Raw Feeding Basics
Raw Dog Food Daily Feeding Schedule
Oct 28, 2024
Setting up a daily raw feeding schedule is straightforward. Here is how to calculate portions, choose meal frequency, and plan your thawing routine.
Setting up a daily feeding schedule for a raw-fed dog is straightforward once you know how much your dog needs and how often you want to feed them.
The standard starting guideline for raw feeding is 2 to 3 percent of your dog's body weight per day. This is a starting point rather than a fixed rule, and you should adjust based on your dog's body condition, age, and activity level.
A 20kg dog eating at 2.5 percent of body weight would need roughly 500 grams of raw food per day. At that rate, a 1LB tube (approximately 450 grams) covers close to a full day's food for that dog. If you are feeding a larger breed, see our guide on raw dog food for large breed dogs for size-specific guidance.
Most adult dogs do well on two meals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening, with the daily portion split evenly between the two meals. Some owners feed once a day, which works fine for healthy adult dogs, though twice daily is the more common approach.
Puppies require more frequent meals. Young puppies may need three to four small meals per day. As they grow, the frequency can be reduced.
A simple approach that works well for most raw feeders is to keep one to two days of food thawing in the refrigerator at all times. Each evening, move the next day's portion from the freezer to the fridge. By the following morning it will be thawed and ready to serve. For full thawing guidance see our post on how to thaw raw dog food safely.
This rhythm means you are never waiting for food to thaw and never have more thawed food than your dog can eat within a safe timeframe.
Dogs generally do well with consistent feeding times. Try to feed at roughly the same time each day. Consistent feeding also makes it easier to monitor your dog's appetite and notice quickly if something seems off.
Body condition is the best guide for whether you are feeding the right amount. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard, with a visible waist when viewed from above. If your dog is gaining unwanted weight, reduce portions slightly. If they seem hungry or are losing condition, increase accordingly. Once your routine is settled, consider rotating proteins to add variety. Browse our full range to find the right blends for your dog.
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.