The most common question we get from new raw feeders is simple: how much should my dog actually eat? The good news is that the answer is easy to work out, and once you have it you will rarely need to think about it again.
Want the answer in seconds? Use our raw feeding calculator. Enter your dog's weight and the brand you feed, and it shows grams a day, how many packs a month, and which box size will last you.
The 2 to 3 percent rule
Most adult dogs do well on 2 to 3 percent of their ideal adult bodyweight in raw food per day. Use your dog's ideal weight, not their current weight, if they need to lose or gain a little.
- Start at 2 percent for most adult dogs, and for older, less active or slightly overweight dogs.
- Move towards 3 percent for young adults, working dogs and very active dogs.
Split the daily amount across two meals, morning and evening.
Raw feeding chart by weight
| Dog's ideal weight | 2% per day | 3% per day |
|---|---|---|
| 5kg | 100g | 150g |
| 10kg | 200g | 300g |
| 15kg | 300g | 450g |
| 20kg | 400g | 600g |
| 25kg | 500g | 750g |
| 30kg | 600g | 900g |
| 40kg | 800g | 1.2kg |
How many rolls is that?
Supreme Raw rolls, Stobart chubs and K9 Raw blocks are all 454g, which makes the maths easy. A 20kg dog fed at 2 percent eats around 400g a day, which is just under one pack. Over a month that comes to roughly 12kg, or about 27 packs, so a 30 pack box lasts that dog around a month. Reggie's rolls and Raw Pet Treat tubs are 500g, so you will need slightly fewer. Our feeding calculator works this out for the brand you choose.
Smaller dogs will take two or three days to finish a roll. Once a roll is thawed, keep it covered in the fridge and use it within 48 hours.
How to tell if you have it right
Bodyweight percentages are a starting point, not a rule. Every dog is different, so check your dog every couple of weeks:
- Ribs: you should be able to feel them easily under a thin layer, but not see them.
- Waist: looking down from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
- Energy: steady and normal for your dog.
If your dog is gaining weight, reduce the daily amount by around 10 percent. If they are getting lean, increase it by the same amount. Make small changes and give each one a couple of weeks.
What about puppies?
Puppies need a lot more food relative to their size because they are growing. A commonly quoted guide is 5 to 10 percent of their current bodyweight, split across three or four meals, reducing gradually as they grow. Every puppy is different and large breeds in particular need careful feeding, so check the guidance on the pack and speak to your vet before starting a puppy on raw.
Do treats count?
Yes. If your dog gets a lot of chews or training treats, take a little off their main meals to balance it out.
Ready to start?
If you are new to raw, our Try Me Variety Box is an easy way to find out which flavours your dog loves before you commit to a bigger order. When you know what works, our Supreme Raw and Stobart ranges come in packs from 10 to 120 rolls, with free UK delivery on orders over £70.
This guide is general advice for healthy dogs. If your dog has a medical condition, is pregnant or nursing, or you are unsure, please check with your vet.