Calculate daily raw food amounts for cats. Get the 84/6/5/5 ratio of meat, bone, liver, and organ based on body weight percentage.
Raw feeding for cats aims to replicate the natural prey diet that felines evolved to eat. The most common raw feeding model uses a ratio of 84% muscle meat, 6% raw edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs. The total daily amount is typically 2-4% of the cat's body weight.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found only in animal tissue — including taurine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A. A properly balanced raw diet can provide all these nutrients, but the ratios and amounts must be correct to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
This calculator determines the total daily raw food intake based on your cat's weight and activity level, then breaks it down into the correct proportions of meat, bone, liver, and organs. It's designed for the prey model / frankenprey feeding approach.
Responsible pet owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals benefit from accurate raw feeding calculator for cats data when making care decisions, budgeting for expenses, or monitoring health benchmarks. Revisit this tool whenever your pet's needs, weight, or age changes to keep recommendations current.
Getting raw feeding ratios wrong can cause serious nutritional problems. Too little bone leads to calcium deficiency; too much causes constipation. Skipping liver means no vitamin A. This calculator ensures every meal is properly balanced according to established raw feeding guidelines. Instant recalculation lets you explore different options and scenarios, ensuring your pet-care decisions are guided by accurate, reliable numbers.
Daily raw food (oz) = body weight (lbs) × 16 × feeding % ÷ 100 Breakdown: Muscle meat = total × 84% Raw edible bone = total × 6% Liver = total × 5% Other organs = total × 5% (1 lb = 16 oz)
Result: 4.8 oz/day total
Weight = 10 lbs = 160 oz. Daily amount = 160 × 3% = 4.8 oz. Breakdown: Meat = 4.03 oz, Bone = 0.29 oz, Liver = 0.24 oz, Other organs = 0.24 oz. Split into 2 meals of about 2.4 oz each.
The prey model (frankenprey) uses whole cuts of meat, bone, and organs to replicate whole prey. The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model adds 10-20% vegetables and fruits. For cats, the prey model is generally preferred since felines have minimal need for plant matter.
Batch preparation is essential. Portion the daily amounts into individual containers, freeze, and thaw one day's worth in the refrigerator overnight. Never microwave raw food as it can create hot spots that denature nutrients and cook bone fragments.
Switch gradually over 7-14 days, starting with a small amount of raw mixed with current food. Some cats take to raw immediately while others need patience. Slightly warming raw food to room temperature increases palatability for hesitant cats.
It represents 84% muscle meat (including heart), 6% raw edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, pancreas). This ratio mimics the composition of whole prey that cats would eat in the wild.
Use 2% for less active or overweight cats, 3% for average adult cats, and 4% for active, underweight, or growing kittens. Start at 3% and adjust based on weight changes over 2-4 weeks.
When done correctly with proper sourcing, handling, and ratios, raw feeding is practiced successfully by many cat owners. Risks include bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. Follow food safety practices and have your vet monitor your cat's health.
A balanced prey-model diet with variety provides most nutrients. However, many raw feeders add taurine (especially if not feeding heart), fish oil for omega-3s, and vitamin E. Consult a veterinary nutritionist for a complete assessment.
Yes, but kittens need more food relative to body weight (3-6% depending on age). They should eat 3-4 meals daily and need finely ground bone rather than whole bone pieces. Kittens under 12 weeks should have food ground or minced.
Chicken, turkey, rabbit, and quail are excellent staples. Beef, lamb, and venison are good rotational proteins. Avoid pork from non-inspected sources. Fish should be limited to 1-2 meals per week due to thiaminase concerns.