Daily Total
20.0 oz
Per Meal
10.0 oz
Monthly
38.1 lbs
Transition gradually over 7–10 days, mixing raw with current food.
Bone content is critical: too little causes loose stool, too much causes constipation.
Liver must not exceed 5% — excess vitamin A is toxic to dogs.
Consult your vet before switching, especially for puppies or dogs with health conditions.
Inputs
Result
A 50-lb adult dog at moderate activity eats 2.5% of body weight: 50 × 16 × 0.025 = 20 oz/day. BARF splits this as 70% muscle (14 oz), 10% bone (2 oz), 5% liver (1 oz), 5% organ (1 oz), 10% veg (2 oz).
Inputs
Result
A 30-lb puppy under 6 months at active level: 30 × 16 × 0.03 × 2.0 = 28.8 oz/day. PMR gives 80% muscle (23 oz), 10% bone (2.9 oz), 5% liver (1.4 oz), 5% organ (1.4 oz). Fed across 3 meals at 9.6 oz each.
Inputs
Result
An 80-lb senior dog at low activity: 80 × 16 × 0.02 × 0.85 = 21.76 oz/day. Senior multiplier (0.85) reduces portions to prevent weight gain. Monthly need is about 41 lbs of raw food.
Most adult dogs need 2–3% of their body weight in raw food daily. Active dogs may need 3–4%, while senior or less active dogs may only need 1.5–2%. Puppies under 6 months need up to 6% due to rapid growth.
| Dog Weight | Low Activity | Moderate | Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 lbs | 8 oz/day | 10 oz/day | 12 oz/day |
| 50 lbs | 16 oz/day | 20 oz/day | 24 oz/day |
| 75 lbs | 24 oz/day | 30 oz/day | 36 oz/day |
| 100 lbs | 32 oz/day | 40 oz/day | 48 oz/day |
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes 10% vegetables and fruit, while PMR excludes all plant matter. BARF uses 70% muscle meat to make room for produce, while PMR allocates 80% to muscle meat. Both use identical bone and organ ratios.
| Component | BARF | PMR |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Meat | 70% | 80% |
| Raw Meaty Bones | 10% | 10% |
| Liver | 5% | 5% |
| Other Organ | 5% | 5% |
| Vegetables/Fruit | 10% | 0% |
Transition gradually over 7–14 days. Start by replacing 25% of kibble with raw food, increasing by 25% every 2–3 days. Begin with a single protein source like chicken, which is easy to digest and affordable.
| Week | Raw % | Old Food % | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 25–50% | 50–75% | Chicken only |
| Week 2 | 75–100% | 0–25% | Chicken only |
| Week 3 | 100% | 0% | Add second protein |
| Week 4+ | 100% | 0% | Rotate 3–4 proteins |
Monthly costs range from $60 for small dogs to $300+ for large breeds. Buying in bulk from co-ops, ethnic markets, or directly from farms can reduce costs by 30–50% compared to pre-made commercial raw.
| Dog Size | DIY Chicken | DIY Beef | Pre-Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (20 lb) | $40–60/mo | $60–90/mo | $100–150/mo |
| Medium (50 lb) | $90–140/mo | $150–220/mo | $250–350/mo |
| Large (80 lb) | $150–220/mo | $240–360/mo | $400–560/mo |
Liver is extremely rich in vitamin A (retinol), and dogs cannot efficiently excrete excess amounts. Chronic overconsumption leads to hypervitaminosis A, causing bone deformities, joint pain, and organ damage. The 5% guideline provides adequate nutrients without toxicity risk.
| Organ | Recommended % | Key Nutrient |
|---|---|---|
| Liver | 5% (strict cap) | Vitamin A, iron, B12 |
| Kidney | 2–3% | B12, selenium |
| Heart | 2–3% (or muscle) | Taurine, CoQ10 |
| Spleen | 1–2% | Iron, vitamin C |
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
From feeding guides to health trackers, find the right calculator for your pet.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.