Common questions about raw dog food feeding guides, portion sizes, nutrient ratios, and how to get started feeding raw.
How much raw food should I feed my dog per day?+
The standard raw feeding guideline for adult dogs is 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day. A 50 lb adult dog in average condition eats approximately 1–1.5 lbs of raw food daily. Start at 2.5% and adjust up or down based on body condition after 2–4 weeks. Active working dogs may need 3–4%, while sedentary or overweight dogs often do better at 1.5–2%.
How much raw food should I feed my puppy? (Raw feeding puppy guidelines)+
Puppies need significantly more food relative to body weight than adults. The raw feeding guide for puppies is 4–6% of current body weight daily, divided into 3–4 meals. Weigh your puppy every 1–2 weeks and adjust portions as they grow. Large breed puppies should stay toward the lower end (4–5%) to avoid too-rapid growth that can stress developing joints.
What is the raw feeding chart ratio for dogs? (Muscle meat, bone, organ)+
PMR (Prey Model Raw): 80% muscle meat · 10% raw edible bone · 10% organ meat (5% liver, 5% other secreting organs) — no plant matter.
BARF: 70% muscle meat · 10% raw bone · 10% organ · 10% vegetables and fruit.
Both models are nutritionally sound when protein sources are rotated regularly.
How much raw food does a cat need daily? (Feeding raw to cats)+
Adult cats need 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day. A 10 lb cat eats roughly 3.2–4.8 oz per day, usually split into 2 meals. Cats are obligate carnivores with no dietary need for carbohydrates, and require taurine sourced from heart and muscle meat. Do not add vegetables to a cat's raw diet — unlike dogs, cats cannot convert plant precursors to essential nutrients.
What is the raw feeding chart for kittens? (Raw feeding kitten guide)+
Kittens require 4–6% of their current body weight daily, spread across 4 small meals. Because kittens grow rapidly in their first year, weigh them weekly and update portions every 1–2 weeks. By 6 months, reduce to 3 meals; by 12 months, transition to an adult feeding schedule at 2–3% of body weight.
Should I use current weight or ideal weight in the raw food feeding chart?+
Use ideal body weight for adult dogs and cats. If your pet is overweight, feeding based on actual weight will maintain excess. A quick check: ribs should be easily felt without pressing hard, and your pet should have a visible waist when viewed from above. For puppies and kittens, use current weight since they should always be gaining.
What raw nutrients does my dog need? (Raw nutrients feeding chart)+
A balanced raw diet provides: protein and fat from muscle meat, calcium and phosphorus from raw edible bone, vitamins A, B12, iron, zinc, copper from organ meat (especially liver), and omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish or grass-fed meats. Rotating 3–4 protein sources over weeks ensures a complete nutrient profile without supplementation in most cases.
How do I use the raw feeding starter guide to switch from kibble?+
The most common transition method is cold turkey — stop kibble and start raw immediately. Most dogs do well this way. For sensitive stomachs, use a 7–14 day gradual transition: replace 25% of kibble with raw for 3 days, then 50%, 75%, then 100%. Start with one protein only (chicken is easiest). Expect loose stools for 1–2 weeks as the gut microbiome adjusts — this is normal and resolves on its own.
Is the raw food feeding chart different for large breed dogs?+
The percentage guidelines are the same for all sizes. However, large and giant breeds (80+ lbs) often do better at the lower end (2–2.5%) to avoid excess calories, unless they are working dogs. For large breed puppies, stay at 4–5% to support steady growth without overloading developing joints. Body condition score is always the best ongoing guide.
How many meals per day should I feed raw?+
Adult dogs and cats: 1–2 meals per day.
Puppies under 6 months: 3–4 meals per day.
Puppies 6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day.
Kittens under 4 months: 4 meals per day.
Kittens 4–12 months: 3 meals per day.
Divide the total daily amount evenly across meals.
What does a raw feeding starter guide look like for a 40 lb dog?+
40 lb adult dog on PMR at 2.5%:
• Total daily: 1 lb
• Muscle meat: 12.8 oz (chicken thigh, beef, turkey)
• Raw bone: 1.6 oz (chicken backs, necks, or wings)
• Organ: 1.6 oz — 0.8 oz liver + 0.8 oz secreting organ (kidney, spleen)
Week 1: one protein only (chicken). Introduce a second protein in week 2–3. By month 2, rotate through 3–4 proteins for a balanced nutrient profile.
Is raw feeding safe? What about bacteria?+
Dogs and cats have digestive systems evolved for raw meat: a highly acidic stomach (pH 1–2) and short intestinal transit time that limits bacterial colonization. Healthy adult pets handle naturally occurring bacteria in raw meat well. Basic food safety for humans is what matters most — wash hands, sanitize surfaces, and keep raw food separate. Freeze meat for 2+ weeks before use to reduce parasite risk. Immunocompromised pets or owners should consult a vet first.