Raw Dog Food Calculator

Complete Nutrition Planning Tool

Calculate the perfect raw food portions for your dog based on weight, age, activity level, and health status.

Example Calculations

Try these sample scenarios to see how the calculator works

Adult Active Dog

Adult Dog

Healthy adult dog with moderate activity level

Weight: 25 kg

Age: 3 years

Activity Level: Moderate Activity (Adult/Regular Exercise)

Health Status: Normal/Healthy

Weight Goal: Maintain Weight

Senior Dog

Senior Dog

Older dog with reduced activity and special needs

Weight: 15 kg

Age: 10 years

Activity Level: Low Activity (Senior/Sedentary)

Health Status: Senior (7+ years)

Weight Goal: Maintain Weight

Growing Puppy

Puppy

Young puppy with high nutritional needs

Weight: 8 kg

Age: 0.5 years

Activity Level: High Activity (Working/Athletic)

Health Status: Puppy (Under 1 year)

Weight Goal: Gain Weight

Working Dog

Working Dog

High-energy working dog with increased requirements

Weight: 30 kg

Age: 4 years

Activity Level: High Activity (Working/Athletic)

Health Status: Normal/Healthy

Weight Goal: Maintain Weight

Other Titles
Understanding Raw Dog Food Nutrition: A Comprehensive Guide
Master canine nutrition with accurate portion calculations and balanced meal planning

What is Raw Dog Food Nutrition?

  • Understanding Canine Dietary Needs
  • Benefits of Raw Feeding
  • Nutritional Balance Requirements
Raw dog food nutrition is based on providing dogs with a diet that closely resembles what their wild ancestors would consume. This includes raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables in carefully calculated proportions to meet all nutritional requirements.
The Science Behind Canine Nutrition
Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can survive on various diets but thrive on meat-based nutrition. Raw feeding provides essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form, including high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support optimal health and longevity.
Key Nutritional Components
A balanced raw diet consists of approximately 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 10% organ meat (5% liver, 5% other organs), 5% vegetables/fruits, and 5% supplements. This ratio ensures dogs receive all essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate amounts.

Daily Portion Guidelines

  • Adult dog: 2-3% of body weight daily
  • Puppy: 5-10% of body weight daily
  • Senior dog: 1.5-2% of body weight daily

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Raw Dog Food Calculator

  • Input Dog Information
  • Configure Nutritional Parameters
  • Interpret Results
Our calculator uses advanced algorithms to determine the optimal raw food portions based on your dog's individual characteristics. The calculation considers multiple factors including metabolic rate, activity level, life stage, and health status to provide personalized nutrition recommendations.
Entering Dog Information
Start by entering your dog's current weight in either kilograms or pounds. Weight is the primary factor in determining caloric needs. Next, input your dog's age, as puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Be as accurate as possible for optimal results.
Setting Activity and Health Parameters
Select your dog's activity level from low (senior/sedentary), moderate (adult with regular exercise), or high (working/athletic dogs). Then choose the appropriate health status, including special conditions like pregnancy, nursing, or senior status that require adjusted nutrition.
Understanding Results
The calculator provides detailed breakdowns of daily caloric needs, total food weight, and specific amounts for each food component. Results include protein, fat, bone, organ, and vegetable portions to ensure a complete and balanced diet.

Calculation Examples

  • 25kg adult dog: ~750 calories daily
  • High activity: +20% calories
  • Senior dog: -15% calories

Real-World Applications of Raw Food Calculations

  • Health Optimization
  • Weight Management
  • Special Dietary Needs
Accurate raw food calculations are essential for maintaining optimal canine health across all life stages. From supporting growth in puppies to managing weight in adults and addressing special needs in seniors, proper portioning ensures dogs receive exactly what they need.
Supporting Canine Health
Proper raw food portions support immune function, maintain healthy skin and coat, promote optimal digestion, and support joint health. The balanced ratios of protein, fat, and essential nutrients help prevent common health issues and support overall wellness.
Weight Management Applications
The calculator helps manage weight by providing appropriate caloric intake for weight loss, maintenance, or gain. For overweight dogs, reduced portions with increased protein help maintain muscle mass while losing fat. Underweight dogs receive increased portions with higher fat content for healthy weight gain.
Special Dietary Requirements
Pregnant and nursing dogs require increased calories and specific nutrients. Senior dogs need adjusted portions with joint-supporting supplements. Puppies require higher protein and fat for growth and development. The calculator accounts for all these special needs.

Special Requirements

  • Pregnant dog: +25% calories during last trimester
  • Nursing dog: +50% calories during peak lactation
  • Senior dog: Reduced portions with joint supplements

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Portion Size Errors
  • Nutritional Balance Mistakes
  • Feeding Schedule Confusion
Many raw feeding problems stem from incorrect portion calculations and common misconceptions about canine nutrition. Understanding these pitfalls helps achieve optimal health outcomes and prevents nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Misconception: More Food is Always Better
Overfeeding can lead to obesity, joint problems, and reduced lifespan. The calculator provides precise portions based on individual needs. It's important to monitor your dog's body condition and adjust portions as needed, rather than simply feeding more.
Ignoring Life Stage Requirements
Different life stages require different nutritional approaches. Puppies need higher protein and fat for growth, while seniors need adjusted portions and joint support. Using adult portions for puppies or seniors can lead to health problems.
Incorrect Protein-to-Fat Ratios
Raw diets require specific protein-to-fat ratios for optimal health. Too much protein without adequate fat can cause issues, while too much fat can lead to obesity. The calculator ensures proper balance based on individual needs.

Common Mistakes

  • Don't feed adult portions to puppies
  • Monitor body condition score regularly
  • Adjust portions based on activity changes

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Calorie Calculation Methods
  • Portion Size Formulas
  • Nutritional Ratio Calculations
The calculator uses scientifically validated formulas to determine canine nutritional requirements. These calculations are based on metabolic rate, activity level, life stage, and health status to provide accurate and personalized recommendations.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. This represents the calories needed for basic bodily functions. For adult dogs, daily energy requirement (DER) = RER × activity factor (1.2-1.8). Puppies require 2-3 times RER, while seniors need 1.1-1.4 times RER.
Portion Size Calculations
Daily food weight = (daily calories ÷ food calorie density) × 100. Raw food typically contains 1.2-1.5 calories per gram. Protein should be 25-30% of total calories, fat 15-20%, with the remainder from carbohydrates and fiber.
Component Breakdown
Muscle meat: 70% of total weight, providing primary protein source. Raw bone: 10% for calcium and phosphorus. Organ meat: 10% (5% liver, 5% other organs) for vitamins and minerals. Vegetables: 5% for fiber and phytonutrients. Supplements: 5% for additional nutrients.

Calculation Examples

  • 25kg dog RER: 70 × 25^0.75 = 1,050 calories
  • Moderate activity DER: 1,050 × 1.6 = 1,680 calories
  • Daily food: 1,680 ÷ 1.3 = 1,292 grams