A clear, standards-based method to set starting portions, adjust by body condition, and document changes responsibly.
Portion size is the question that decides whether a raw diet works day to day. This guide offers a practical framework—built around weight, life stage, activity, and body condition scoring (BCS)—so busy households and housing communities can set smart starting amounts and fine-tune with confidence.
Start with evidence-based baselines
Most adult dogs do well beginning at 2%–3% of current body weight per day, split into two meals. Very active or underweight dogs may need more; sedentary or overweight dogs often need less. Puppies typically start higher (often 4%–8%, tapering as they mature) because they burn more per pound and require growth support. These are starting points, not fixed rules, and they work best when paired with BCS checks from recognized veterinary bodies such as WSAVA (body condition charts and nutrition toolkit). Using standardized references makes your plan repeatable and auditable. (See WSAVA’s Global Nutrition Resources.)
Turn numbers into meals—then verify with BCS
A scale and a BCS chart are the quickest way to align portions with outcomes:
- Weigh your dog weekly for the first month of any new plan.
- Score body condition every 2–3 weeks using a 9-point chart (ribs, waist, abdominal tuck). Aim for BCS 4–5/9 for most adults.
- Adjust by 5%–10% at a time based on weight trend and BCS: up if the waist is too sharp or energy is lagging, down if ribs disappear and the waist softens.
These checks convert a static percentage into a responsive program. Authoritative visuals and scoring criteria are available from WSAVA and other veterinary associations (helpful for training family members or pet sitters).
Use a calculator for precision—and to save time
If you prefer a tool to do the math and create a shareable plan, consult a neutral calculator that accounts for weight, goal, and activity. For an example that aligns with the approach above, see how much raw food to feed a dog. It’s useful for generating a baseline in minutes and documenting changes as you refine portions. Keep any printouts or screenshots with your feeding log for continuity.
Life stage, activity, and goal setting (how to personalize quickly)
Three variables drive most portion tweaks:
- Life stage: Puppies require higher percentages and more frequent meals; seniors may need modest reductions unless muscle mass is declining, in which case protein quality and resistance activity matter.
- Activity: Working, sporting, or highly active companion dogs can exceed the typical 3% mark; couch-friendly dogs often land below 2.5%.
- Goal: If weight loss is the objective, adjust portions downward gradually while tracking BCS every two weeks; for weight gain, increase slowly and re-check. Avoid large swings—consistency beats intensity.
Embedding these rules in a short SOP (who weighs, who records BCS, when to adjust) keeps everyone aligned when multiple caretakers are involved.
Macronutrient balance and variety (without overcomplication)
Portion size is only half the equation; balance keeps a plan sustainable. Over a typical rotation, aim to include muscle meat, edible bone (calcium), organ, and essential micronutrients. Keep novelty proteins and toppers simple during the first 2–4 weeks so you can judge the portion plan without confounders. If you’re unsure about balance claims, consult veterinary association resources (e.g., WSAVA nutrition toolkit) and your clinic’s preventive-care guidance to ensure the recipe aligns with life-stage needs.
Food safety and handling: the non-negotiables
Safe handling protects people and pets and helps organizations endorse sensible feeding practices. Follow FDA guidance for pet food hygiene: wash hands before/after handling pet food, clean and disinfect prep surfaces, refrigerate or freeze per directions, and separate pet items from ready-to-eat human foods. These steps are simple to train and easy to audit at home or in shared spaces.
Troubleshooting: when the numbers look right but the dog disagrees
- Soft stools or digestive upset: Slow your transition. Mix current and new food across 7–10 days, advancing only when stools normalize.
- Persistent hunger with stable BCS: Slightly raise portions (+5%) or add low-calorie bulk (vet-approved vegetables) while you evaluate activity and treat calories.
- Energy dips in active dogs: Verify total calories and protein intake; active dogs often need the top end of the range (or beyond) and more frequent meals.
Document the change, note the date, and reassess BCS in 10–14 days. Consistent notes prevent back-and-forth guesswork.
A simple, repeatable workflow (summary)
- Calculate a starting portion using 2%–3% (adults) or age-appropriate puppy percentages.
- Convert the baseline into meals per day, then log weight weekly.
- Score BCS every 2–3 weeks; aim for 4–5/9 unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian.
- Adjust 5%–10% at a time based on BCS and energy level.
- Maintain food-safety habits per FDA guidance and record any changes to recipes or toppers.
Note: This framework is educational and not a substitute for clinical advice; collaborate with your veterinary team for medical conditions, growth targets, or specialized performance needs.
Conclusion
Start with a defensible percentage, verify with BCS, and adjust in measured steps. With a calculator to handle the math and a short log to track outcomes, portioning becomes predictable and easy to hand off when life gets busy.