Dog Raw Food Calculator
Estimate how much raw food your dog should eat per day, per meal, and by ingredient category.
How this raw food calculator for dogs works
This calculator uses one of the most common raw feeding methods: feeding a daily percentage of your dog's body weight. You start with a percentage (for example, 2.5% for many adult dogs), then adjust up or down based on age, body condition, energy level, and stool quality.
The result gives you:
- Total raw food per day
- Amount per meal
- Ingredient breakdown based on your chosen feeding model
Typical feeding percentages by life stage
| Dog Type | Common Starting Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy 2–4 months | ~8% | Rapid growth period; monitor body condition weekly. |
| Puppy 4–8 months | ~6% | Still growing fast; appetite can vary by breed. |
| Puppy 8–12 months | ~4% | Transition toward adult intake. |
| Adult maintenance | ~2% to 3% | Most adult dogs do well near 2.5% as a starting point. |
| Senior / lower activity | ~1.5% to 2% | Adjust for metabolism and mobility changes. |
| Very active / working dog | ~3% to 4% | May need more fat and energy-dense meals. |
Understanding ratio models
1) Prey Model Raw (PMR)
A common PMR structure is 80/10/5/5:
- 80% muscle meat
- 10% raw edible bone
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organ (kidney, spleen, pancreas, etc.)
2) BARF-style feeding
BARF plans often include vegetables and fruit, typically around 10%. Many owners choose this model for variety and fiber support.
Example calculation
Suppose your dog weighs 22 kg, is an adult at maintenance, and you choose 2.5% daily feeding:
- 22 kg × 2.5% = 0.55 kg/day
- 0.55 kg/day = 550 g/day
- If fed twice daily: 275 g per meal
If using PMR 80/10/5/5, that 550 g daily target is roughly:
- 440 g muscle meat
- 55 g raw bone
- 27.5 g liver
- 27.5 g other organ
Practical tips for getting raw feeding right
- Track weight and body condition every 2–4 weeks.
- Adjust food by 5–10% if your dog gains or loses too quickly.
- Rotate proteins over time (e.g., beef, turkey, lamb, sardine).
- Introduce organs gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Use a kitchen scale for consistency.
Transition and safety checklist
Transition
- Start simple (one protein source), then add variety.
- Keep stools, appetite, and energy under observation.
- Move more slowly for sensitive dogs.
Food safety
- Handle raw meat with strict hygiene (surfaces, bowls, hands).
- Freeze/store portions safely and thaw in the refrigerator.
- Discard leftovers promptly.
Important note
This calculator is an educational starting point, not a veterinary diagnosis tool. Puppies, seniors, dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease, allergies, or endocrine conditions may require customized plans. For best results, consult your veterinarian or a qualified canine nutrition professional.