enhance variety.

Feeding PMR with My Pet Carnivore

My Pet Carnivore makes PMR feeding simple and accessible:

• Whole Ground Products: These include all the meat, bone, and organs from the animal, with fur, feathers, stomach, and intestines removed. Larger prey animals may have their heads removed for grinding purposes.
• Whole Prey Fish: Sardines and smelt fulfill whole prey needs for fish-based meals.
• Boneless and Ground Options: Add chunked bone (like poultry necks or feet) for dental health paired with a boneless option. Try adding organ meats like chicken liver and pork kidney to our ground fish items, since the fish is not whole ground & lacks organs.

Homemade PMR Diets

If you prefer a fully homemade PMR diet, starting with the 80/10/10 ratio is a great choice. From there, you can tweak the ratios based on your pet’s needs. Incorporate fur, feathers, and occasional whole prey animals or fish for added enrichment. Homemade PMR diets offer control over quality, ingredients, and ratios, allowing you to tailor meals perfectly for your pet.

Why Choose PMR?

A Prey Model Raw diet—consisting of meat, bone, organs, and lots of variety—offers unparalleled versatility. Whether you’re feeding whole ground products for simplicity, adding enrichment with fur and feathers, or crafting a fully homemade diet, PMR adapts to your lifestyle and your pet’s needs. No wonder it’s one of the most popular raw feeding models around!