How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog? A Feeding Guide

Getting Raw Feeding Portions Right

Switching to raw food is one of the best things you can do for your dog's health — but one of the most common questions we hear at For Pet's Sake is: "How much should I actually feed?"

Unlike kibble, where you scoop from a bag and follow a chart, raw feeding requires a bit more thought about your dog's size, age, and activity level. This guide breaks it all down so you can feed with confidence.

The Basic Rule: 2–3% of Body Weight Per Day

For most healthy adult dogs, the general guideline is to feed 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight per day, split into two meals.

Use 2% for less active or overweight dogs, and 3% for highly active, working, or underweight dogs. Most dogs do well right around 2.5%.

Adjusting for Life Stage

Puppies (Under 12 Months)

Puppies need significantly more food relative to their body weight because they're growing rapidly:

• 8–16 weeks: 8–10% of body weight daily, split into 3–4 meals
• 4–6 months: 6–8% of body weight daily, split into 3 meals
• 6–9 months: 4–6% of body weight daily, split into 2–3 meals
• 9–12 months: 3–4% of body weight daily, split into 2 meals

Weigh your puppy weekly and adjust portions as they grow. The goal is steady, healthy growth — not rapid weight gain.

Senior Dogs (7+ Years)

Older dogs typically need less food as their metabolism slows:

• Start at 2% of body weight and adjust based on condition
• Monitor weight monthly — senior dogs can lose or gain weight quickly
• Consider adding joint-supporting ingredients like bone broth

Factors That Affect Portion Size

The 2–3% guideline is a starting point. You'll need to fine-tune based on:

• Activity level — a dog that hikes daily needs more than a couch potato
• Breed — some breeds have faster metabolisms (e.g., Jack Russells vs. Bulldogs)
• Spay/neuter status — fixed dogs often need slightly less food
• Season — dogs may eat more in winter to maintain body temperature
• Body condition — you should be able to feel (but not see) your dog's ribs

The Body Condition Check

Numbers on a scale only tell part of the story. Use this simple hands-on check every couple of weeks:

1. Ribs: Run your hands along your dog's sides. You should feel the ribs easily without pressing hard, but they shouldn't be visible
2. Waist: Looking from above, your dog should have a visible waist behind the ribs
3. Tuck: From the side, the belly should tuck up slightly behind the rib cage

If your dog is gaining weight, reduce by 10%. If they're losing weight or seem hungry, increase by 10%. Small adjustments over time are better than big changes.

What Should a Raw Meal Include?

A balanced raw diet typically follows the 80/10/10 ratio:

• 80% muscle meat — the foundation of every meal
• 10% raw edible bone — for calcium and phosphorus
• 10% organ meat — with at least half being liver for essential vitamins

Many commercial raw brands like the ones we carry at For Pet's Sake already follow this ratio, making it easy to feed a balanced diet without doing the math yourself. If you're new to raw, check out our complete raw dog food for beginners guide.

Commercial Raw vs. DIY Raw

We generally recommend starting with commercial raw food because:

• It's pre-balanced — no need to calculate nutrient ratios
• It's convenient — comes in patties, nuggets, or tubs
• It's safer — commercially prepared with proper handling standards
• It's consistent — same nutrition in every serving

Brands we carry include trusted names like Big Country Raw, Tollden Farms, Iron Will Raw, and Bold by Nature — all available for delivery across Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, and Vancouver Island.

Transitioning Portions from Kibble to Raw

When switching from kibble to raw, don't just swap the same volume of food. Raw food is more nutrient-dense and calorie-rich than kibble, so your dog will eat less by volume. Here's a safe transition schedule:

• Days 1–3: 75% old food / 25% raw
• Days 4–6: 50% old food / 50% raw
• Days 7–9: 25% old food / 75% raw
• Day 10+: 100% raw

Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may need a slower transition over 2–3 weeks. Watch for loose stools as a sign to slow down.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfeeding — raw food is calorie-dense; less volume doesn't mean less nutrition
• Not adjusting — set a reminder to reassess portions monthly
• Feeding too cold — let frozen raw food thaw in the fridge overnight or run warm water over it before serving
• Ignoring treats — treats count toward daily calories; reduce meal portions on heavy treat days

Need Help Figuring Out Portions?

Every dog is different, and dialling in the right amount can take a few weeks of adjustments. Our team at For Pet's Sake in Victoria, BC has helped hundreds of local pet owners transition to raw feeding successfully.

Stop by the store or order online for delivery across Greater Victoria, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, and Qualicum Beach. We'll help you find the right raw food and the right portions for your dog.

For more on choosing the right type of food, read our guide on grain-free vs grain-friendly dog food.