Increasing numbers of pet parents are switching to raw foods due to the nutritional benefits. Dry dog food may be convenient as all you have to do is get kibble, but fresh food offers long-term benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced visits to the vet. There are different things to consider, such as the meal plans and frequency according to your dog’s caloric needs. The daily feeding guidelines also vary depending on the manufacturer. If you are taking the dog through a raw diet transition, the best approach is to watch the weight gain for the first six weeks. Every dog’s metabolism is different, as are their nutritional needs. That means feeding should be tailored according to individual needs.
How much raw food should a puppy get?
Puppies are much smaller than adult dogs but require more raw food feeding. They need about 5 to 10 percent of their current weight in food day, which translates to 2 or 3% of their expected adult weight. Puppies also tend to eat more calcium and less fat compared to adult dogs. It informs the dietary considerations as the food should contain 15% of bone and less than 20% of fats. The dietary needs of puppies also increase depending on their age. For one, those that are two to four months may need 8 to 10 percent of their body weight. Whereas those which are six months would need four percent of their body weight in raw food. With dogs, the calorie needs reduce from the time of birth. It is evident when considering the amount of raw dog food adults consume. There are dog food delivery platforms, you can opt for as well, which provide these specific services like We Feed Raw.
How much raw food should an adult dog get?
Mature dogs typically have fewer caloric needs compared to younger animals. They require much less food considering their metabolism is much lower than in puppies. You can feed it 2 to 3% of the dog’s ideal body weight each day. That requires some research because dogs are unique, so different circumstances may have contributed to the current proper weight of some dogs. If your dog is quite active, its calorie needs are higher, and it may be necessary to feed them a little more food. Though if your dog does not engage in exercise, you may have to feed them less food. Check here to know how much exercise a dog needs.
One way of determining the feeding amounts for adult dogs while at home is by feeling the dog’s side. If you can feel the rib, but they are not visible, the dog is at optimal weight. Say you cannot feel the ribs; that would imply the dog is overweight, meaning it needs reduced dog food portions. There are other factors to consider when feeding your pet a raw dog food diet and for choosing dog food delivery options.
Special factors to consider in determining dog food feeding
Age
As previously mentioned, age is a significant factor for your raw feeding calculator. As puppies have more developmental needs, they eat more than adults. Older dogs also have a smaller appetite because their metabolism is much slower. As is the case with human beings, dogs’ energy levels tend to decrease over the years because they are no longer as active.
Weight
If your dog is overweight, it affects the amount of raw meat to feed it. Raw dog food may be nutritious, but it has calories which add to the dog’s weight, so it can be counterproductive in these scenarios. If you cannot feel the dog’s ribs due to excess flesh, the dog is above weight stipulations and should be fed less. On the other hand, if your dog is underweight, it would need an increase in the food given to it. Though, you need to make sure the dog is still getting the right amount of nutrients.
Breed and size
Every dog breed is unique and has different dietary needs. Though, small breeds would typically require less food every day compared to larger dogs [1]. A larger body has more tissue and dietary needs to give it optimal energy. That translates into higher amounts of raw food daily. Small dogs may consume half a pound, while bigger dogs need even two pounds to match their dietary needs.
FAQs
How much food should I feed my dog on raw?
The dog should be fed at least two to three percent of its body weight, and this would be split between two meals. If a dog eats two pounds of food per day, it would mean one pound of raw food per feeding.
How do you calculate raw dog food portions?
The rule of thumb for dog food feeding is 2 to 4 percent of the dog’s body weight daily. Smaller dogs, though, need a bigger percentage of their body weight, so they would err toward the higher side of the spectrum. Larger dogs need a smaller percentage of their body weight.
How much raw food should a 60-pound dog eat?
A 60-pound dog should eat 3% of its weight daily. That would mean close to two pounds of food every day.
Can dogs eat raw food every day?
Raw food contains significant nutritional qualities like the appropriate proteins and vitamins that dogs would benefit from. They also do not have harmful additives and preservatives, so they can sustainably eat raw food every day.
