Raw Dog & Cat Food Portion & Feeding Guide (BARF vs. PMR 80/10/10)
Our free raw dog food calculator and raw cat food calculator computes precise daily, per-meal, weekly, and monthly bulk prep portion weights in grams, ounces, and pounds based on your pet's current or target ideal body weight, life stage, body condition, and metabolic activity level.
Daily Raw Feeding Portion Reference Table by Weight
Adult dogs and cats typically consume between 2.0% and 3.5% of their ideal adult body weight per day. Below is a quick-reference daily feeding chart showing daily ounces and grams across standard weight brackets:
| Pet Weight | 2.0% (Weight Loss / Senior) | 2.5% (Active Adult Maintenance) | 3.0% (High Energy / Lean) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) Cat / Toy Dog | 1.6 oz (45 g) / day | 2.0 oz (57 g) / day | 2.4 oz (68 g) / day |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) Cat / Small Dog | 3.2 oz (91 g) / day | 4.0 oz (113 g) / day | 4.8 oz (136 g) / day |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) Large Cat / Terrier | 4.8 oz (136 g) / day | 6.0 oz (170 g) / day | 7.2 oz (204 g) / day |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) Medium Dog | 8.0 oz (227 g) / day | 10.0 oz (284 g) / day | 12.0 oz (340 g) / day |
| 50 lb (22.7 kg) Average Adult Dog | 16.0 oz (454 g) / day | 20.0 oz (567 g) / day | 24.0 oz (680 g) / day |
| 75 lb (34.0 kg) Large Breed Dog | 24.0 oz (680 g) / day | 30.0 oz (851 g) / day | 36.0 oz (1,021 g) / day |
| 100 lb (45.4 kg) Giant Breed Dog | 32.0 oz (907 g) / day | 40.0 oz (1,134 g) / day | 48.0 oz (1,361 g) / day |
PMR (80/10/10) vs. BARF Diet Formulation Breakdown
Two primary feeding philosophies guide raw feeding nutrition. The calculator allows you to toggle between both models instantly:
| Component | Prey Model Raw (PMR Dogs) | Prey Model Raw (PMR Cats) | BARF Diet (Dogs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle Meat | 80% (includes heart, gizzard, lung) | 84% (obligate carnivore ratio) | 70% (lean protein base) |
| Raw Edible Bone | 10% (calcium & phosphorus) | 6% (fine bones, necks, wings) | 10% (raw meaty bones) |
| Liver | 5% (vitamin A & iron) | 5% (essential vitamin A & copper) | 5% (nutrient dense organ) |
| Other Secreting Organ | 5% (kidney, spleen, thymus) | 5% (pancreas, spleen, brain) | 5% (kidney, spleen, brain) |
| Low-Glycemic Vegetables | 0% (ancestral prey model) | 0% (carnivore physiology) | 7% (pureed leafy greens, squash) |
| Seeds & Nuts | 0% | 0% | 2% (pumpkin, hemp, chia seeds) |
| Antioxidant Fruit | 0% | 0% | 1% (blueberries, cranberries) |
Puppy & Kitten Raw Feeding Schedule by Age
Growing puppies and kittens develop rapid bone density and skeletal frameworks. Because of their higher metabolic rates, their daily food intake is calculated as a percentage of their current body weight and divided across 3 to 4 daily meals:
- 2 to 4 Months: Feed 8% to 10% of current body weight daily across 4 meals.
- 4 to 6 Months: Feed 6% to 8% of current body weight daily across 3 meals.
- 6 to 9 Months: Feed 4% to 6% of current body weight daily across 2 to 3 meals.
- 9 to 12 Months: Feed 3% to 4% of current body weight daily across 2 meals until transitioning to adult maintenance (2% to 3% of projected adult ideal weight).
Organ Selection, Calcium Ratios & Grind Varieties
Raw diets require balance over time rather than perfection in every single meal. When preparing raw meals at home or purchasing pre-made chubs from verified suppliers, consider the following biological guidelines:
- Secreting Organs vs. Muscle Organs: In PMR and BARF feeding, heart, gizzard, tongue, and lung are classified as muscle meats because they do not secrete hormones or digestive fluids. True secreting organs include liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, thymus (sweetbreads), testicles, and brain.
