Raw Diet Quantity Planner
Calculate the proper quantities for a raw diet based on your pet's needs
Important Safety Notice
Raw diets require careful planning and handling. Consult with a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary nutritionist before starting a raw diet. This tool provides general guidelines only.
How Raw Diet Quantity Planner Works
Our raw diet quantity planner calculates the correct quantity of raw food for your pet based on weight, age, and activity level using the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model. The tool calculates daily feeding amounts as a percentage of body weight (typically 2-3% for adult dogs, 5-10% for puppies, 2-4% for adult cats) and provides a breakdown of meal components including muscle meat, organ meats, raw meaty bones, vegetables, and fruits.
Understanding Raw Diets
Raw diets can be safe if properly formulated and handled, but they carry risks including bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances, and potential for parasites. Raw diets require careful planning to ensure all essential nutrients are provided, proper food handling to prevent contamination, and regular veterinary monitoring. A balanced raw diet should include muscle meat, organ meats, raw meaty bones, vegetables and fruits, and supplements. Always work with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a complete and balanced raw diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much raw food should I feed my pet?
Raw food quantities depend on your pet's weight, age, and activity level. Generally, adult dogs need 2-3% of their body weight per day, while puppies need 5-10% of their expected adult weight. Adult cats typically need 2-4% of their body weight. Active pets may need more, while sedentary pets may need less. Always consult with a veterinary nutritionist or veterinarian experienced with raw diets to ensure proper nutrition and portion sizes.
Is a raw diet safe for pets?
Raw diets can be safe if properly formulated and handled, but they carry risks including bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli), nutritional imbalances, and potential for parasites. Raw diets require careful planning to ensure all essential nutrients are provided, proper food handling to prevent contamination, and regular veterinary monitoring. Always consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before starting a raw diet, and ensure you follow proper food safety protocols.
What should be included in a raw diet?
A balanced raw diet should include: muscle meat (variety of sources), organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), raw meaty bones (for calcium and dental health), vegetables and fruits (for fiber and nutrients), and supplements (to ensure complete nutrition, including calcium, vitamins, and minerals). The exact ratios depend on your pet's species (dog vs cat) and individual needs. Cats require more protein and taurine. Always work with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a complete and balanced raw diet.
Related Tools & Resources
Note: This calculator provides general guidelines based on the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model. Raw diets require careful planning, proper handling, and may need supplementation. Always consult with a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary nutritionist before starting a raw diet, especially for puppies, kittens, senior pets, or pets with health conditions.