Feeding a raw diet
Raw feeding, often called BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) or the prey model, replaces kibble with raw meat, bones and organs, sometimes with vegetables. Supporters cite shinier coats and smaller stools; veterinary bodies warn about bacterial risks and unbalanced recipes. If you choose it, getting the quantity and the proportions right is the first step.
How much to feed
Raw diets are usually measured as a share of the dog’s ideal body weight per day:
| Dog | Share of body weight |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | 2% of ideal weight |
| Senior or not very active | 2% |
| Adult, moderately active | 2.5% |
| Active or working | 3% |
| Very active, sport or sled dogs | 4% |
| Puppy | 2 to 3% of expected adult weight |
Adjust every two to four weeks: if the dog gains fat, feed less; if ribs become too visible, feed more.
The 80/10/10 model
- 80% muscle meat: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, fish, including heart, which counts as muscle
- 10% raw edible bone: chicken necks, wings or backs, turkey necks, depending on the dog’s size
- 5% liver
- 5% other secreting organs: kidney, spleen, pancreas
The 70/10/10/10 variant replaces part of the meat with about 10% vegetables and fruit, puréed for digestion.
Example
A 50 lb adult dog of moderate activity:
- Per day: 50 × 2.5% = 1.25 lb, about 20 oz
- Two meals of about 10 oz
- Muscle meat 16 oz, bone 2 oz, liver 1 oz and other organs 1 oz a day
- About 8.75 lb a week
Safety and balance
- Bacteria: raw meat can carry Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. Wash hands, bowls and surfaces, and be cautious in homes with babies, elderly or immunocompromised people.
- Bones: always raw and suited to the dog’s size; never cooked bones, which splinter. Supervise meals.
- Nutrients: home recipes are often low in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, iodine or omega-3s. A board-certified veterinary nutritionist can design a balanced recipe.
- Transition: switch gradually over a week or two.
Calories
Raw diets vary in fat, so the same weight can carry very different calories. Use a calorie calculator for dogs alongside this one, and weigh your dog regularly.