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Raw Feeding Calculator
How much raw food does your dog need each day? This calculator gives you exact portion sizes for both BARF and Prey Model diets -- broken down by muscle meat, bone, organ, and more.
BARF vs. Prey Model at a Glance
BARF Model
70% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ (5% liver), 5% vegetables, 5% fruit. This model was popularized by Dr. Ian Billinghurst and includes plant matter for fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Good for dogs that do well with some plant material in their diet.
Prey Model
80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ (5% liver). This model mimics what a wild canine would eat -- whole prey animals without plant material. Simpler to prepare and source. Works well for dogs with sensitivities to certain vegetables or fruits.
Adjusting Portions by Life Stage
Puppies (6%)
Growing puppies need significantly more food relative to their body weight. Recalculate portions weekly as they grow. Split into 3-4 meals per day until 6 months old.
Adults (2-3.5%)
Adult portions depend heavily on activity level. A couch potato needs 2-2.5%, while a working dog may need 3-3.5%. Monitor body condition and adjust every few weeks.
Seniors (2%)
Senior dogs have slower metabolisms and less muscle mass. Reduce portions slightly but maintain protein quality. Organ meats remain important for nutrient density.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BARF and Prey Model raw feeding?
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes 70% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 10% organ meat (half of which should be liver), 5% vegetables, and 5% fruit. Prey Model skips the plant matter entirely -- 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. BARF supporters believe dogs benefit from the fiber and micronutrients in plants. Prey Model advocates argue dogs have no biological need for plant material. Both approaches have produced healthy dogs for decades. Pick the one you can source and sustain consistently.
How much raw food should a puppy eat per day?
Puppies need roughly 5-8% of their body weight in raw food per day, compared to 2-2.5% for adults. This calculator uses 6% as a balanced starting point. Because puppies grow fast, you should weigh them weekly and recalculate portions. Spread meals across 3-4 feedings per day until 6 months, then drop to twice daily. Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio matters more for puppies -- aim for 1.2:1 through appropriate bone content.
What bones are safe for raw feeding?
Raw meaty bones like chicken necks, duck necks, chicken backs, turkey necks, and lamb ribs are generally safe. The bone should be soft enough that your dog can crunch through it -- not weight-bearing bones from large animals (no beef femurs or marrow bones). Never feed cooked bones of any kind. They splinter and can cause serious internal injuries. The 10% bone ratio in both BARF and Prey Model provides the calcium and phosphorus dogs need without excess.
Do I need to add supplements to a raw diet?
A properly balanced raw diet covering muscle meat, bone, organ (including liver), and variety across protein sources should meet most nutritional needs. However, many raw feeders add fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E as an antioxidant, and kelp for trace minerals. If you are not feeding fish regularly, an omega-3 supplement is a good idea. If your dog does not get much sunlight, consider vitamin D. Work with a veterinary nutritionist if you want to be thorough.
Is raw feeding safe? What about bacteria like salmonella?
Dogs have shorter digestive tracts and more acidic stomachs than humans, which makes them more resistant to bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. That said, safe handling matters -- for you, not just the dog. Use dedicated cutting boards, wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat, and store raw food at proper temperatures. Immunocompromised dogs or dogs on acid-reducing medications may be at higher risk. Discuss with your vet if your dog has a compromised immune system.
