How much raw food should I feed my dog each day?

Most healthy adult dogs thrive on 2% to 3% of their ideal adult body weight daily. A relaxed or senior dog typically needs 2.0%, an active family dog needs 2.5%, and working or highly active dogs require 3.0% to 3.5%. Growing puppies need between 4% and 8% depending on their age.

Which raw bones are safe for dogs to eat?

Only feed soft, raw, non-weight-bearing bones appropriate for your dog's size, such as raw chicken necks, wings, duck necks, and turkey necks. Never feed cooked, boiled, or smoked bones, which become brittle and splinter into dangerous internal obstructions. Never feed dense, weight-bearing leg bones from cows or pigs.

What counts as a secreting organ in a raw diet?

In raw feeding biology, true secreting organs include kidneys, spleen, pancreas, thymus, and brains. Liver is counted separately as its own 5% portion due to its high Vitamin A density. Note that heart, gizzards, tongue, and lungs are nutritionally classified as rich muscle meat, NOT secreting organs.

Dogs • nutritionVerified Formula

Dog Raw Food & BARF Diet Calculator

Computes daily and weekly biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) portions with precision breakdowns for muscle meat, raw edible bone, liver, and secreting organs.

Parameters

Calculated Output

Total Daily Raw Food Intake

20Ounces / Day~1.25 lbs Per Day (~8.8 lbs/week)

What This Result Means

For a 50 lbs dog fed at 2.5% body weight, feed 20 oz (~1.25 lbs) daily, divided into 284g per meal.

Calculation Details & Equivalents

80% Muscle Meat

454 g (16 oz)

10% Raw Edible Bone

57 g (2 oz)

5% Liver (Vitamin A & Iron)

28 g (1 oz)

5% Other Secreting Organ (Kidney/Spleen)

28 g (1 oz)

7-Day Weekly Prep Total

8.8 lbs (3,969 g)

Veterinary & Animal Science Advisory

This calculator provides evidence-based estimates derived from published veterinary equations (NRC, WSAVA, FAO). Outputs are intended for educational and decision-support guidance only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified specialist for clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, or prescription drug administration.

80/10/10 Raw BARF Biological Diet Ratio Breakdown

Target proportions for muscle meat, raw edible bone, liver, and secreting organs

Click to enlarge

🥩 80% Muscle Meat

Boneless lean meat, heart, tongue, green tripe. Essential amino acids & hydration.

🦴 10% Raw Edible Bone

Chicken necks, turkey wings, ribs. Natural calcium and phosphorus in correct ratio.

🫀 5% Liver

Crucial Vitamin A, iron, copper, and bioavailable B vitamins.

🫁 5% Other Secreting Organs

Kidney, spleen, pancreas. Rich source of selenium, zinc, and enzymes.

Understanding the Dog Raw Food & BARF Diet Calculator

What This Calculator Does

This raw dog food calculator helps you figure out the daily portions for a biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet. It breaks down the total amount into muscle meat, bone, and organs.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your dog's ideal weight and the percentage of their body weight you wish to feed. The calculator gives you the total daily amount and splits it into the standard 80/10/10 ratio for a balanced raw diet.

Key Factors That Affect the Result

Your dog's target body weight is the basis for the total food amount.
The feeding percentage (usually between 2% and 3% for adults) should be adjusted based on their activity level and metabolism.
The 80/10/10 ratio ensures they get the right balance of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients.

Why This Matters for Your Dogs

Getting the proportions right is crucial when feeding a raw diet to ensure your dog receives complete nutrition. This calculator helps you prepare meals accurately, making it easier to provide a safe and balanced raw diet for your dog.

Veterinary Advisory: This calculator provides educational guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your dog's health or wellbeing, please contact a licensed veterinarian.

Reviewed & verified by Dr. Imad Khan, DVM, MSc · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Masters in Poultry Science · View editorial credentials →

Formula & Mathematical Methodology

Standard Mathematical Formula

Daily Raw Food = Ideal Body Weight × 2.0% to 3.0% | Ratio: 80% Muscle Meat, 10% Raw Bone, 5% Liver, 5% Secreting Organ

Formula Variables Defined

BWDog Target Weight(kg or lbs)

Healthy adult dog body weight

RateFeeding Percentage(% of BW)

Standard maintenance is 2.0% to 3.0% of adult body weight

Step-by-Step Calculation Example

Example: 23 kg (50 lb) Dog on 2.5% BARF Maintenance Diet

A 23 kg (50 lb) adult dog eating a standard 80/10/10 raw diet.

Total daily food: 2.5% of 22.68 kg (50 lbs) = 567 g (1.25 lbs / 20 oz)
Muscle Meat (80%) = 454 g (16 oz)
Raw Edible Bone (10%) = 57 g (2 oz)
Liver (5%) = 28 g (1 oz)
Other Secreting Organ (5%) = 28 g (1 oz)

Final Output: 567 g/day (1.25 lbs / 20 oz daily)

Key Assumptions

Raw bones must always be raw and never cooked to prevent splintering.

Biological Limitations

Raw diets require strict hygiene and consultation with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Verified Scientific & Veterinary Sources

Version: 2.0•Methodology Reviewed: 2026-09-14

1. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Catstextbook

National Research Council (NRC) Committee on Animal Nutrition (2006). National Academies Press, Washington, D.C.

Access Source Authority

2. Official Publication: Pet Food Regulations & Nutrient Profilesguideline

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) (2023). AAFCO Official Publication

Access Source Authority