1. What is the Raw Meat Diet for Dogs?

The raw meat diet (or BARF diet - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a feeding approach that mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. It typically consists of raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables and fruits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the raw feeding formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Weight} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( 0.02 \text{ to } 0.03 \) — Percentage range of body weight (2-3%)
• \( \text{Meat Proportion} \) — Proportion of meat in the diet (0-1)

Explanation: Adult dogs typically eat 2-3% of their body weight daily in raw food. The exact amount depends on activity level, metabolism, and other factors.

3. Importance of Proper Feeding

Details: Proper raw feeding provides balanced nutrition, maintains healthy weight, improves coat condition, and supports dental health. Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition, while overfeeding can cause obesity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Weigh your dog regularly for accurate calculations
• Start with 2% and adjust based on your dog's condition
• Puppies may need 5-10% of their body weight
• Senior or less active dogs may need closer to 2%

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical meat proportion?
A: Most raw diets use 70-80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs (half of which should be liver).

Q2: Can I feed just meat?
A: No, dogs need a balanced diet including bones and organs for complete nutrition.

Q3: How often should I feed my dog?
A: Most owners feed twice daily, but puppies may need 3-4 meals.

Q4: Should I include vegetables?
A: While optional, many include 10-20% plant matter, finely chopped or pureed.

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