Calculate raw feeding portions for dogs by weight, age, and activity level. Covers BARF and PMR ratios with protein/bone/organ/vegetable breakdowns.
Raw feeding for dogs follows two primary models: BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) and PMR (Prey Model Raw). Both base daily portions on a percentage of the dog's ideal body weight, typically 2-3% for adult dogs, with the food divided into specific ratios of muscle meat, bone, organs, and in the BARF model, vegetables/fruits.
The standard BARF ratio is 70% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones (edible bone), 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, and 10% vegetables/fruits. PMR eliminates plant matter: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs. Puppies, working dogs, and underweight dogs require higher percentages (4-8% of body weight), while senior or overweight dogs may need as low as 1.5%.
Getting the ratios right is critical — too much bone causes constite, too little causes loose stools; insufficient organ meat (especially liver) leads to nutritional deficiencies; and improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios can cause skeletal problems. This calculator provides daily portion breakdowns by component with weight-specific serving sizes.
Incorrect raw feeding ratios cause nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues, and skeletal problems. This calculator provides precise, weight-specific portions for each component to ensure balanced nutrition. This raw dog food calculator helps you compare outcomes quickly and reduce avoidable mistakes when making day-to-day care decisions. Use the estimate as a planning baseline and confirm final decisions with a qualified professional when risk is high.
Daily food (lbs) = Ideal Body Weight × Feed Percentage. Adults: 2-3% body weight. Active dogs: 3-4%. Puppies 2-4 months: 8-10%. Puppies 4-6 months: 6-8%. Puppies 6-12 months: 4-6%. Senior/low activity: 1.5-2%. BARF ratios: 70% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs, 10% veg/fruit. PMR ratios: 80% meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs.
Result: Daily total: 1.5 lbs (24 oz). Muscle meat: 16.8 oz, Bone: 2.4 oz, Liver: 1.2 oz, Other organs: 1.2 oz, Vegetables: 2.4 oz.
A 60 lb moderately active adult needs 2.5% of body weight = 1.5 lbs (24 oz) daily. Using BARF ratios: 70% muscle meat = 16.8 oz, 10% bone = 2.4 oz, 5% liver = 1.2 oz, 5% other organs = 1.2 oz, 10% vegetables = 2.4 oz. Split into two 12 oz meals.
**Day 1-3:** Replace 25% of current food with plain raw muscle meat (chicken or turkey — easiest to digest). **Day 4-7:** 50% raw, 50% old food. Add a small amount of bone. **Day 8-10:** 75% raw. Introduce liver (small amounts — it's rich). **Day 11-14:** 100% raw. Full BARF or PMR ratios. Monitor stools throughout — some digestive adjustment is normal. It takes 2-4 weeks for gut bacteria to fully adapt. Choose a single protein initially and add variety after the transition period.
Puppies need significantly more food relative to body weight because they're growing. The percentages decrease as they age: **8-16 weeks:** 8-10% of current body weight. **4-6 months:** 6-8%. **6-9 months:** 4-6%. **9-12 months:** 3-4%. **12+ months (small/medium breeds):** transition to adult 2-3%. **12-24 months (large/giant breeds):** 2.5-3.5% — large breeds grow longer. Feed 3-4 meals daily until 6 months, then 2-3 meals. Calcium and phosphorus ratios are critical during growth — maintain the 10% bone content consistently.
Buy in bulk from restaurant suppliers, ethnic markets, and raw feeding co-ops. Chicken and turkey are the most affordable proteins ($1-2/lb). Pork and beef are moderate ($2-4/lb). Raw feeding co-ops often offer "grinds" with proper bone-in ratios pre-mixed ($2-5/lb). Organs are often very cheap from ethnic butchers. Fish (salmon, sardines) should be fed 1-2× weekly for omega-3s — canned sardines in water are inexpensive and convenient.
BARF includes 10% vegetables/fruits (carrots, spinach, blueberries, etc.) and has slightly less muscle meat (70% vs 80%). PMR is meat/bone/organ only with no plant matter. Both models have dedicated followings — BARF advocates cite the benefits of plant antioxidants and fiber, while PMR advocates argue dogs don't need plant foods.
Monitor body condition over 2-4 weeks. You should be able to feel ribs easily with light pressure but not see them. Visible ribs = increase. Heavy fat covering = decrease. Adjust the percentage up or down by 0.5% increments. Ideal stool is firm, small, and dark — crumbly white stool = too much bone, loose stool = too little bone.
Raw feeding carries risks including bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli), nutritional imbalances if ratios are wrong, and choking/perforation from inappropriate bones. Handle raw meat with kitchen hygiene practices. Consult a veterinary nutritionist for puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, or immunocompromised dogs.
ONLY raw, edible bones — chicken necks/backs/wings, turkey necks, duck frames, rabbit. NEVER cooked bones (they splinter). Avoid large weight-bearing bones from cattle/bison (teeth fracture risk). The bone in raw feeding should be soft, fully edible, ground bone or small cut pieces the dog can crunch through completely.
Liver is essential (5% of diet) — it provides vitamin A, B vitamins, copper, and iron. The other 5% should be other secreting organs: kidney, spleen, pancreas, brain, thymus (sweetbreads). Heart is NOT an organ for raw feeding purposes — it's classified as muscle meat due to its composition.
Cost varies enormously by sourcing — $2-8 per pound depending on quality and source. A 60 lb dog eating 1.5 lbs/day costs roughly $3-12/day ($90-360/month). Buying in bulk, sourcing from ethnic markets, and using less expensive proteins (chicken, turkey) significantly reduces cost.