How much raw food per day: A complete guide for feeding pets

November 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to many raw feeding experts, adult pets typically require 2-3% of their body weight in food daily. Figuring out how much raw food per day is optimal for your companion depends largely on their species, age, and activity level, requiring careful calculation and observation.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed calculations and methods for determining the appropriate daily raw food portions for cats and dogs. It addresses feeding guidelines for pets across different ages, from energetic puppies and kittens to less active seniors, to help owners maintain their pet's ideal body condition.

Key Points

Start with a percentage: A good starting point for adult pets is 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily, while younger pets require a higher percentage.
Adjust for activity: Pets with higher energy levels need more food, while sedentary or overweight pets need less to maintain their ideal body condition.
Feed puppies and kittens more often: Younger animals require their daily portion to be split into multiple, smaller meals to fuel their rapid growth.
Consider DIY ratios: If making your own food, use a balanced formula like 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, and 10% organs, adjusting for life stage.
Prioritize hygiene: Safe handling and preparation of raw meat is critical to prevent bacterial contamination and maintain a healthy environment for both pets and humans.
Monitor and adapt: The feeding guidelines are a starting point; regular weight checks and monitoring your pet's condition are key to finding the right amount.

Understanding the Core Raw Feeding Calculation

Determining how much raw food per day to feed your pet is primarily based on a percentage of their body weight, but this percentage varies significantly with age and activity level. For most healthy adult dogs and cats, a good starting point is 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight daily. However, this is a guideline, not a strict rule. Pets that are more active will require a higher percentage, while those that are sedentary or overweight will need a lower amount. For growing puppies and kittens, the percentages are much higher to support their rapid development.

Factors Influencing Your Pet's Daily Portion

Age: Growing puppies and kittens have much higher caloric and nutritional needs than adult or senior animals.
Activity Level: A working dog or a very active cat will burn more calories and therefore require a larger portion than a pet with a low-energy lifestyle.
Metabolism: Just like humans, each pet has a unique metabolism. You must monitor their body condition closely and adjust their food intake accordingly.
Weight Goal: Whether your pet needs to gain, lose, or maintain weight will also change the percentage you feed. An overweight pet may start closer to 2% of their ideal body weight, while an underweight pet may need 3-4%.

Raw Feeding for Dogs

Adult Dogs

For a healthy, adult dog, the recommended daily amount of raw food is generally between 2% and 3% of their ideal body weight. This daily portion is often split into two meals, which is better for digestion and can help prevent bloating, especially in larger breeds. For example, a 20kg (44 lb) adult dog would need between 400g and 600g of raw food per day.

Sedentary or overweight dogs: Aim for the lower end of the range, around 2% of their ideal body weight.
Average activity dogs: Use the mid-range, approximately 2.5%.
Highly active or working dogs: Feed closer to the higher end, 3% or more, to meet their energy demands.

Puppies

Puppies are a special case due to their rapid growth. Their daily feeding percentage starts high and gradually decreases as they mature. Their daily food allowance should be split into multiple, smaller meals throughout the day.

8-10 weeks old: 8-10% of their current body weight.
10-16 weeks old: 7-8% of their current body weight.
5-9 months old: 4-6% of their current body weight.
9-15 months old: 3-4% of their current body weight.
15+ months old: Transition to the adult feeding percentage of 2-3%.

Raw Feeding for Cats

Adult Cats

Adult cats, as obligate carnivores, thrive on a meat-based diet. Their daily raw food intake typically ranges from 2% to 4% of their body weight, adjusted for their activity level. Their meal portions are generally smaller than a dog's.

Typical 5kg (11 lb) cat: Might require about 125g to 150g per day, depending on activity.
High activity or underweight: Feed closer to 3-4%.
Sedentary or senior: Feed closer to 2-2.5%.

Kittens

Kittens have very high energy needs for growth and should be fed small, frequent meals.

Until 3 months: Can be free-fed or given up to 10% of their body weight per day.
4-6 months: Gradually decrease to 7-8% of their body weight.
7-12 months: Continue a gradual reduction, reaching 4% by 12 months.

