How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog?

One of the first questions people ask when switching to raw food is also one of the most important:

How much should I actually feed my dog?

There isn’t a single amount that works for every dog. A Chihuahua, working Cocker Spaniel and Great Dane clearly have very different requirements — but even two dogs of exactly the same breed and weight may need different portions.

That is why raw feeding quantities should be treated as a starting point and adjusted according to the individual dog.

Start With Ideal Body Weight

For adult dogs, a commonly used starting point is approximately 2–3% of ideal adult body weight per day.

For example, 2.5% of a 20kg ideal body weight would be approximately 500g per day.

This is a guide rather than a fixed rule.

A particularly active dog may require more. A quiet, older or very efficient dog may need less.

BB Pet Supplies provides an adult dog raw food feeding guide and calculator to make that initial calculation easier.

Why Ideal Weight Matters

If a dog needs to lose weight, basing its food allowance on its current overweight body weight can result in feeding more than necessary.

Likewise, a dog that is underweight may need adjustments.

Looking at ideal body condition, rather than simply the number on the scales, therefore gives a much more useful picture.

You should generally be able to feel your dog’s ribs without needing to press through a thick layer of fat, while the dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above.

If you are unsure about your dog’s ideal body condition, your veterinary practice can help assess it.

Puppies Need a Different Approach

Growing puppies need proportionally more food than adult dogs.

Their feeding requirements also change relatively quickly as they grow, which means the amount should be reviewed regularly rather than calculated once and left unchanged for months.

BB Pet Supplies has created a separate puppy raw feeding guide and calculator for this reason.

Regular weighing can be particularly helpful during puppyhood.

Activity Makes a Difference

A dog’s energy requirements can change enormously.

Consider the difference between:

• A working dog exercising for several hours
• An active family dog
• A dog recovering from reduced activity
• A senior dog enjoying shorter walks
• A highly energetic young adult

The same feeding percentage will not necessarily suit all of them.

Seasonal changes can play a part too. Some dogs are dramatically more active during long summer days than during wet winter months.

Rather than concentrating solely on a calculation, watch your dog.

Treats Count Too

This is easily overlooked.

A dog may receive the correct quantity of food at breakfast and dinner but also have training rewards, natural chews and treats throughout the day.

Those extras still contribute to overall food intake.

There is nothing wrong with incorporating suitable dog treats and chews into a dog’s routine, but their contribution should be considered when assessing total intake.

For training, smaller treats can help prevent rewards from becoming a surprisingly large part of the day’s food.

Monitor Rather Than Guess

Once you have calculated an initial quantity, monitor:

• Weight
• Body condition
• Energy levels
• Appetite
• Stools
• Activity

Do not react to a single day’s variation. Look for trends.

If your dog is gradually gaining unwanted weight, reduce the portion slightly and reassess. If it is losing weight when it should not be, the amount may need increasing.

Small adjustments are normally easier to assess than dramatic changes.

Does Protein Choice Affect Feeding?

Different raw products can vary in fat and calorie content.

A dog eating a particularly lean food may therefore respond differently from the same dog eating a fattier recipe, even if the gram weight is identical.

This is another reason feeding should not become purely mathematical.

BB Pet Supplies allows owners to browse raw food by type and protein, making it easier to create a selection that suits an individual feeding routine.

Making Life Easier

Raw feeding does not have to involve calculating every meal from scratch.

Pre-prepared raw products make portioning considerably simpler, while raw food box deals can be a convenient option for regular feeders who want to keep the freezer stocked.

If you are just getting started, BB Pet Supplies also provides a dedicated raw food section containing feeding guides, transition information and different ways to shop.

Ultimately, the right amount is the quantity that helps your individual dog maintain a healthy body condition and energy level.

Use the calculator to establish a sensible starting point, then allow the dog in front of you to guide the fine adjustments.

If your dog has particular nutritional requirements, a medical condition or unexpected weight changes, seek veterinary advice.