Raw Dog Food (BARF & Prey Model)
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) and Prey Model Raw (PMR) diets provide whole-food nutrition with muscle meat, bone, organs, and optional vegetables.
Why This Biology Metric Matters
Why: Proper ratios ensure balanced nutrition: protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals from whole foods.
How: BARF: 70% muscle, 10% bone, 10% organs, 10% veg. PMR: 80% muscle, 10% bone, 10% organs. Feed 2–3% body weight daily.
- ●BARF includes vegetables; PMR is meat/bone/organs only.
- ●Bone provides calcium; never feed cooked bone.
- ●Source from reputable suppliers; handle raw meat safely.
Raw Dog Food Calculator — BARF & PMR
2–2.5% adult, 4–10% puppy. Never cooked bones. Vet consult.
📥 Inputs
🐕 Dog Weight
📅 Age & Life Stage
🏃 Activity & Goals
🍖 Diet Model
For educational use only. Always confirm dosages and care with a licensed veterinarian.
🧬 Biology Facts
BARF = Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.
— Definition
Prey Model mimics whole-prey composition.
— PMR
Feed 2–3% of body weight daily, split into meals.
— Portions
Never feed cooked bone—splinters can injure.
— Safety
📋 Key Takeaways
- • BARF: 70–80% muscle, 10–15% bone, 10% organs, 5–10% veg.
- • PMR: 80% muscle, 10% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs. No veg.
- • Daily %: 2–2.5% adult, 4–10% puppy. Activity/goal adjust.
- • Never cooked bones. Freeze 3+ weeks. Vet consult.
💡 Did You Know?
Ca:P ratio
Raw meaty bones ~1.2:1–1.5:1. Critical for puppies.
Transition 7–10 days
25%→50%→75%→100% raw.
Cooked bones
Never. Splinter. Serious injury.
Freeze 3+ weeks
Reduces parasite risk.
Rotate proteins
Chicken, beef, turkey, fish weekly.
Vet nutritionist
Puppies, health issues: consult.
📖 How Raw Food Calc Works
Daily = weight × % body weight. % varies by age, activity, goal. BARF/PMR ratios applied.
Daily g = Weight(kg) × (%/100) × 1000 | Per meal = Daily ÷ meals
🎯 Expert Tips
Never cooked bones
Splinter. Serious injury. Raw meaty bones only.
Freeze 3+ weeks
Reduces parasite risk. Thaw in fridge.
Rotate proteins
Chicken, beef, turkey, fish weekly.
Vet consult
Puppies, health issues: consult nutritionist.
⚖️ BARF vs PMR
| Component | BARF | PMR |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Meat | 70–80% | 70–80% |
| Bone | 10–15% | 10–15% |
| Liver | 4–6% | 5–7% |
| Other Organs | 4–6% | 5–8% |
| Vegetables | 5–10% | 0% |
❓ FAQ
What is BARF vs PMR?
BARF includes 5–10% vegetables. PMR is meat, bone, organs only—no plant matter.
Can I feed cooked bones?
Never. Cooked bones splinter and can cause serious injury. Raw meaty bones only.
How long to transition?
7–10 days: 25%→50%→75%→100% raw. Slow down if digestive upset.
When to consult a vet?
Puppies, health conditions, pregnancy. Board-certified nutritionist (DACVN) recommended.
📊 Stats
- • 2–2.5% body weight adult, 4–10% puppy
- • 70–80% muscle meat, 10–15% bone
- • Ca:P ~1.2:1–1.5:1 from raw meaty bones
- • Freeze 3+ weeks to reduce parasites
📚 Sources
- • AVMA, AAHA nutrition guidelines
- • DACVN / board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- • Raw feeding community guidelines (BARF/PMR)
⚠️ Disclaimer
Educational only. Not veterinary advice. Consult vet before raw feeding. Food safety essential.
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