Raw Dog Food Calculator

Using the Raw Dog Food Calculator

This calculator helps estimate the daily amount of raw food for your dog. You'll need to provide:

• Dog's Current Weight
• Life Stage
• Activity Level
• Body Condition
• Diet Model: Choose between PMR (Prey Model Raw) or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

The calculator will then suggest a total daily food amount and a component breakdown based on your selected model.

Calculation Method

The calculation is based on a percentage of the dog's body weight, adjusted for life stage, activity, and body condition. The chosen diet model determines the ratio of components.

1. Base Percentage: Determined by life stage.
2. Adjustments: Modified by activity and body condition.
3. Total Daily Amount: Calculated from the adjusted percentage and body weight.
4. Component Breakdown: The total amount is divided based on the selected diet model's ratios.

Understanding Diet Models

This calculator supports two common raw feeding models:

• PMR (Prey Model Raw): Aims to mimic the whole prey animal.
  • Typically 80% Muscle Meat
  • 10% Edible Bone
  • 5% Liver
  • 5% Other Secreting Organs
• BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): Includes animal products along with plant matter.
  • Typically 70% Muscle Meat
  • 10% Edible Bone
  • 5% Liver
  • 5% Other Secreting Organs
  • 7% Vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, carrots - often pureed)
  • 3% Fruit (e.g., berries, apple - seeds removed)
  This model often includes other supplements like oils or kelp, which are not part of this calculator's scope but should be researched by BARF feeders.

Important: These are starting guidelines. Always monitor your dog and adjust amounts as needed. Variety is crucial.

Understanding the Results

The calculator provides:

• Total Daily Food: In grams and ounces.
• Component Breakdown: Amounts for muscle meat, edible bone, liver, other organs, and (for BARF) vegetables and fruit.
• Feeding Percentage Used: The final percentage of body weight.

Transitioning to a raw diet should be done gradually. Consult with a veterinarian or an experienced raw feeding advisor.

Tips for Raw Feeding Success

• Variety is Key: Aim to feed at least 3-4 different protein sources over time (e.g., chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish).
• Balance Over Time: Don't stress about hitting exact ratios every single meal. Aim for balance over a week or two.
• Safe Handling: Practice safe food handling for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination. Wash hands, surfaces, and bowls thoroughly.
• Monitor Stool: Stool consistency is a good indicator of how well your dog is digesting their food. Too much bone can lead to constipation.
• Consider Supplements (If Needed): Some raw diets may benefit from additions like fish oil (for Omega-3s) or specific supplements, depending on the base ingredients. This is particularly true if not feeding a wide variety or certain components like oily fish. For BARF diets, ensure vegetable and fruit choices are dog-safe.

Further Reading & References

Information on raw feeding is widely available. Consider these resources for deeper understanding:

• Billinghurst, I. (1993). Give Your Dog a Bone: The Practical Commonsense Way to Feed Dogs for a Long Healthy Life. (Often associated with BARF)
• Lonsdale, T. (2001). Raw Meaty Bones: Promote Health. (Often associated with PMR)
• Schultze, K. (2004). Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet.
• Online communities and forums dedicated to raw feeding (exercise caution and cross-reference information).