Raw Dog Food Calculator
Raw Food Calculator
Calculate daily raw food portions for BARF (80/10/5/5) or PMR (80/10/10) diets — with component breakdowns, meal splits, and a 10-day transition plan.
Choose your raw diet model
BARF (80/10/5/5) or Prey Model Raw (80/10/10) — each splits organs differently.
Enter weight, life stage, and activity level
Puppies, seniors, pregnant, and nursing dogs all have different portion needs.
Get your daily breakdown and shopping list
See exact grams for each component, meal splits, and a weekly shopping estimate.
Understanding raw diets for dogs
BARF vs. Prey Model Raw (PMR)
The two most popular raw feeding frameworks differ in how they allocate organ meat and whether plant matter is included. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) was developed by Dr. Ian Billinghurst and follows an 80/10/5/5 ratio. PMR (Prey Model Raw) aims to replicate a whole prey animal using an 80/10/10 ratio, typically without fruits or vegetables.
| Component | BARF | PMR | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | 80% | 80% | Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, venison |
| Raw meaty bone | 10% | 10% | Chicken necks/backs, duck necks, lamb ribs |
| Liver | 5% | 5% | Beef liver, chicken liver, lamb liver |
| Other organ | 5% | 5% | Kidney, spleen, pancreas, brain, thymus |
| Plant matter | Optional | None | Leafy greens, berries, squash (BARF only) |
Ratios based on commonly cited raw feeding guidelines. Both models split organ at 50% liver, 50% other secreting organ.
How much to feed by life stage
Daily raw food portions are calculated as a percentage of your dog's body weight. The percentage varies significantly by life stage, activity level, and individual metabolism. These are starting guidelines — always adjust based on your dog's body condition over time.
| Life stage | % of body weight | Meals/day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 4 months) | 8–10% | 3–4 | Rapid growth — very high needs |
| Puppy (4–12 months) | 4–6% | 3 | Continued growth, tapering needs |
| Adult (sedentary) | 1.5–2% | 2 | Low activity, couch potato dogs |
| Adult (moderate) | 2–3% | 2 | Daily walks and normal playtime |
| Adult (active) | 3–4% | 2 | Regular running, hiking, or training |
| Senior (7+ years) | 1.5–2% | 2 | Reduced metabolism |
| Pregnant (last 3 weeks) | 3–4% | 2–3 | Increased needs in late gestation |
| Nursing | 5–8% | 2–3 | Highest demand — varies by litter size |
Ranges based on commonly cited raw feeding guidelines from raw feeding veterinarians and nutritionists.
The importance of variety
No single protein source provides complete nutrition. Rotate between at least 3–4 different proteins (e.g., beef, chicken, turkey, lamb) over the course of each month. Different proteins offer different amino acid profiles, fatty acid ratios, and micronutrient levels. Rotating proteins also reduces the risk of developing food sensitivities from prolonged exposure to a single source.
Adjusting based on body condition
The percentages above are starting points. Monitor your dog's body condition weekly and adjust portions up or down by 0.25–0.5% as needed. You should be able to easily feel (but not see) your dog's ribs, see a visible waist from above, and observe an abdominal tuck from the side. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce the percentage. If losing weight, increase it. A kitchen scale is essential for accurate raw feeding — eyeballing portions leads to overfeeding or underfeeding over time.
Raw feeding FAQs
1What is the BARF diet for dogs?
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (or Bones and Raw Food). It's a raw feeding model that typically follows an 80/10/5/5 ratio: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, pancreas, etc.). Some BARF practitioners also include small amounts of fruits, vegetables, and supplements. The diet was popularized by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst in the 1990s.
2What is the difference between BARF and PMR (Prey Model Raw)?
BARF follows an 80/10/5/5 ratio (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organ), while PMR (Prey Model Raw) uses an 80/10/10 split (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ meat — half liver, half other). The key difference is in how organ meat is allocated. PMR aims to mimic a whole prey animal and typically excludes plant matter, while BARF may include fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Both models provide similar macronutrient profiles.
3How much raw food should I feed my dog per day?
Most adult dogs eat 2–3% of their body weight in raw food per day. Active dogs may need 3–4%, while sedentary or senior dogs may only need 1.5–2%. Puppies under 4 months need 8–10% of their body weight, and puppies 4–12 months need 4–6%. Pregnant dogs in their last 3 weeks need 3–4%, and nursing dogs need 5–8%. These are starting estimates — adjust based on your dog's body condition over time.
4Is raw feeding safe for dogs?
Raw feeding is controversial among veterinary professionals. Proponents cite benefits like shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and smaller stools. However, the FDA, AVMA, and most veterinary organizations warn about risks including bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria) that can affect both dogs and humans, nutritional imbalances if the diet isn't properly formulated, bone fragments causing choking or intestinal perforation, and the difficulty of ensuring complete nutrition without professional guidance. If you choose to feed raw, consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
5How do I transition my dog from kibble to raw food?
Transition gradually over 10 days to avoid digestive upset. Start by replacing 25% of kibble with raw food for days 1–2, then increase to 50% raw on days 3–4, 75% raw on days 5–6, 90% raw on days 7–8, and full raw by days 9–10. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may need a slower transition over 2–3 weeks. Feed raw and kibble as separate meals (not mixed in the same bowl) because they digest at different rates. Monitor stool quality throughout the transition.
6What types of bones are safe for raw feeding?
Raw meaty bones (RMBs) suitable for raw feeding include chicken necks, wings, and backs; duck necks and frames; turkey necks; rabbit; and lamb ribs. The bones should always be raw — never cooked, as cooking makes bones brittle and prone to dangerous splintering. Choose bones appropriate to your dog's size: a Chihuahua shouldn't get a beef knuckle, and a Great Dane shouldn't get a chicken wing. Weight-bearing bones from large animals (beef femurs, marrow bones) are recreational bones and are too hard for consumption — they can crack teeth.
7Do I need to add supplements to a raw diet?
Most raw diets benefit from some supplementation. Common additions include fish oil or whole sardines (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E (antioxidant, especially if feeding fish oil), kelp (iodine and trace minerals), and a vitamin D source if your dog doesn't get much sunlight. Some feeders also add eggs (whole, with shell for calcium), green tripe (probiotics and enzymes), and a rotation of protein sources for nutritional variety. A board-certified veterinary nutritionist can analyze your specific recipe and recommend targeted supplements.
8How should I store and handle raw dog food safely?
Handle raw dog food with the same food safety precautions you'd use for raw meat you're preparing for humans. Store raw food in the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator (not at room temperature). Use dedicated cutting boards, bowls, and utensils for raw dog food. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Clean and disinfect food bowls, prep surfaces, and utensils after every meal. Discard any uneaten raw food after 20–30 minutes at room temperature. Keep raw food away from immunocompromised individuals, young children, and elderly family members.