How Raw Feeding Portions Are Calculated
Raw feeding guidelines are based on a percentage of the dog's ideal body weight rather than a fixed cup or gram measurement. For adult dogs, the standard starting point is 2-3% of ideal body weight per day. For puppies, the higher range of 5-10% of current body weight accounts for rapid growth needs.
Portion Calculation
- Adult maintenance: 2-2.5% of ideal body weight daily
- Adult active or underweight: 2.5-3% of ideal body weight daily
- Adult overweight: 1.5-2% of ideal body weight (calculated on target weight, not current weight)
- Puppies under 4 months: 8-10% of current body weight daily
- Puppies 4-6 months: 6-8% of current body weight daily
- Puppies 6-12 months: 4-6% of current body weight daily
The BARF and PMR Ratios
Two main raw feeding models guide the breakdown of the daily ration:
PMR (Prey Model Raw): 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs. No plant matter.
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs, 10% plant matter (vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy).
Both models work when balanced across the week. Individual meals do not need to hit all ratios precisely; balance matters over a 7-14 day window.
Signs You Need to Adjust
Weigh your dog every 2 weeks and assess body condition. If ribs become visible or weight drops, increase the percentage by 0.25%. If the dog is gaining unwanted weight, reduce by 0.25%. Stools are also a useful indicator: well-formed, small, light-colored stools typically indicate a balanced raw diet; runny stools may indicate too much organ meat or bone; very hard white stools typically indicate too much bone.
Food Safety
Raw meat carries pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli that can infect dogs, owners, and household members. Immunocompromised people and young children are at highest risk. Practices that reduce risk include sourcing from reputable human-grade suppliers, keeping raw food frozen until 24 hours before feeding, cleaning food bowls after every meal, and washing hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
When to Consult a Veterinary Nutritionist
Puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs, dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, or immune compromise should have raw diets reviewed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before starting. Nutritional deficiencies in growing dogs can cause irreversible skeletal problems that do not become apparent until months after the damage occurs.