Estimate daily raw portion

Why this page is cautious

FSA, BSAVA and WSAVA all emphasise that raw feeding raises hygiene and nutritional questions. That does not mean owners cannot use a raw plan, but it does mean a portion calculator should be presented with guard rails instead of hype.

High-risk cases

Ask for professional nutrition input if the dog is a puppy, pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised, medically complex, underweight or overweight, or if anyone in the household is especially vulnerable to food-borne illness.

Raw feeding FAQs

How much raw food should I feed my dog each day?
Any percentage-based raw portion is a starting estimate only. WSAVA’s nutrition guidance stresses that diets must match the individual dog’s life stage and nutrient needs, not just a body-weight rule. Sources: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; WSAVA, “Selecting a pet food for your pet” (PDF)
Is an 80/10/10 split automatically nutritionally complete?
No. A ratio alone does not prove nutritional completeness. WSAVA explicitly focuses on whether a diet actually meets recognised nutrient profiles and whether quality control and final analysis support it. Source: WSAVA pet-food selection guidance (PDF)
What hygiene steps matter most with raw food?
Treat raw pet food like high-risk raw meat. The Food Standards Agency says owners should focus on safe handling, storage, thawing and cleaning to reduce cross-contamination. Sources: Food Standards Agency, “Raw pet food”; GOV.UK, raw pet foods handling guidance
Are raw diets risky?
They can be. BSAVA highlights research showing higher Salmonella and resistant E. coli carriage in UK dogs fed raw meat diets, while WSAVA’s raw-diet statement lists contamination and nutritional inadequacy as recognised risks. Sources: BSAVA PetSavers, “Raw meat diets”; WSAVA raw-meat diet statement (PDF)
Do puppies and seniors need extra care with raw feeding?
Yes. Life stage changes nutrient requirements, so a generic ratio is more likely to mislead if you use it without checking whether it suits growth, maintenance or older-age needs. Sources: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; WSAVA pet-food selection tool (PDF)
When should I ask a veterinary nutrition professional for help?
Ask early if the dog is growing, pregnant, older, medically complex, or doing poorly on the current plan. Raw diets become much less forgiving when the dog’s needs are not straightforward. Sources: WSAVA nutrition guidelines; UK Pet Food pet-care advice hub