The Franken Prey diet is a variation of the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet designed to provide dogs with a balanced, raw food diet that mimics what their wild ancestors would eat. Unlike the traditional PMR diet, which relies on whole prey animals, the Franken Prey diet uses different animal parts to achieve the same nutritional balance.
This approach allows for greater flexibility and accessibility, making it easier for dog owners to implement a raw diet.
Key Components of the Franken Prey Diet
The Franken Prey diet typically follows the PMR ratio of 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bones, and 10% organ meats. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
-
Muscle Meat: This forms the bulk of the diet, providing essential proteins and amino acids. Common sources include cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Muscle meat is crucial for maintaining your dog's muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health.
-
Raw Edible Bones: Making up about 10% of the diet, raw edible bones are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Examples include chicken wings, necks, and duck heads. These bones also offer mental stimulation and help keep your dog's teeth clean.
-
Organ Meats: Organs like liver, kidneys, and spleen constitute another 10% of the diet. Organ meats are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune system health, and vision.
-
Fish: Including fish in the diet adds Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and joint health. Fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon can be included once or twice a week to provide these essential fatty acids.
-
Other Animal Parts: To achieve a balanced diet, the Franken Prey approach may also include other animal parts like duck heads and rabbit pelts. Duck heads are rich in nutrients and provide an additional source of calcium, while rabbit pelts offer fibre and aid in digestion.
Benefits of the Franken Prey Diet
The Franken Prey diet offers several benefits:
-
Improved Digestion: By eliminating processed foods and grains, the diet can lead to better digestion and reduced instances of allergies or food sensitivities.
-
Enhanced Overall Health: The diet provides a natural source of nutrients, which can improve coat condition, increase energy levels, and support a healthy immune system.
-
Mental Stimulation: Chewing on raw meaty bones and other animal parts offers mental stimulation, which can help reduce boredom and destructive behaviours in dogs.
-
Dental Health: The act of chewing on bones and other animal parts helps keep teeth clean and gums healthy by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Considerations of the Franken Prey Diet
While the Franken Prey diet can be easier to manage than sourcing whole prey animals, it does come with its own set of considerations:
-
Nutritional Balance: Ensuring your dog receives all the necessary nutrients can be challenging. It's crucial to maintain the correct ratios of muscle meat, bones, and organs.
-
Sourcing Ingredients: Finding a variety of animal parts can be time-consuming and may require visiting multiple suppliers or specialty stores. It's important to ensure that all ingredients are fresh and sourced from reputable suppliers.
-
Safety Concerns: Handling raw meat and bones requires strict hygiene practices to prevent bacterial contamination. Always clean and sanitise surfaces and utensils after preparing raw meals and consider freezing meat before feeding it to your dog to kill any potential parasites.
Is the Franken Prey Diet Right for Your Dog?
Deciding whether the Franken Prey diet is right for your dog depends on several factors, including your dog's specific needs, your lifestyle, and your ability to source ingredients. While the diet offers a natural and balanced approach to feeding, it requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure nutritional adequacy.
