About This Calculator
Free calculator for raw, mixed, BARF, and homemade dog diets — enter your dog's weight, age, and activity level to get daily and per-meal portions in grams.
Feeding Rate
Feed adult dogs 2–3% of body weight daily, puppies up to 5%, and senior dogs around 2%.
Calcium-to-Phosphorus Balance
A balanced BARF diet targets a Ca:P ratio of 1.2–2.0:1; raw bone is the primary calcium source, with eggshell powder as a supplement when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BARF?
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It is a feeding method based on raw meat, bones, organs, vegetables, and other fresh foods that mimics a dog's ancestral diet.
What is the ideal BARF ratio?
A common BARF ratio is 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs. Vegetables and fruit can be added in small amounts (around 5–10%).
What is mixed feeding and how do I start?
Mixed feeding combines commercial dog food with raw meat, fish, vegetables, or homemade meals. Start by replacing 10–20% of your dog's current food with fresh ingredients, and increase gradually over 2–4 weeks while monitoring stool and appetite.
How much food should I feed my dog?
The ideal amount depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and diet type. Adult dogs commonly eat around 2–3% of their body weight daily for raw or homemade diets. Puppies may need up to 5–10%.
Can I use this calculator for homemade or mixed diets?
Yes. Enter your dog's weight, age, and activity level to get the daily food amount in grams. You can adjust the ratio of raw meat, cooked food, vegetables, and commercial food to match your recipe.
Is it safe to feed raw meat to dogs?
When sourced from reputable suppliers and handled hygienically, raw meat can be safely included in many dogs' diets. Freezing may help reduce parasite risk. Always wash hands and surfaces after handling.
What vegetables are good for dogs?
Carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, spinach, and zucchini are commonly used. Lightly blending or pureeing vegetables improves digestibility. Always avoid onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
How often should I feed fish to my dog?
Feeding fish once or twice a week provides omega-3 fatty acids that support coat health, joint function, and reduce inflammation. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are good options. Always serve boneless or use canned fish in water.
Can dogs eat liver every day?
Small amounts may be fine, but too much liver can lead to excessive vitamin A intake, which can be toxic. Limit liver to around 5% of the total diet, roughly 2–3 times per week in small portions.
What if my dog has soft stools after switching?
Soft stools may occur when introducing new foods too quickly or feeding too much organ meat or fat. Reduce rich ingredients, add a small amount of pumpkin for fiber, and transition more gradually over 3–4 weeks.
