How Much Raw Food to Feed Your Dog

  Switching your dog to a raw diet can feel like unlocking a new level of health for your furry best friend. Many owners report shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and boundless energy. But once you commit to raw feeding, the very first hurdle is often the most confusing: portion control.

How much raw meat, bone, and organ should actually go into the bowl? Too little, and your dog loses weight and essential nutrients. Too much, and you risk obesity and joint issues. It's a Goldilocks problem that requires a bit of math to get just right.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to calculate raw food portions, what factors change those numbers, and the tools that make the whole process effortless.

Why Precision Matters in Raw Feeding

In the world of commercial kibble, we often rely on the back of the bag. "Two cups a day" is easy. But raw food is denser, more nutrient-rich, and contains much higher moisture content than dry food. You cannot eyeball it based on what you used to feed.

Feeding the correct portion is critical for long-term health. Because raw diets are biologically appropriate, they are metabolized differently. Overfeeding a raw diet can lead to rapid weight gain, particularly in sedentary dogs, which puts stress on their joints and heart. Conversely, underfeeding—especially during puppyhood—can result in developmental issues due to a lack of calcium and protein.

Getting the math right ensures your dog gets the full benefit of the diet without the risks.

Key Factors That Change the Equation

Before you grab a calculator, you need to understand your dog's specific profile. Two dogs weighing 50 pounds might need drastically different amounts of food.

Here are the main variables:

1. Current Weight vs. Ideal Weight

Is your dog currently overweight or underweight? If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, you should calculate food portions based on their target weight, not their current weight. If they are at a healthy weight, use their current weight.

2. Life Stage and Age

Puppies are growing machines. They require a significantly higher percentage of food relative to their body weight compared to adults. A senior dog, whose metabolism has slowed down, will need much less.

3. Activity Level

This is where most owners make mistakes. Be honest about your dog's lifestyle:

• Sedentary/Low Activity: A couch potato who gets short potty walks.
• Moderate Activity: Daily walks (30-60 minutes) and some play.
• High Activity: Working dogs, agility competitors, or dogs who run for hours daily.

4. Spayed/Neutered Status

Dogs that have been fixed often have slightly lower metabolic rates and may require fewer calories than intact dogs to maintain a healthy weight.

How to Calculate Raw Dog Food Portions: The Basics

A good starting point for adult dogs is to feed between 2% and 3% of their ideal body weight each day, adjusting for factors like age and activity level. Seniors and less active dogs usually need less, while puppies, young dogs, and highly active breeds require more to support growth and energy use.

It’s important to remember that every dog is unique. Things like age, breed, health status, and daily exercise can all change the right amount. That’s why we recommend using our system’s raw dog food calculator, which quickly determines the exact daily portion best for your pet. With just a few details, you can be sure your calculations reflect your dog's needs, saving you time and removing any guesswork.

For owners with puppies, you’ll notice these tools automatically suggest higher percentages to help support healthy growth. No manual math, no confusion—just smart, personalized results.

Simplification Through Technology: Using a Raw Food Calculator

Doing the math on a napkin works, but what about the nutritional breakdown? A balanced raw diet isn't just meat; it usually follows the 80/10/10 rule (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% secreting organ). Calculating those ratios manually can be a headache.

Using a dedicated tool eliminates the guesswork. We recommend checking out PawCalculator.com. They offer two specific tools that are incredibly helpful for both beginners and experienced raw feeders.

1. The Dog Food Calculator

The Dog Food Calculator helps you determine general caloric needs and portion sizes. It takes into account the specific metabolic energy requirements of your dog, giving you a more precise starting point than just the "2-3%" rule. It’s perfect for getting that initial daily weight number nailed down.

2. The Raw Diet Planner

Once you know how much to feed, you need to know what to feed. The Raw Diet Planner is excellent for breaking down that daily total into ingredients. It can help you visualize the 80/10/10 ratio, ensuring you aren't feeding too much bone (which causes constipation) or too much liver (which causes loose stools).

Using these tools saves time and provides peace of mind that your formulations are balanced.

Practical Tips for Transitioning

Once you have your numbers from the calculator, here is how to start feeding:

Start SlowlyDon't switch from kibble to full raw overnight. A "cold turkey" switch works for some dogs, but many experience digestive upset. Transition over 7-10 days, gradually decreasing the old food and increasing the raw food.

Stick to One Protein InitiallyStart with a "safe" protein like chicken or turkey for the first week. Once their stomach adjusts, you can introduce richer meats like beef or lamb. This helps you identify any allergies immediately.

Watch the PoopYour dog's stool is the best indicator of their health.

• Chalky/White: Too much bone.
• Loose/Black: Too much organ meat.
• Firm and small: Just right.

Adjust as NeededCalculators give you a starting point, not a final verdict. Every dog metabolizes food differently. Weigh your dog weekly during the transition. If they start dropping weight, bump the portion up by 0.5%. If they get chunky, dial it back.