- Edible Bone Safety: Never feed cooked, boiled, or baked bones, as cooking changes bone molecular structure and causes brittle splintering. Only feed raw, pliable edible bones such as chicken necks, wings, backs, duck necks, turkey necks, and lamb ribs appropriate to your pet's size.
- Whole-Prey & Commercial Grinds: If you prefer convenient feeding without bone-handling, choose verified 80/10/10 PMR grinds or whole-prey grinds that incorporate ground bone and organs in exact biological proportions.
Step-by-Step 14-Day Transition Protocol to Raw Food
Switching your pet from processed kibble or canned food to fresh raw feeding should be done thoughtfully to support healthy gut microflora adaptation and gastric pH development:
- Days 1 to 3 (25% Raw, 75% Previous Diet): Begin with a single bland protein source (such as plain turkey or chicken). Feed meals separately (e.g. kibble in the morning, raw in the evening) if digestive sensitivity occurs.
- Days 4 to 7 (50% Raw, 50% Previous Diet): Monitor stool consistency. Normal raw stools are smaller, firmer, and less odorous. Introduce digestive enzymes or plain pumpkin if stools become loose.
- Days 8 to 10 (75% Raw, 25% Previous Diet): Increase fresh raw portion. Energy levels and coat hydration generally begin showing visible improvements during this stage.
- Days 11 to 14 (100% Full Raw Transition): Complete the transition to 100% raw. Once stable on one protein for 2 to 3 weeks, begin rotating in secondary proteins such as beef, pork, duck, lamb, or venison.
Safe Handling, Thawing & Refrigerator Storage Standards
Proper hygiene and safe meat handling keep raw feeding clean, simple, and sanitary for both humans and pets:
- Thaw in Refrigerator: Always thaw frozen raw meat, chubs, or patties in a sealed glass or stainless steel container inside the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Never microwave raw meaty bones as heat hardens calcium.
- Storage Timeframes: Thawed raw pet food remains optimal in the refrigerator for 48 to 72 hours. Divide larger bulk chubs into daily portions and refreeze in airtight freezer bags or glass containers.
- Hygiene & Bowl Cleaning: Use stainless steel, ceramic, or glass feeding bowls. Wash surfaces and bowls with warm soapy water after every meal, and always wash hands after handling fresh raw ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you calculate raw dog food and raw cat food portions by weight?
Raw feeding portions are calculated as a percentage of your dog or cat's body weight based on activity, metabolism, and age. Most adult dogs thrive on 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight per day (e.g., 2.5% for an average active 50 lb dog equals 1.25 lb or 20 oz per day). Adult cats typically require 2.5% to 4% of their ideal body weight. Growing puppies and kittens need between 4% and 10% depending on their specific age stage.
What is the 80/10/10 PMR vs BARF raw feeding ratio?
The Prey Model Raw (PMR 80/10/10) ratio for dogs consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs (and 84% muscle meat, 6% bone, 5% liver, and 5% secreting organ for cats). The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) ratio for dogs incorporates beneficial plant nutrients: 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% secreting organ, 2% seeds/nuts, and 1% fruit.
How much raw food should I feed a puppy or kitten by age?
Growing puppies and kittens require a higher percentage of their current body weight broken across 3 to 4 daily meals: 2–4 months old eat 8% to 10% of current weight; 4–6 months old eat 6% to 8%; 6–9 months old eat 4% to 6%; and 9–12 months old eat 3% to 4% before transitioning to adult maintenance portions (2% to 3% of ideal adult weight).
How do I adjust raw dog or cat food portions for underweight or overweight body condition?
For overweight or senior sedentary pets, calculate 1.5% to 2.0% of their target ideal weight (or reduce current maintenance intake by 0.5%). For Ideal Weight adult maintenance, feed 2.0% to 2.5%. For underweight, lean, or high-energy working dogs and active cats, feed 3.0% to 3.5% of body weight.
Looking for verified raw food suppliers matched to your pet's exact allergies and diet? Browse the RaWspect Raw Dog & Cat Food Brands, Regenerative Family Farms & Local Butchers Directory.