Raw Dog Food Feeding Chart: Portion Sizes for Every Breed

Key Points

General Guideline: Research suggests feeding adult dogs 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily in raw food, with puppies needing up to 10% depending on age, to support growth and energy needs.
Breed Size Matters: Smaller breeds like toys may require closer to 3-5% due to faster metabolisms, while larger breeds often thrive on 2%, but evidence leans toward adjusting based on individual factors like activity.
Potential Benefits and Risks: It seems likely that raw diets can lead to shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and smaller stools, but there are concerns about bacterial risks and nutritional balance—always consult a vet to weigh both sides.
Customization is Key: Factors like age, activity level, and health can alter portions; monitor weight and energy to fine-tune.

How to Calculate Portions

Start by weighing your dog and aiming for 2-3% of that weight in raw food per day for adults. For example, a 20kg dog might need 400-600g daily. Split into 1-2 meals. For puppies, use higher percentages based on growth stages. Use online calculators from sites like ProDog Raw (https://www.prodograw.com/raw-dog-food-calculator/) or Bella & Duke (https://www.bellaandduke.com/raw-feeding/our-complete-guide-to-raw-dog-feeding-with-charts-weights-and-schedules/) for personalized estimates.

Basic Feeding Chart Overview

Here’s a simple chart grouped by breed size categories (toy: up to 5kg, small: 6-10kg, medium: 11-19kg, large: 20-44kg, giant: 45kg+). Amounts are approximate daily grams for adults at 2-3% body weight.

Breed Size	Example Breeds	Avg. Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)
Toy	Chihuahua, Pomeranian	1-5	50-200
Small	Pug, Beagle	6-10	197-260
Medium	Border Collie, Bulldog	11-19	275-475
Large	Labrador, Boxer	20-44	500-1100
Giant	Great Dane, Mastiff	45+	1125+

Adjust for puppies (double or more) or active dogs (increase by 10-20%).

Switching your dog to a raw food diet, often called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), involves feeding uncooked meats, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits or vegetables to mimic what dogs might eat in the wild. While proponents highlight benefits like improved digestion and vitality, critics point to potential health risks, making it a debated choice among pet owners and vets. This comprehensive guide explores portion sizes tailored to breed sizes, drawing from expert sources, while addressing how to implement it safely.

Understanding Raw Dog Food Diets

A raw diet typically consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs, and optional veggies or fruits for fiber. This balance aims to provide natural nutrients without processing. However, homemade versions risk imbalances, so many opt for commercial raw foods from brands like Steve’s Real Food or Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, which are formulated to meet AAFCO standards.

Benefits of Raw Feeding

Evidence from various sources suggests several advantages:

Shinier Coats and Healthier Skin: High in omega-3s and amino acids, raw diets may reduce shedding and promote glossy fur.
Cleaner Teeth and Better Breath: Chewing raw bones acts as natural dental care, reducing plaque.
Higher Energy Levels: Quality proteins provide sustained energy without carb crashes.
Smaller, Firmer Stools: Better nutrient absorption means less waste.
Improved Immunity and Fewer Allergies: Some studies indicate better gut health and reduced sensitivities.
Weight Management: Balanced macronutrients help maintain healthy weight.

However, these benefits are anecdotal in many cases, and more research is needed to confirm them universally.

Risks and Considerations

On the flip side, raw diets carry risks that warrant caution:

Bacterial Contamination: Raw meat can harbor Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, posing dangers to dogs and humans, especially in households with kids or immunocompromised individuals.
Nutritional Imbalances: Without proper formulation, diets may lack essential vitamins or have excess minerals, leading to issues like bone problems or organ strain.
Bone Hazards: Whole bones can cause choking, fractures, or GI obstructions.
Antibiotic Resistance: Exposure to raw meat may contribute to resistant pathogens.
Not for All Dogs: Puppies, seniors, or those with health issues may need vet-supervised transitions.

To mitigate, choose human-grade meats, handle hygienically, and consider commercial options tested for pathogens. Vets often recommend against homemade raw diets due to these concerns.

Factors Influencing Portion Sizes

Portions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Key variables include:

Age: Puppies need 5-10% body weight early on, tapering to 2-3% as adults. Seniors may require adjustments for slower metabolism.
Activity Level: Working dogs might need 3-5%, while sedentary ones stick to 2%.
Weight Goals: For overweight dogs, reduce by 10%; for underweight, increase by 10% and monitor weekly.
Breed and Metabolism: Smaller breeds burn energy faster, so they may need higher percentages.
Health Conditions: Spayed/neutered dogs or those with medical issues may need tailored amounts—consult a vet.

