This calculator gives educational estimates only and is not veterinary medical advice. Adjust based on stool quality, body condition score, and your vet’s guidance.
How this raw feeding calculator works
This raw feeding calculator estimates how much food your dog or cat should eat per day based on body weight, life stage, activity, and body-weight goal. It then splits that daily amount into common raw feeding ratios so you can build practical meals quickly.
Most raw feeders start with a body-weight percentage and then fine-tune over time. That is exactly what this tool does: it gives you a solid starting point, then you monitor your pet and adjust gradually.
Step 1: Start with a base feeding percentage
The calculator uses common baseline ranges:
- Puppy/kitten: higher percentage because growth requires more calories and nutrients.
- Adult: moderate percentage for maintenance.
- Senior: slightly lower percentage for many less-active pets.
Step 2: Adjust for activity and body goals
A couch potato and a highly active working dog do not need the same intake. The calculator adds or subtracts from the baseline based on your selected activity level and goal (lose, maintain, or gain). This helps avoid common overfeeding and underfeeding mistakes.
Step 3: Split into practical food categories
After estimating total daily grams, the tool provides grams and ounces for each food category in your selected model:
- PMR: muscle meat, edible bone, liver, and other secreting organ.
- BARF: muscle meat, raw meaty bone, liver, other organ, plus plant matter.
What to do after you get your number
Think of the result as your first draft. Feed that amount consistently for 2 to 3 weeks, then evaluate:
- Body condition score (visible waist, palpable ribs with slight fat cover)
- Energy level and appetite
- Stool quality and frequency
- Weight trend on the scale
If your pet gains unwanted fat, reduce total intake by about 5 to 10%. If your pet is losing too much, increase by 5 to 10%. Small changes work best.
Raw feeding ratio reference
PMR model (80/10/5/5)
- 80% muscle meat
- 10% edible bone
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organ (kidney, spleen, pancreas, etc.)
BARF model (70/10/5/5/10)
- 70% muscle meat
- 10% raw meaty bones
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organ
- 10% plant matter (optional for many dogs, less common for strict cat diets)
Important safety notes
1) Balance matters more than a single meal
You do not need perfect ratios in every bowl. A balanced intake across the week is usually the practical goal for most homes.
2) Cats have stricter nutrient needs
Cats are obligate carnivores. They have tighter requirements for taurine, vitamin A (preformed), and arachidonic acid. If you are feeding cats, work with a feline-savvy veterinarian or nutrition professional.
3) Handle raw food like restaurant-grade meat
- Keep cold food cold and thaw safely
- Sanitize prep surfaces and bowls
- Wash hands before and after handling
- Discard leftovers promptly
Transition tips for beginners
If your pet is new to raw feeding, transition gradually over 7 to 14 days unless your veterinarian recommends another strategy:
- Days 1-3: 25% raw, 75% current diet
- Days 4-6: 50% raw, 50% current diet
- Days 7-9: 75% raw, 25% current diet
- Days 10+: 100% raw if stool and appetite look good
Some pets transition faster, some slower. Let stool quality and comfort guide the pace.
FAQ
How often should I recalculate?
Recalculate when your pet changes weight, age stage, activity, or body goal. For growing pets, check every 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I feed one protein source only?
You can start with one protein during transition, but long-term variety helps micronutrient coverage and reduces boredom.
Do I need supplements?
Sometimes yes. It depends on species, model, ingredients, and whether the total diet is complete and balanced. Discuss supplements with a qualified professional.
Bottom line
The best raw feeding plan is consistent, measurable, and adjustable. Use this calculator to set your baseline, then fine-tune based on your pet’s body condition and veterinary guidance. Precision starts with tracking, not guessing.