🥩 Raw Feeding Calculator
Get your dog or cat's daily raw food portions using the 80/10/10 model, plus an estimated monthly and annual cost.
Prey Model Raw (PMR) vs. BARF
| Model | Ratio | Includes plants? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prey Model Raw (PMR) | 80% meat / 10% bone / 10% organ (5% liver, 5% other) | No | Cats (required), dogs following a strict ancestral-diet approach |
| BARF | 70% meat / 10% bone / 10% organ / 10% vegetables | Yes | Dogs only — never feed the vegetable component to a cat |
Raw Feeding Cost vs. Commercial Food
Raw feeding is usually more expensive than mid-range kibble but can land close to premium fresh-food subscription services, depending on how you source meat:
| Sourcing method | Typical cost (45 lb dog, monthly) |
|---|---|
| Grocery-store cuts, buying in bulk | $60–$100 |
| Butcher / co-op bulk buying | $50–$90 |
| Premium commercial raw brand | $150–$300+ |
Buying whole cuts in bulk and portioning them yourself is consistently the cheapest way to feed raw long-term — pre-made raw brands charge a significant premium for convenience and food-safety processing.
Transitioning to Raw Safely
- Days 1–3: Replace about 25% of current food with raw, keeping one protein source (chicken is the most common starting point).
- Days 4–6: Move to roughly 50% raw.
- Days 7–9: Move to roughly 75% raw.
- Day 10+: Fully raw, if stool consistency has stayed normal throughout.
- Watch for loose stool — if it happens, slow the transition and temporarily reduce the bone portion, since too much bone too fast is the most common early issue.
- Practice strict food safety: use dedicated cutting boards and utensils, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly, and freeze wild-sourced game for at least 3 weeks before feeding to reduce parasite risk.
Want the full daily calorie picture too? → Try the Pet Food Calorie Calculator
Comparing costs across your pet's whole year? → Use the Annual Pet Cost Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 80/10/10 raw feeding ratio?
80/10/10 means 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% organ (split evenly between liver and another secreting organ like kidney or spleen). It's the standard ratio for Prey Model Raw (PMR) feeding, designed to mirror the proportions of a whole prey animal. Cats should stick to a strict 80/10/10 with no plant matter; some dog feeders use a 70/10/10 + 10% vegetable variation (BARF) instead.
How much does raw feeding cost per month?
It depends heavily on meat sourcing, but for a mid-size dog eating 2-3% of body weight daily, budget roughly $60-$150/month using grocery-store meat prices, or $100-$250+/month using premium raw food brands or specialty cuts. Buying whole cuts in bulk from a butcher or co-op is typically the cheapest way to feed raw long-term.
Is raw feeding safe for dogs and cats?
Raw diets carry real risks that commercial food doesn't: bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria) that can affect both the pet and household members handling the food, and the risk of nutritional imbalance if the diet isn't properly formulated over time. The FDA and AVMA both caution against raw diets, particularly in households with young children, elderly members, or anyone immunocompromised. If you choose to feed raw, work with a veterinary nutritionist to confirm the diet is complete and balanced, not just the right ratio.
How much raw food should I feed daily as a percentage of body weight?
Adult dogs and cats at a healthy weight typically eat 2-3% of body weight per day, split into 1-2 meals. Growing puppies and kittens need considerably more — often 5-10% of body weight — to fuel development. Very active or working dogs may need up to 3-4%, while a dog on a weight-loss plan may need less than 2%. Adjust based on body condition, not just the starting percentage.
Can I feed my cat the same raw diet ratio as my dog?
No. Cats are obligate carnivores with stricter nutritional needs than dogs — they require taurine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A that come from animal tissue, and they cannot digest plant matter meaningfully. Never add the vegetable component some dog raw diets (BARF-style) include to a cat's diet; cats should stay at a strict 80/10/10 animal-only ratio.