Why are secreting organs essential in raw dog food?

Secreting organs (such as liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas) are concentrated nutrient sources providing critical fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), B-complex vitamins, iron, and trace minerals that skeletal muscle meat alone cannot provide.

Can puppies eat a raw diet calculated by this tool?

Yes, but puppies require careful nutritional supervision. Growing puppies need higher caloric density and strictly balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to prevent developmental orthopedic disorders. Consult a veterinary nutritionist when formulating puppy diets.

Canine Nutrition Utility

Raw Dog Food Portion Calculator

Q: What is the difference between BARF and PMR raw feeding models?

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model incorporates 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 10% organs (5% liver, 5% other secreting organ), 9% vegetables and fruit, and 1% seeds/nuts. The PMR (Prey Model Raw) model follows an 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, and 10% organ structure without added plant matter.

Calculate daily and weekly raw feeding weights and ingredient ratio breakdowns for BARF and Prey Model Raw (PMR) canine diets.

🐕 Canine Profile & Dietary Framework

Ideal Dog Body Weight

Activity & Life Stage Tier

Raw Diet Model

Daily Meal Frequency

Daily Raw Food Requirement

1.13 lbs / day

(approx. 18.0 oz or 510 grams)

Per Meal Portion: 9.0 oz (255 g)

Weekly Batch Total: 7.88 lbs (3.57 kg)

1. The Nutritional Foundations of Canine Raw Feeding

Raw feeding is a species-appropriate dietary philosophy modeled on the evolutionary biology of canines. Dogs possess acidic gastric environments (pH 1–2) and short digestive tracts adapted to digest fresh animal proteins, natural bone calcium, and bioavailable organ tissues.

Feeding biologically whole food ingredients provides bioavailable amino acids, essential fatty acids, and active enzymes. This Raw Dog Food Calculator eliminates portion guesswork by estimating exact daily gram and ounce amounts based on your dog's metabolic rate and ideal target weight.

2. BARF vs. Prey Model Raw (PMR) Dietary Ratios Compared

Nutritional Component	BARF Model	PMR Model	Biological Function
Muscle Meat	70%	80%	Primary source of essential amino acids, structural protein, and fats
Raw Edible Bone	10%	10%	Essential calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and stool firmness regulation
Liver (Essential Organ)	5%	5%	Concentrated Vitamin A, iron, copper, choline, and B-complex vitamins
Other Secreting Organs	5% (Kidney, Spleen, etc.)	5% (Kidney, Spleen, etc.)	Supplies selenium, zinc, enzymes, and specialized trace minerals
Vegetables & Fruits	9% (7% Veg + 2% Fruit)	0%	Antioxidants, phytonutrients, and soluble prebiotic fiber
Seeds & Nuts	1% (Hemp, Pumpkin, Chia)	0%	Plant-derived Vitamin E, manganese, and essential fatty acids

3. How to Calculate and Prep Raw Meals in 3 Steps

Determine Target Weight & Activity: Enter your dog's ideal adult target weight (not current overweight number if on a weight loss program) and select the corresponding activity tier.
Choose the Framework: Select either the BARF framework (which includes pureed plant matter and seeds) or the PMR framework (strictly animal-derived whole prey).
Weigh Component Portions: Use the calculated ingredient values to measure muscle meat, bone, liver, second secreting organs, and plant additions on a digital kitchen scale.

4. Safe Handling & Food Storage Guidelines

Standard culinary safety protocols ensure safe raw food preparation for households:

Freezing Wild Meats: Deep freeze raw game meats and pork at -20°C (-4°F) for at least three weeks before feeding to eliminate potential parasites.
Dedicated Utensils: Use non-porous stainless steel or high-density plastic cutting boards, and clean countertops with hot soapy water after prep.
Refrigeration: Thaw portions inside the refrigerator rather than at room temperature, and discard thawed meat not consumed within 72 hours.
Never Feed Cooked Bones: Cooking alters bone molecular structures, making them brittle and prone to dangerous splintering. Only feed 100% raw edible bones.

5. Nutritional Limitations & Veterinary Advisory

Puppies and Breeding Canines: Growing puppies and pregnant or nursing dams require specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and higher caloric density. Consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for balanced puppy recipes.
Micro-Mineral Gaps: A basic 80/10/10 or 70/10/10 rotational plan can lack adequate zinc, iodine, manganese, and Vitamin E if pasture-raised whole animals are not used. Adding wild-caught small oily fish (sardines), kelp, and hemp seed is recommended.
Medical Conditions: Dogs with kidney disease, pancreatitis, or compromised immune systems require tailored clinical diets rather than generalized raw feeding formulas.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

How much raw food should an adult dog eat daily?

An average adult dog typically requires between 2% and 3% of its ideal adult target body weight in raw food per day. Senior or overweight dogs may require 1.5% to 2%, while active working dogs often need 3% to 4%.

What is the difference between BARF and PMR raw feeding models?

The BARF model incorporates 70% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 10% organs, 9% vegetables/fruits, and 1% seeds. The PMR model follows an 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, and 10% organ structure without added plant matter.

Why are secreting organs essential in raw feeding?

Secreting organs (liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas) provide essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), iron, copper, and trace minerals that muscle meats lack.

Is this calculator a replacement for veterinary nutritional advice?

No. This tool provides standardized feeding ratio guidelines. Consult a licensed veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist when designing long-term diets, especially for puppies or dogs with medical conditions.