A Note on DIY Raw Food Ratios (BARF/PMR)

For those preparing their own raw meals, the ratios for a balanced diet are crucial. The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet often uses an 80-10-10 ratio of muscle meat, bone, and organs.

Typical DIY Raw Diet Composition

80% Muscle Meat: The primary protein source, providing amino acids and essential nutrients. Vary the protein sources to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
10% Raw Edible Bone: Provides vital calcium and phosphorus. Always use raw, uncooked bones, as cooked bones can splinter and are dangerous. Soft, raw bones like chicken necks or wings are good options.
10% Organ Meat: Split this between 5% liver and 5% other secreting organs (e.g., kidney, spleen). Organs are nutrient-dense and should be included in small quantities.

For puppies, the organ and bone percentages may be adjusted slightly to meet their higher mineral needs.

Safe Handling of Raw Food

When handling raw food for pets, proper hygiene is essential to prevent bacterial contamination, which can pose a risk to both pets and humans. Always follow these guidelines:

Wash thoroughly: Always wash your hands and all surfaces, bowls, and utensils that have been in contact with raw meat using hot, soapy water.
Use designated items: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for preparing raw pet food.
Store safely: Keep raw food frozen until use and thaw it in the refrigerator. Do not leave raw food out for extended periods.
Avoid certain foods: Never feed cooked bones of any kind. Some human foods like onions, chocolate, and grapes are toxic to pets and must be avoided.

Comparison of Raw Feeding Guidelines


Pet Category	Daily Portion Guideline	Feeding Frequency	Key Considerations
Adult Dog	2-3% of ideal body weight	1-2 meals per day	Adjust for activity; monitor body condition
Puppy (weaning)	8-10% of current body weight	4-5 meals per day	Higher percentages decrease with age
Puppy (older)	4-6% of current body weight	2-3 meals per day	Transition towards adult proportions
Adult Cat	2-4% of ideal body weight	2-3+ meals per day	Adjust for activity; cats are obligate carnivores
Kitten	5-10% of current body weight	4-5+ meals per day	Higher needs for rapid growth; can be free-fed initially

Conclusion

Successfully feeding a raw diet requires more than just knowing how much raw food per day to offer. It's an individualized process that demands attention to detail, continuous monitoring, and a willingness to adjust portions based on your pet's response. While the percentage-based formula provides a solid starting point, it is crucial to observe your pet's energy levels, weight, and overall condition. Always consult your veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist for personalized guidance, especially when transitioning your pet's diet or for animals with pre-existing health conditions. Following these principles ensures your pet receives the proper nourishment for a healthy and thriving life.

For more detailed information on balanced pet nutrition, you can consult resources from authoritative organizations like UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA).

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the raw food portion for an adult dog, start with a daily amount that is 2-3% of their ideal body weight. For instance, a 20kg dog would eat between 400g and 600g per day. Adjust this percentage based on your dog's activity level and weight goals.

Puppies are in a rapid growth phase and have much higher energy and nutritional requirements than adult dogs. They need a larger percentage of their body weight in food to support the development of their bones, muscles, and overall body structure.

The initial percentage calculation is similar, but cats often require a slightly different approach due to their nature as obligate carnivores. Both start in the 2-3% range for adults, but the nutritional composition for a cat's raw diet is strictly meat-based, whereas a dog's may include small amounts of fruits and vegetables.

For puppies and kittens, it's best to feed 3-5 smaller meals per day, decreasing in frequency as they get older. Adult dogs and cats typically do well with 1-2 meals per day.

If your pet is overweight, you should feed a portion closer to the lower end of the recommended percentage (e.g., 2% of their ideal weight) and ensure they get more exercise. A vet can help you determine their ideal body weight for accurate portioning.

DIY raw diets can be safe if properly balanced and prepared with strict hygiene. An accepted guideline, like the 80-10-10 Prey Model, includes 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% organs. However, it is essential to ensure nutritional completeness, and consulting an expert is highly recommended.

You can assess your pet's body condition. For dogs, you should be able to feel their ribs with slight pressure but not see them prominently. Monitor their weight regularly, and adjust portions if you notice undesirable weight gain or loss.