Animals & Pets
Raw Dog Food Calculator
Calculate the optimal amount of raw food for your dog based on their weight, age, and activity level. Get detailed breakdowns for muscle meat, bone, organs, and other essential components.
Enter your dog's details to see recommended raw food portions
Related to Raw Dog Food Calculator
The Raw Dog Food Calculator uses scientifically-based ratios and adjustments to determine the optimal amount of raw food for your dog. The calculation starts with your dog's weight and applies a feeding percentage (typically 2-3% for adult dogs) to determine the base daily food amount. This amount is then adjusted according to age and activity level to account for different energy requirements.
The 80/10/10 Rule
The calculator follows the widely accepted 80/10/10 ratio for raw feeding: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. This ratio mimics what dogs would eat in nature and provides a balanced nutritional profile.
The calculator takes into account three key factors that influence food requirements: age (puppy, adult, or senior), activity level (from sedentary to working dog), and individual metabolism through the adjustable feeding percentage. Puppies receive a 50% increase in portions due to their growth needs, while senior dogs get a 20% reduction to prevent weight gain.
The calculator provides daily portions in grams for each component of your dog's raw diet. The total daily amount should be divided into two meals for most adult dogs, while puppies might need 3-4 smaller meals per day. The results break down the exact amounts of muscle meat, raw bone, liver, and other organs needed.
Component Breakdown
• Muscle Meat (80%): Provides protein, essential amino acids, and energy
• Raw Bone (10%): Supplies calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals
• Liver (5%): Rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complex
• Other Organs (5%): Provides diverse nutrients and minerals
Monitor your dog's weight and energy levels over time and adjust the feeding percentage accordingly. A healthy dog should maintain a consistent weight and have good energy levels. If your dog is gaining or losing weight unintentionally, adjust the feeding percentage up or down by 0.5% increments.
1. How do I transition my dog to raw food?
Transition gradually over 7-10 days by slowly replacing kibble with raw food. Start with 25% raw food and 75% current food for a few days, then move to 50/50, then 75% raw and 25% current food, and finally 100% raw. Some dogs may need a longer transition period.
2. What types of muscle meat should I use?
Use a variety of muscle meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or pork. Aim to rotate between different protein sources to provide diverse nutrients. Muscle meat can include heart meat, which is particularly nutrient-dense.
3. Why is the 80/10/10 ratio important?
The 80/10/10 ratio mimics the natural prey diet of wild canines and ensures a proper balance of nutrients. The ratio provides adequate protein from muscle meat, essential minerals from bones, and vital nutrients from organ meats, particularly liver which is rich in vitamins A and D.
4. Do I need to add supplements to a raw diet?
While a properly balanced raw diet provides most nutrients, some dogs may benefit from additional supplements such as fish oil (for omega-3 fatty acids) or vitamin E. Consult with a veterinarian about your dog's specific supplementation needs, especially during the transition period.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator is based on established nutritional research in canine dietary requirements and the widely accepted prey model diet ratios. The calculations incorporate guidelines from veterinary nutritionists and research published in the Journal of Animal Science and the Journal of Nutrition. The age and activity level adjustments are derived from studies on canine metabolism and energy requirements, particularly the work of the National Research Council's "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats." The 80/10/10 ratio is based on analysis of wild canine dietary patterns and has been validated through long-term feeding studies in domestic dogs.