PawsMathHow raw feeding amounts are worked out
Raw feeders usually portion food as a percentage of the dog’s body weight rather than by calories. For adults, 2–3% of ideal weight per day covers most dogs. Growing puppies need several times more per pound, so their percentage is based on current weight and reduced as they grow.
Because raw diets vary a lot in fat content, two foods fed at the same weight can differ by hundreds of calories. Treat the result as a starting point and adjust by body condition every couple of weeks.
The 80/10/10 ratio explained
| Component | Share | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | 80% | Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, heart, tongue, gizzards |
| Edible bone | 10% | Chicken necks, wings and backs, duck feet (always raw, never cooked) |
| Liver | 5% | Beef, chicken or lamb liver |
| Other secreting organ | 5% | Kidney, spleen, pancreas, brain |
Some feeders follow a "BARF" style instead, which adds about 10% vegetables, fruit and seeds. Either way, a complete diet needs attention to calcium-to-phosphorus balance, omega-3 fats, vitamin E, zinc and iodine.
Raw feeding safety tips
- Thaw meat in the fridge, never on the counter, and serve within 2 days of thawing.
- Use separate boards and bowls, and wash hands and surfaces with hot soapy water after preparing.
- Never feed cooked bones. They splinter. Choose raw bones sized so they can’t be swallowed whole.
- Transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.
- Schedule regular vet checks and blood work, and tell your vet you feed raw.
Quick answers
How much raw food should I feed my dog?
Most adult dogs eat 2–3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day. A 50 lb dog at 2.5% eats about 1.25 lb (20 oz, 570 g) daily. Less active or overweight dogs need closer to 2%; very active dogs may need 3% or more.
How much raw food does a puppy need?
Puppies need much more per pound because they are growing: roughly 8% of current body weight at 2–4 months, dropping to about 6% at 4–6 months and 4% at 6–12 months, or around 2–3% of expected adult weight.
What is the 80/10/10 raw diet ratio?
It is a common "prey model" guideline: 80% muscle meat (including heart), 10% edible bone, 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ such as kidney or spleen. It is a starting framework, not a guarantee of complete nutrition.
Is a homemade raw diet complete and balanced?
Not automatically. Studies of home-prepared diets often find deficiencies in calcium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin D or iodine. Use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a commercial raw food labeled complete and balanced.
Are raw diets safe?
Raw meat can carry Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, which can affect both pets and the people handling the food or cleaning up after the dog. Practise strict kitchen hygiene, and talk to your vet. Raw diets are not recommended for homes with very young, elderly or immunocompromised people.
Sources
- Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Global Nutrition Guidelines, World Small Animal Veterinary Association
These numbers are estimates for a typical healthy dog. Your vet knows your animal and should have the final say, especially if there's a medical condition involved. Disclaimer