Raw Dog Food Calculator

Quick answer An adult dog with an ideal weight of 20 kg typically eats about 500 g of raw food a day (2.5% of body weight): 400 g muscle meat, 50 g bone and 50 g organ, half of it liver. Raw diets can be unbalanced, so ask a veterinary nutritionist to check the recipe.

How to use the raw dog food calculator

Choose adult or puppy.
Enter the ideal adult weight (adults) or expected adult weight (puppies).
Pick an activity level.
Press Calculate.

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Worked example

An adult dog with an ideal weight of 20 kg and normal activity.

Ideal adult weight: 20 kg
Activity: Normal activity

500 g/day

Daily raw food: 500 g (2.5% of ideal weight)
Muscle meat (80%): 400 g
Raw meaty bone (10%): 50 g
Organ (10%, half liver): 50 g

The 2–3% rule is raw-feeding practice, not an NRC formula. Ask your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to check the diet is complete and balanced.

Example values are illustrative; this result is produced by the same calculator above.

How we calculate it

Adult daily raw = 2–3% of ideal body weight; puppy = 2–3% of EXPECTED adult weight (or 5–10% of current, whichever lower); split by chosen ratio (muscle/bone/liver/other organ). Cross-check kcal vs MER

Sources: NRC · Raw feeding portion convention (about 2–3% of ideal body weight; 80/10/10 ratio) — practitioner guidance, not a scientific standard

Reference table

Adult raw feeding at 2.5% of ideal body weight
Ideal weight	g/day
2 kg	50
5 kg	125
10 kg	250
15 kg	375
20 kg	500
25 kg	625
30 kg	750
40 kg	1,000
50 kg	1,250

Understanding your result

Raw-feeding guidance is based on practice rather than a formal nutrient standard. This calculator uses a share of body weight per day: 2% for low activity, 2.5% for normal and 3% for high activity, applied to the dog's ideal adult weight. For puppies the share is applied to the expected adult weight.

The total is then split into the common 80/10/10 pattern: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone and 10% organ, with half of the organ share as liver. These are rough proportions, not a complete recipe.

Because a raw diet can easily be unbalanced, treat the numbers as a planning aid and discuss the whole diet with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.

Common mistakes

Using the current weight of an overweight dog instead of its ideal weight.
Assuming the 80/10/10 split makes a diet complete; vitamins, minerals and calcium balance still matter.
Ignoring hygiene. Raw meat carries bacteria that can affect people as well as pets.
Feeding puppies or pregnant dogs without professional advice.

Good to know

Percentages of body weight are a starting point. Adjust to body condition and activity.
If your dog has a medical condition, loses weight or has diarrhoea, stop and call your vet.
Our other calculators use established energy formulas; this one is guidance, so check it with your vet.

When to talk to your vet

Before starting a raw diet
If your dog has weight loss, diarrhoea or a medical condition
For puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much raw food should I feed my dog?

A common starting point is 2–3% of the dog's ideal adult weight per day — about 500 g for a 20 kg dog at 2.5%.

How much raw food should a puppy eat?

Puppies are often fed 2–3% of their expected adult weight, split into 3–4 meals. Check growth with your vet.

What is the 80/10/10 ratio?

About 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone and 10% organ, of which half is liver. It is a feeding practice, not a scientific standard.

Is raw feeding safe?

Raw diets carry bacteria such as Salmonella and can be unbalanced. Handle hygienically and ask a veterinary nutritionist to check the recipe.

Does this replace a recipe from a veterinary nutritionist?

No. It gives portion sizes by weight and ratio. Raw diets can be unbalanced, so ask a veterinary nutritionist to check the recipe, especially for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs.

How do I adjust the amount?

Start at 2–3% of ideal weight, then weigh your dog every few weeks and adjust in small steps based on body condition. The page also lets you cross-check the calories against your dog's daily needs.

Reviewed by a licensed veterinarian

Last reviewed 18 Oct 2026 · How we review

Sources

NRC (2006) Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, National Academies Press
Raw feeding portion convention (about 2–3% of ideal body weight; 80/10/10 ratio) — practitioner guidance, not a scientific standard

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Estimates only. Every pet is different — confirm with your veterinarian. If your pet may have eaten something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison helpline now.