Food requirements vary from dog to dog

Feeding raw food is different. The quantities of kibble needed to maintain a dog are much higher than the amount of raw food needed. This is due to the increased digestibility and bio-availablity of raw food. When you first start to feed raw, you may need a bit more food but as soon as your pet starts to adjust to the raw, the amount they need will decrease.

The rule of thumb that works with most dogs is to feed 2 to 3% of the dog's body weight. This is equivalent to about 1/2 pound of food per 20 pounds of body weight. Remember to include all treats and bones in these totals. If your pet is fed twice a day, divide the total in half to be fed at each meal.

There are many factors which you must take into account when deciding what the appropriate quantity to feed your dog should be. Variable include age, health, activity level, breed, stress level and metabolism. It is very important that you continually monitor and adjust the amount fed as factors change in your dog's life.

The following percentages are suggestions for a starting point as to the amount of raw food needed for your pet:

• 1.5% - Weight Loss
• 2.0% - Not Active 
• 2.5% - Average activity level - Maintenance
• 3.0% - To encourage slow weight gain
• 3.5% - To encourage faster weight gain
• 4 to 6% - Puppies - 8 weeks to 1 year - divided in three to four feedings
• 4.5 to 8% - Puppies - 4 to 8 weeks - divided into three to four feedings
• 4 to 8% - Pregnant or Lactating  - divided into two or three feedings