Monitor your dog’s body condition, energy, and stool quality to adjust.

Detailed Feeding Charts by Breed Size

Below are expanded charts based on weight ranges within each category, using 2-3% for adults. Examples include common breeds with average weights. Convert kg to lbs if needed (1kg ≈ 2.2lbs). For precision, use your dog’s exact weight.

Toy Breeds (Up to 5kg / 11lbs)

Examples: Chihuahua (1-3kg), Pomeranian (2-5kg), Yorkshire Terrier (2-3kg).
These small dogs often need 3-5% due to high metabolism.

Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)	Example Breed Adjustment
1	30-50	Chihuahua: Start at 40g for active.
2	60-100	Pomeranian: 80g for maintenance.
3	90-150	Yorkie: 120g if energetic.
4	120-200	Toy Poodle: 160g base.
5	150-250	Maltese: Adjust down if sedentary.

Small Breeds (6-10kg / 13-22lbs)

Examples: Pug (6-8kg), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (6-8kg), Beagle (8-14kg, smaller end).
Typically 2-3%, but monitor for weight gain.

Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)	Example Breed Adjustment
6	120-180	Pug: 150g for low activity.
7	140-210	Cavalier: 180g average.
8	160-240	French Bulldog: 200g.
9	180-270	Jack Russell: 220g if active.
10	200-300	Dachshund: 250g base.

Medium Breeds (11-19kg / 24-42lbs)

Examples: Beagle (11-14kg), Border Collie (14-20kg, lower), Bulldog (18-23kg, lower).
Balance at 2-3%; active mediums like collies may need upper end.

Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)	Example Breed Adjustment
11	220-330	Beagle: 275g for hunting types.
12	240-360	Cocker Spaniel: 300g.
13	260-390	Australian Shepherd (small): 325g.
14	280-420	Staffordshire Terrier: 350g.
15-19	300-570	Border Collie: Up to 475g for herding.

Large Breeds (20-44kg / 44-97lbs)

Examples: Labrador (25-35kg), Boxer (27-32kg), German Shepherd (30-40kg).
Stick to 2-3% to prevent joint strain from overfeeding.

Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)	Example Breed Adjustment
20	400-600	Labrador: 500g maintenance.
25	500-750	Golden Retriever: 625g.
30	600-900	Doberman: 750g if active.
35	700-1050	Rottweiler: 875g.
40-44	800-1320	Siberian Husky: Up to 1100g for working.

Giant Breeds (45kg+ / 99lbs+)

Examples: Great Dane (45-90kg), Mastiff (50-100kg), Saint Bernard (55-90kg).
Often 2% suffices due to slower metabolism; watch for bloat.

Weight (kg)	Daily Portion (g)	Example Breed Adjustment
45	900-1350	Great Dane: 1125g base.
50	1000-1500	Mastiff: 1250g.
55	1100-1650	Newfoundland: 1375g.
60	1200-1800	Irish Wolfhound: 1500g.
70+	1400+	Adjust up 10% for very active giants.

For specific breeds not listed, reference average weights from sites like the AKC and apply the percentage rule. ProDog provides breed-specific estimates for over 100 breeds.

Puppy vs. Adult Feeding

Puppies grow rapidly, so portions are higher:

Age (Weeks)	% Body Weight	Meals Per Day
7-10	8-10%	4
10-16	7-8%	4
16-20	6-7%	3
20-24	5-6%	3
24-36	4-5%	2-3
36-56	3-4%	2
56+	2.5-3.5%	2
Adult (68+)	2-3%	1-2

Keep puppies lean to protect joints, especially in large breeds.

Feeding Schedules and Tips

Adults: 2 meals, 12 hours apart (e.g., 7am and 7pm). One meal works for some.
Sample Daily Schedule (2 Meals): Wake/toilet, breakfast, exercise, play, dinner, relax.
Tips: Thaw food safely, vary proteins for balance, include treats in daily allowance. Transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing with current food. Store in freezer; handle with clean tools to minimize bacteria.

Nutritional Composition for Different Life Stages

Tailor macros (dry matter basis):

Life Stage	Protein %	Fat %	Carbs %	Notes
Puppies	22-32%	10-25%	<30%	High protein for growth.
Adults	18-25%	8-20%	<30%	Balance for maintenance.
Active Dogs	25-30%	15-25%	<25%	Fuel for energy.
Seniors	18-23%	8-15%	<30%	Preserve muscle, lower calories.
Overweight	25-30%	8-12%	<25%	Aid weight loss.