Calculate the appropriate daily portion of raw food for your dog based on their weight and activity level.
Sedentary (Very Little Exercise)
Moderately Active (Daily Walks)
Active (Regular Intense Exercise, Working Dogs)
Very Active (Canine Athlete, High Energy)
Understanding Raw Food Diets for Dogs
Transitioning your dog to a raw food diet can offer numerous benefits, from improved coat health and dental hygiene to increased energy levels and better digestion. However, determining the correct daily portion is crucial to ensure your dog receives adequate nutrition without overfeeding or underfeeding.
The Science Behind the Calculation
The calculation for a raw food diet portion is generally based on a percentage of the dog's ideal body weight. This percentage varies depending on the dog's age, breed, activity level, and metabolic rate. For adult dogs, a common starting point is between 2% and 3% of their body weight.
Our calculator uses the following logic:
Base Percentage: The percentage is influenced by the dog's activity level. We provide options from Sedentary (1.5%) to Very Active (3%).
Let's consider a moderately active dog weighing 20 kg. The 'Moderately Active' setting uses a factor of 0.02 (representing 2% of body weight).
Dog's Weight: 20 kg
Activity Factor: 0.02
Daily Portion = 20 kg * 0.02 = 0.4 kg
Converting to grams: 0.4 kg * 1000 g/kg = 400 grams
Therefore, a 20 kg moderately active dog would typically be fed around 400 grams of raw food per day. This is a starting point, and adjustments may be necessary based on your dog's individual response.
Factors to Consider:
Age: Puppies and senior dogs have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Puppies often require a higher percentage, while seniors may need less.
Breed and Metabolism: Some breeds are naturally more prone to weight gain, while others have a faster metabolism.
Health Conditions: Dogs with specific health issues (e.g., pancreatitis, allergies, kidney disease) may require specialized dietary plans. Always consult your veterinarian.
Type of Raw Food: The caloric density can vary between different raw food formulations.
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended as a general guide. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist before making significant changes to your dog's diet, especially when transitioning to a raw food diet. They can help tailor a feeding plan specific to your dog's unique needs and health status.
function calculateRawFoodPortion() {
var dogWeightInput = document.getElementById("dogWeight");
var activityLevelSelect = document.getElementById("activityLevel");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var dogWeight = parseFloat(dogWeightInput.value);
var activityLevel = parseFloat(activityLevelSelect.value);
// Clear previous results and error messages
resultDiv.innerHTML = "";
// Input validation
if (isNaN(dogWeight) || dogWeight <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid weight for your dog (in kg).";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; // Error red
return;
}
if (isNaN(activityLevel) || activityLevel <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please select a valid activity level.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; // Error red
return;
}
var dailyPortionGrams = dogWeight * activityLevel * 1000; // Convert kg to grams
// Display the result
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Daily Raw Food Portion: " + dailyPortionGrams.toFixed(0) + " grams";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = getComputedStyle(document.documentElement).getPropertyValue('–success-green'); // Reset to success green
}