Raw feeding calories, ratios & portions for dogs & cats
Raw feeding is a diet of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables and supplements. The two main approaches are the Prey Model Diet (PMR) which mimics the ratio of whole prey animals, and BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) which includes vegetables, fruits, and supplements alongside meat and bones.
New raw feeders: figure out how much to feed your pet daily. Meal planning: calculate weekly shopping quantities. Weight management: adjust portions for weight loss or gain. Transition planning: plan the switch from kibble to raw. Budget planning: estimate monthly raw food costs.
Select your pet type (dog or cat). Enter your pet's weight in kilograms. Choose age group 鈥?puppies and kittens need more calories per kg. Select activity level 鈥?working dogs need more than couch potatoes. Choose neutered/spayed status 鈥?neutered pets typically need fewer calories. Select body condition 鈥?adjust for weight loss or gain. Results update instantly.
We use the standard RER (Resting Energy Requirement) formula: 70 脳 (weight in kg)^0.75. This is then multiplied by a factor based on age, activity level, neutering status, and body condition to get the DER (Daily Energy Requirement).
PMR (Prey Model Raw) mimics whole prey: ~80% muscle meat, ~10% bone, ~5% liver, ~5% other secreting organs. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes vegetables, fruits, and supplements, typically 70-80% meat/bones and 20-30% plant matter and supplements.
When handled properly, raw food can be a healthy diet for many pets. However, there are risks including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. Always source meat from reputable suppliers, practice good hygiene, and ensure the diet is properly balanced. Consult your vet before switching.
Adult dogs typically eat 2-3% of their body weight daily. Adult cats typically eat 2-4% of their body weight daily. Puppies, kittens, and very active pets may need more. Overweight or senior pets may need less. Use this calculator as a starting point and adjust based on body condition.
Yes, many pet owners do partial raw feeding 鈥?adding some raw meat to kibble meals. This can provide some nutritional benefits while being more budget-friendly. Just be aware that raw and kibble digest at different rates, so some prefer to feed them separately.