Raw Dog Food Calculator — BARF Diet

Calculate the exact amounts for a balanced BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet. Enter your dog's weight and activity level for personalized feeding guidelines.

Ideal body weight of your dog

Choose based on your dog's lifestyle

Daily Food = Body Weight × Feeding Percentage; Adult: 2-3% of body weight, Active: 3-4%, Senior: 1.5-2%, Puppy: 5-10%; BARF Ratio: 70% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% organs, 7% vegetables, 2% fruit, 1% supplements
Example: 50 lb adult dog at 2.5% activity; Daily food: 20 oz (1.25 lbs); Muscle meat: 14 oz, Bone: 2 oz, Liver: 1 oz, Organs: 1 oz, Vegetables: 1.4 oz, Fruit: 0.4 oz; Monthly: 37.5 lbs of food

How much raw food should I feed my dog on a BARF diet?

General BARF feeding guidelines: Adult dogs: 2-3% of ideal body weight per day, split into 2 meals; Active/working dogs: 3-4% of body weight; Puppies: 5-10% (varies by age and breed); Senior/less active dogs: 1.5-2% of body weight. Example: 50 lb adult dog at 2.5% = 1.25 lbs (20 oz) per day, split into two 10 oz meals. Adjust based on body condition: losing weight = increase 0.5%, gaining weight = decrease 0.5%. Monitor your dog's weight and energy levels for the first few weeks.

What is the BARF diet ratio for dogs?

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food) diet composition: 70% muscle meat (with some fat), 10% raw edible bone (or ground bone for safety), 5% liver (essential for vitamin A), 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, pancreas, brain), 7% vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, broccoli), 2% fruit (berries, apple, banana), 1% supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, kelp, eggs). This mimics what dogs' ancestors would eat in the wild. Never feed cooked bones - they splinter!

Is a raw dog food diet safe?

Raw diets can be safe with proper handling and balanced nutrition. Benefits: Shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, smaller stools. Risks: Bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli) - practice strict hygiene, Nutritional imbalance - follow proper ratios, Bone hazards - feed raw only, appropriate sizes, Parasites - freeze meat for 7+ days. Precautions: Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly, Keep raw food separate, Consult your vet before switching, Not recommended for immunocompromised households. Commercial raw diets (tested and balanced) are safer than DIY for beginners.

How do I transition my dog to a BARF diet?

Transition gradually over 7-14 days to avoid digestive upset: Days 1-3: 25% raw food, 75% old food, Days 4-6: 50% raw, 50% old, Days 7-9: 75% raw, 25% old, Days 10+: 100% raw BARF diet. Tips: Feed raw food on empty stomach (wait 12 hours after last meal), Introduce one protein source at a time (start with chicken or turkey), Monitor stools - should become smaller and firmer, If diarrhea occurs, slow transition or reduce bone content, Probiotics can help during transition. Some dogs vomit initially - this usually resolves as they adjust to digesting raw food.