Raw Feeding Calculator
Your next step: Choose the right raw food
Now you know approximately how much raw food your dog needs each day, choose the Paleo Ridge range that best suits your dog, your budget and how you prefer to feed.
Essentials
Complete, balanced raw meals at an accessible everyday price.
Best for:
- Everyday feeding
- Multi-dog households
- Excellent value for money
Classic Range
A varied range of 80-10-10 complete recipes made with high-quality ingredients.
Best for:
- Dogs that enjoy recipe variety
- Rotation feeding
- Owners wanting a broad protein choice
- Single protien meals
Paleo Plus
Premium complete recipes with carefully selected ingredients and added nutritional variety, for optimum raw nutrition.
Best for:
- True premium raw feeding
- Rotation across carefully formulated recipes
- Dogs that benefit from broader ingredient variety
- Single protein meals
Other ways to shop
ProductsChoose other ways to shop Paleo Ridge products, or browse our wide range or Raw Dog Food.
Raw Feeding Calculator
Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs
When it comes to feeding your dog, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog is unique, and the amount they need to eat will vary based on several key factors. Our Raw Dog Food Calculator provides a helpful guideline, but it’s important to remember that feeding amounts should be tailored to your individual dog.
Puppies should be fed approximately 5-6% of their current body weight.
Adults should be fed at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight.
Key Factors That Affect How Much Your Dog Needs to Eat
Age – Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult or senior dogs. They require more food relative to their body weight to support rapid growth and development, while older dogs may need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Breed & Size – Larger breeds often have slower metabolisms compared to smaller, high-energy breeds. A Greyhound, for example, will have different dietary needs than a Labrador or a Chihuahua.
Activity Level & Exercise – A working dog, such as a Border Collie or a Spaniel, will burn far more calories than a lower-energy breed or a dog with a more sedentary lifestyle. Adjusting portion sizes based on exercise levels is crucial to maintaining an ideal body condition.
Gender & Neutering Status – Neutered dogs typically have lower energy requirements than intact dogs, meaning they may need slightly less food to prevent weight gain.
Metabolism & Individual Variations – Just like people, dogs can have fast or slow metabolisms. Some may naturally maintain a lean body condition, while others require careful portion control to stay at a healthy weight.
Adjusting Your Dog’s Diet
Our Dog Food Calculator is a great starting point, but always keep an eye on your dog’s body condition and energy levels. If they’re gaining excess weight, reduce portions slightly; if they seem hungry or underweight, increase their food intake. Regular weight checks and condition scoring will help you keep them in peak health.
For personalised advice, consult a canine nutritionist or your vet, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the Raw Feeding Calculator?
Our calculator provides a starting point based on weight and age. Other factors like lifestyle, age, and breed can impact on a dog’s feed requirements. The raw feeding calculator should be taken as a guide. Owners should monitor body condition and make adjustments.
Why does my dog need more food than another dog of the same weight?
Every dog is unique! Activity level, metabolism, breed, age and body condition all have an impact on the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis.
Why does the calculator give a range instead of an exact amount?
Feeding isn't an exact science and adjustments should be made based on the individual dog.
Should I feed the same amount every day?
Variation is key. We recommend looking at feeding as an average over a week, taking into account things like activity level, other food sources like treats as well as body condition.
What if my dog is losing weight?
We recommend that you increase the daily amount gradually. For example 5-10%, while monitoring body condition.
What if my dog is gaining weight?
We recommend that you reduce feeding slightly and review treats, exercise and body condition.
Should I feed my dog once or twice a day?
For adult dogs, the time of day which you feed doesn't have to be rigid. We recommend adapting the time(s) of day that you feed your dog to suit their needs. Some dogs may do better on two meals per day, whereas others do better on one meal per day. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.
How much raw should I feed my puppy?
Puppies typically require a higher percentage of their body weight in food than adult dogs because they are growing rapidly. The exact amount depends on their age, expected adult size and current body condition. We recommend 5-6% of their current body weight as a guide. Our Raw Puppy Feeding Blog explains this in detail and includes feeding recommendations for each stage of development.
How should I store raw dog food?
Raw dog food should be defrosted in a sealed container in the bottom of a fridge and kept away from human foods. Once defrosted, our raw dog food will last in fridge for up to 3 days.