1. What is Raw Food Feeding?

Raw food feeding (BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) involves providing dogs with a diet of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. This calculator helps determine the appropriate daily amount based on your dog's weight and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the raw food formula:

Where:

• Weight — Your dog's body weight in kilograms
• 0.02 — Multiplier for less active dogs (2% of body weight)
• 0.025 — Multiplier for moderately active dogs (2.5% of body weight)
• 0.03 — Multiplier for highly active dogs (3% of body weight)

Explanation: The general guideline is to feed 2-3% of your dog's ideal body weight daily, adjusted for activity level and metabolism.

3. Importance of Proper Feeding

Details: Proper portioning is crucial for maintaining ideal weight and health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause nutritional deficiencies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your dog's weight in kilograms and select their activity level. For puppies or pregnant dogs, consult your veterinarian as their needs differ.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use this for puppies?
A: Puppies typically need more food (up to 5-10% of body weight). Consult your vet for puppy-specific feeding guidelines.

Q2: What if my dog is overweight?
A: Use their ideal weight, not current weight, and consider the lower end of the range (2%).

Q3: Should I feed once or twice daily?
A: Most dogs do better with two smaller meals rather than one large one.

Q4: What about different protein sources?
A: The calculation remains the same, but ensure you're providing a balanced variety of proteins and supplements.

Q5: How do I transition to raw food?
A: Transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of raw food with their current diet.