Raw Food Calculator

Calculate portions for raw food diet

About This Calculator

Our Raw Food Calculator helps you determine the correct portions for a raw food diet. It calculates the percentage of body weight to feed and breaks down the ratio of meat, bone, and organ needed for balanced nutrition.

Understanding the Raw Food Percentage Method

This calculator uses the dog's current weight and assigns a daily feeding percentage based on their life stage or activity level. This method is the foundation of the popular Prey Model (PM) and BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets.

Life Stage Percentage: An adult dog at a healthy weight typically eats 2.5% of its body weight daily. Puppies, due to their rapid growth and high metabolic rate, require a significantly higher percentage, sometimes up to 8% of their current weight.

The 80:10:10 Rule: Once the total daily food weight is determined, it is broken down into the critical components: 80% Muscle Meat and Fat, 10% Edible Bone, and 10% Secreting Organs. Our calculation uses a slightly modified version: 70% Muscle Meat, 10% Bone, 10% Organs, and 10% Fruits/Veggies (Optional).

Why Raw Feeding Calculations Matter

Raw feeding can offer significant benefits for dogs when done correctly, but improper proportions can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies or excesses. Getting the ratios right is critical.

Too much bone can cause constipation and dangerous blockages, while too little leads to calcium deficiency. Incorrect organ ratios can cause vitamin A toxicity (too much liver) or nutritional gaps.

Unlike commercial pet food, raw diets don't come with guaranteed analysis labels. You are the formulator, which means understanding the science behind the ratios is essential for your dog's health.

Our calculator takes the guesswork out of raw feeding, ensuring your dog gets balanced nutrition that supports their health without the risks of DIY miscalculations.

Essential Raw Feeding Tips

  • • Always introduce raw food gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
  • • Rotate protein sources weekly to ensure a variety of nutrients and prevent food sensitivities.
  • • Freeze raw meat for 2-3 weeks before feeding to kill potential parasites.
  • • Include 'secreting organs' like liver and kidney—not stomach or heart (which are muscle meats).
  • • Monitor your dog's stool: white/chalky means too much bone; loose stool may mean too much organ or fat.

How to Use

  1. 1. Enter your dog's weight
  2. 2. Select life stage and activity level
  3. 3. Choose your raw feeding model (BARF or Prey Model)
  4. 4. Get detailed portion breakdowns

Benefits

  • ✓ Ensure nutritionally complete raw meals
  • ✓ Calculate correct meat-to-bone ratios
  • ✓ Adjust portions for weight goals
  • ✓ Transition safely to raw feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

Is raw feeding safe for all dogs?

Most healthy dogs can thrive on a properly balanced raw diet. However, immunocompromised dogs, those with certain health conditions, or dogs living with immunocompromised humans should consult a veterinarian first.

What's the difference between BARF and Prey Model?

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes 10% plant matter, while Prey Model aims to replicate whole prey with 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs—no vegetables.

Can I feed raw and kibble together?

While some owners do this, it's generally not recommended. Raw and kibble digest at different rates, which may cause digestive issues. If transitioning, complete the switch over 7-10 days.

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