Raw Dog Food Calculator (BARF Ratios)

Q: What is the 80/10/10 rule (BARF)?

The **Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF)** model mimics a dog's ancestral diet. It consists of **80% Muscle Meat** (protein/fat), **10% Edible Bone** (calcium/phosphorus), and **10% Secreting Organs** (vitamins/minerals). Half of the organs (5%) must be Liver, and the other half (5%) should be another secreting organ like kidney or spleen.

Q: How much should I feed my puppy?

Puppies need significantly more food than adults to support rapid growth. While adults eat 2-3% of their body weight, a **2-month-old puppy needs ~10%** of their weight daily! As they grow, this percentage drops: 8% at 4 months, 6% at 6 months, and down to 3-4% closer to one year.

Q: Are vegetables required in raw feeding?

In the strict 'Prey Model Raw' (PMR) diet, no vegetables are fed. However, the BARF model often includes 70% meat/bone/organ and **30% vegetables/fruit/seeds**. Our calculator focuses on the meat portion ratios, but adding steamed veggies (like pumpkin or broccoli) is a great way to add fiber and antioxidants without many calories.

Q: Is raw chicken safe for dogs?

Yes, dogs have highly acidic stomachs (pH 1-2) designed to handle bacteria that would make humans sick. However, **Salmonella** is a risk to YOU, the human handling the food. Always treat raw dog food with the same hygiene protocols as you would raw chicken for your own dinner (wash hands, disinfect surfaces).

Q: Can I feed grocery store meat?

Yes! You do not need to buy expensive pre-made commercial raw blends. Many raw feeders shop at local grocery stores, ethnic markets (great for cheap organs/feet/necks), and butchers. Just ensure the meat is not 'enhanced' with extra sodium solutions (check the label for 'contains up to X% solution').

Q: What counts as 'Muscle Meat'?

Muscle meat is the bulk of the diet. It includes lean ground beef, chicken breast/thighs, pork loin, lamb, and turkey. Surprisingly, **Heart** and **Gizzards** are biologically considered muscle meat for feeding purposes (because they are tough muscles), even though we think of them as organs.

Q: What counts as 'Edible Bone'?

Edible bones are **soft, non-weight-bearing bones** that a dog can crunch and digest completely. Examples: Chicken wings, chicken feet, duck necks, rabbit ribs. **Never feed weight-bearing bones** (like large cow leg bones) as they can crack teeth, and NEVER feed cooked bones.

Q: My dog has diarrhea after starting raw. What do I do?

Transition upset is common. If stools are loose, you may be feeding **too much organ** too soon (organs are rich) or too much fat. Back off on organs and feed plain bone-heavy chicken for a few days. Adding plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix) can also firm up stools instantly.

Mastering the BARF Diet

The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model is designed to feed dogs the diet they evolved to eat over thousands of years. It eliminates processed fillers, preservatives, and high-heat cooking that destroys nutrients.

However, balance is critical. Feeding "just meat" will lead to severe calcium deficiencies. Our calculator ensures you hit the "Golden Ratio" of 80% Meat, 10% Bone, and 10% Organ every single meal.

Cheap Sourcing Guide

Ethnic Markets

The holy grail for raw feeders. Asian and Latino markets often sell "odd bits" like chicken feet, pig tails, kidneys, and liver for fractions of the price of regular grocery stores.

Restaurant Supply

Stores like "Restaurant Depot" (if you can get a pass) or bulk butchers sell 40lb cases of chicken quarters for incredibly low prices (sometimes <$1/lb).

Clearance Sales

Look for "Manager's Special" stickers on meat nearing its sell-by date. It is perfectly safe for dogs (who have strong stomach acid) to eat meat that is slightly older, or you can freeze it immediately.

Safety First: Handling Raw Meat

The risk of salmonella is primarily to roughly YOU, not the dog. Healthy dogs carry salmonella in their gut naturally. To keep your human family safe:

Designate a specific cutting board ensuring it never touches human food.
Wear gloves or wash hands for 20 seconds after feeding.
Disinfect the dog's bowl immediately after they finish eating.
Do not let your dog lick your face right after a meal.

How to Switch (Transition Guide)

Cold Turkey (Recommended)

Most healthy dogs do best switching instantly. Fast them for 12-24 hours to clear old kibble, then offer a small, simple raw meal (like boneless chicken).

Week 1: Chicken Only

Start with just one protein (usually chicken). Feed Bone & Meat only. No organs yet! Organs are rich and cause diarrhea if added too fast.

Week 2-4: Slowly Add Organs

Once poop is solid, add Liver (tiny amount). If good, add Kidney. Slowly work up to the full 10% organ requirement over a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 80/10/10 rule (BARF)?

The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model mimics a dog's ancestral diet. It consists of 80% Muscle Meat (protein/fat), 10% Edible Bone (calcium/phosphorus), and 10% Secreting Organs (vitamins/minerals). Half of the organs (5%) must be Liver, and the other half (5%) should be another secreting organ like kidney or spleen.

How much should I feed my puppy?

Puppies need significantly more food than adults to support rapid growth. While adults eat 2-3% of their body weight, a 2-month-old puppy needs ~10% of their weight daily! As they grow, this percentage drops: 8% at 4 months, 6% at 6 months, and down to 3-4% closer to one year.

Are vegetables required in raw feeding?

In the strict 'Prey Model Raw' (PMR) diet, no vegetables are fed. However, the BARF model often includes 70% meat/bone/organ and 30% vegetables/fruit/seeds. Our calculator focuses on the meat portion ratios, but adding steamed veggies (like pumpkin or broccoli) is a great way to add fiber and antioxidants without many calories.

Is raw chicken safe for dogs?

Yes, dogs have highly acidic stomachs (pH 1-2) designed to handle bacteria that would make humans sick. However, Salmonella is a risk to YOU, the human handling the food. Always treat raw dog food with the same hygiene protocols as you would raw chicken for your own dinner (wash hands, disinfect surfaces).

Can I feed grocery store meat?

Yes! You do not need to buy expensive pre-made commercial raw blends. Many raw feeders shop at local grocery stores, ethnic markets (great for cheap organs/feet/necks), and butchers. Just ensure the meat is not 'enhanced' with extra sodium solutions (check the label for 'contains up to X% solution').

What counts as 'Muscle Meat'?

Muscle meat is the bulk of the diet. It includes lean ground beef, chicken breast/thighs, pork loin, lamb, and turkey. Surprisingly, Heart and Gizzards are biologically considered muscle meat for feeding purposes (because they are tough muscles), even though we think of them as organs.

What counts as 'Edible Bone'?

Edible bones are soft, non-weight-bearing bones that a dog can crunch and digest completely. Examples: Chicken wings, chicken feet, duck necks, rabbit ribs. Never feed weight-bearing bones (like large cow leg bones) as they can crack teeth, and NEVER feed cooked bones.

My dog has diarrhea after starting raw. What do I do?

Transition upset is common. If stools are loose, you may be feeding too much organ too soon (organs are rich) or too much fat. Back off on organs and feed plain bone-heavy chicken for a few days. Adding plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix) can also firm up stools instantly.