Raw Dog Food Calculator UK – Daily Portions

How to Use This Calculator

Getting the right portion size for your dog’s raw diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Step 1: Weigh Your Dog

Accuracy matters when it comes to raw feeding. Pop your pup on the scales and note their current weight. If you don’t have pet scales at home, your vet can weigh them during your next visit. For smaller dogs, you can weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding your dog and subtract the difference.

Step 2: Select Life Stage

Puppies need significantly more food relative to their weight because they’re growing rapidly. Adults require maintenance levels, whilst senior dogs often need less due to reduced activity and slower metabolism. This single factor can change feeding amounts by up to 7% of body weight.

Step 3: Consider Activity Levels

Does your dog spend most days lounging on the sofa, or are they working on a farm? A working sheepdog burns vastly more calories than a lap dog. Be honest about your dog’s actual activity level rather than what you wish it was.

Step 4: Assess Body Condition

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily but not see them prominently. If your dog is carrying extra weight or looking too thin, adjust accordingly. The calculator will fine-tune portions to help achieve an ideal body condition.

Step 5: Review Your Results

The calculator provides daily amounts and breaks them down per meal. It also shows the recommended composition of different food types. Remember, these are starting points. Monitor your dog’s weight and energy levels, and adjust portions as needed.

The Science Behind Raw Feeding Calculations

Raw feeding guidelines are based on established nutritional research and feeding standards developed by veterinary nutritionists across Europe and beyond.

The 2-3% Rule Explained

You’ll often hear that dogs should eat 2-3% of their body weight in raw food daily. This percentage comes from FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines, which factor in the energy density and metabolic requirements of dogs. However, this is just a baseline. A 20kg moderately active adult dog would need roughly 400-600g daily, but individual requirements vary considerably.

Why Puppies Need More

Growing puppies can require anywhere from 5-10% of their current body weight because they’re building muscle, bone, and organs whilst also fuelling their boundless energy. Large breed puppies need careful monitoring to prevent too-rapid growth, which can cause skeletal issues. Small breed puppies finish growing sooner and may need adjustments around 6-8 months.

Metabolic Differences Across Breeds

Smaller breeds generally have faster metabolisms and may need a higher percentage of their body weight compared to giant breeds. A Chihuahua’s metabolism works differently to a Great Dane’s. Toy breeds might need closer to 3-4% whilst giant breeds might thrive on 2-2.5%.

Activity Level Impact

Working dogs, sporting dogs, and highly active pets can need 50-100% more calories than their sedentary counterparts. A working Border Collie herding sheep all day will burn significantly more energy than a retired Greyhound enjoying their golden years on a comfy bed.

The 80/10/10 Principle

Many raw feeders follow the 80/10/10 guideline: 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% organ meat (with 5% being liver). This mimics what a dog might consume from whole prey and provides balanced nutrition. Some add 10-20% vegetables for fibre and additional nutrients, making it 70/10/10/10.

Common Questions About Raw Feeding

Feeding Amount Comparisons

Here’s how raw feeding amounts compare across different dog sizes and life stages to help you visualise appropriate portions.

Cost Considerations

Raw feeding costs vary depending on protein sources and where you shop. On average, feeding a medium-sized dog costs £1.50-£3.00 daily. Buying in bulk from raw food suppliers or butchers often provides better value than supermarket prices. A 20kg dog eating 600g daily would need roughly 4.2kg weekly, or about 18kg monthly.

Fine-Tuning Your Dog’s Portions

Calculators provide excellent starting points, but monitoring your dog’s individual response is crucial for long-term success.

Body Condition Scoring

Learn to assess your dog’s body condition regularly. Run your hands along their sides—you should feel ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. Looking from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. From the side, the abdomen should tuck up. If ribs are highly visible or if there’s no waist definition, adjustments are needed.

When to Increase Portions

Signs your dog needs more food include visible ribs and spine, loss of muscle mass, increased scavenging behaviour, reduced energy, or weight loss. Increase portions by 10% and reassess after one week. Pregnant and lactating dogs need significantly increased portions—up to 50-100% more during peak lactation.

When to Decrease Portions

If you can’t feel ribs easily, there’s no waist definition, or your dog is gaining unwanted weight, reduce portions by 10%. Some dogs are simply greedier than others and will eat everything offered regardless of need. Don’t fall for those pleading eyes if your dog is overweight.

Seasonal Adjustments

Dogs may need slightly more food during cold winter months to maintain body temperature, especially if they spend time outdoors. Conversely, during hot summer months, some dogs naturally eat less. This is normal—just monitor body condition.

Exercise Changes

If your dog’s activity level changes—for instance, training for agility competitions or recovering from injury—adjust portions accordingly. A dog on crate rest needs considerably less food than when fully active.

Protein Source Variations

Different proteins have varying caloric densities and nutritional profiles, which can affect how much your dog needs.

Lean vs Fatty Proteins

Chicken breast and white fish are lean proteins with fewer calories per gram. Beef mince, lamb, and duck are fattier with more calories. If feeding primarily lean proteins, you might need to add a bit extra fat or slightly increase portions. Conversely, rich, fatty meats may require smaller portions.

Rotating Protein Sources

Variety prevents nutritional deficiencies and keeps meals interesting. Rotate between chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, rabbit, fish, and other proteins weekly or monthly. Each offers different vitamins and minerals. Oily fish provides omega-3 fatty acids, whilst red meats offer more iron and zinc.

Novel Proteins for Sensitivities

Dogs with food sensitivities might need novel proteins like venison, kangaroo, or duck. These proteins are less commonly used, reducing the likelihood of previous exposure and allergic reactions. However, they’re often pricier and may require ordering from specialist suppliers.