The Ultimate Guide to Raw Feeding Ratios for Puppies and Dogs
Feeding your puppy or dog a raw diet can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you understand the basic principles, it becomes a straightforward process. Raw feeding is based on a series of simple calculations that ensure your furry friend receives the correct amount of food according to their age, weight, and unique needs. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to introduce a puppy to a raw diet, how to adjust their intake as they grow, and what the right ratios are for adult dogs.
Starting Your Puppy on Raw: Understanding the Basics
When transitioning a puppy to a raw food diet, the general rule of thumb is to feed them approximately 10% of their body weight daily from the age of 4 weeks to 6 months. This ratio will change as they grow, and we’ll explain exactly how to adjust the amount to ensure your puppy thrives.
How to Calculate Raw Feeding for Puppies:
- Weigh Your Puppy – The first step is to weigh your puppy regularly. Puppies grow fast, so it’s crucial to monitor their weight weekly.
- Use This Simple Formula – The formula for calculating how much raw food your puppy should eat is straightforward. Start by converting your puppy’s weight in kilograms into grams. Then, divide that figure by 100, and multiply the result by 10 to find the appropriate daily food intake.
Here’s an example to illustrate:
- Let’s say your puppy weighs 5kg.
- Convert this to grams: 5kg = 5000g.
- Divide by 100: 5000g ÷ 100 = 50g.
- Multiply by 10: 50g × 10 = 500g of raw food per day.
This calculation ensures that your puppy is getting the right amount of food based on their current body weight.
Adjusting for Growth and Energy Needs
While 10% of a puppy’s body weight is a solid guideline, it’s important to consider other factors. Your puppy’s energy levels, breed, metabolism, and overall health can affect how much food they require. Some puppies may need a little more or a little less, depending on their specific needs. That’s why we recommend monitoring your puppy’s body condition and adjusting the amount as needed.
At around 6 months, the amount of raw food should be adjusted. From this point until they reach adulthood (typically around 1 year old), reduce the daily intake to 5% of their body weight. Again, this figure is flexible depending on factors like activity levels and growth patterns, so don’t be afraid to tweak it slightly to suit your puppy’s individual needs.
Raw Feeding for Adult Dogs
Once your dog reaches 1 year of age, the recommended daily raw food intake drops to approximately 2.5% of their body weight. This is the baseline amount to maintain a healthy adult dog. However, if your dog needs to lose or gain weight, the percentage can be adjusted accordingly:
- For weight loss: Reduce the daily intake to around 2% of their body weight.
- For weight gain: Increase the daily intake to around 3% of their body weight.
This flexible approach allows you to ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight throughout their life, with slight adjustments depending on their lifestyle and specific needs.
The Importance of Weekly Weigh-ins
One of the key aspects of raw feeding is regular weigh-ins, especially during the puppy stage. Because the amount of food your puppy needs will change as they grow, weighing them weekly will ensure you’re feeding them the correct amount. Puppies grow rapidly, and their dietary needs shift just as quickly. Sticking to the 10% guideline early on and adjusting down to 5% as they mature will set them up for long-term health.
Consulting with Raw Feeding Experts
While the guidelines mentioned here offer a solid foundation for raw feeding, every dog is unique. Factors like breed, age, activity levels, and even medical conditions can influence how much food your dog needs. That’s why we encourage dog owners to reach out to us here at Raw Dogs Dorset if they have any questions. Our team is always ready to offer tailored advice and guidance, ensuring that your dog receives the best nutrition possible.
Key Takeaways for Raw Feeding Ratios:
- 4 weeks to 6 months: Feed 10% of your puppy’s body weight per day.
- 6 months to 1 year: Feed 5% of their body weight per day.
- Adult dogs: Feed 2.5% of their body weight per day, adjusting for weight loss (2%) or weight gain (3%).
By following these simple guidelines, you can confidently provide your dog with the right amount of raw food to support their health and wellbeing.
Remember, every dog is different, so don’t hesitate to make small adjustments and consult with us if you need help.
We’re here to ensure your dog thrives on their raw diet!
