How Much Raw Food to Feed a Dog in Ottawa: A Practical Guide for Pet Parents

Why Raw Feeding Feels Overwhelming at First

Raw food has a reputation for being incredibly nutritious and equally confusing. If you’ve just started researching how much raw food to feed your dog, you’re probably already seeing a dozen different answers.

Some say 2% of your dog’s body weight. Others suggest 4%. Then someone mentions activity levels, life stages, or breed types. and suddenly it feels like you need a raw food calculator, a vet degree, and a spreadsheet just to feed your dog dinner.

At Raw Fed and Furry, we’ve helped hundreds of Ottawa-area pet parents confidently switch to raw feeding using simple, evidence-backed methods. You don’t need to overthink it you just need a plan that works for your dog.

The 80/10/10 Rule (and Why It Matters Less Than You Think)

Most raw diets are based on an “80/10/10” model 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ. While this guideline is helpful, it doesn’t tell you how much to feed. That depends on several things:

• Your dog’s weight (current and ideal)

• Activity level (couch potato vs. working breed)

• Life stage (puppy, adult, senior)

• Health goals (weight loss, allergies, digestion)
  

The key is to start with a base percentage and adjust gradually. Let’s break that down.

A Simple Formula That Works for Most Dogs

Most adult dogs thrive on eating 2–3% of their body weight in raw food per day. Here's a quick reference:

Dog Weight	2% Daily Feed	3% Daily Feed
10 lbs	3.2 oz	4.8 oz
25 lbs	8 oz	12 oz
50 lbs	1 lb	1.5 lbs
75 lbs	1.5 lbs	2.25 lbs
100 lbs	2 lbs	3 lbs

This range works well for healthy, moderately active adult dogs. If your dog is particularly active, underweight, or still growing, you’ll want to aim closer to 3.5–4% per day.

Need help doing the math? We’ve got a Raw Food Calculator built into our site just enter your dog’s weight and goals to get exact portion guidance.

Feeding Raw for Puppies (Yes, It’s Different)

Puppies need more calories to support their rapid growth. A good starting point is 5%–8% of their current body weight daily, divided across 3–4 meals per day.

As they grow, this percentage decreases—but the total amount of food increases with weight. It’s a moving target, which is why we recommend:

• Tracking your pup’s weight weekly

• Adjusting portions every 2–3 weeks

• Checking stool quality and energy levels
  

At Raw Fed and Furry, we help puppy owners with custom raw feeding plans based on breed and projected adult weight. If you’re unsure where to start, stop by or book a 1:1 feeding consultation.

What About Senior Dogs or Overweight Dogs?

If your dog is a bit older or less active, you may want to reduce feeding to 1.5%–2% of body weight per day. This helps maintain a healthy weight without overfeeding.

Senior dogs can do well on raw diets when monitored carefully. Bone density, joint health, and digestion become key. That’s why we offer bone broth blends, probiotic-rich add-ons, and lower-fat proteins tailored for seniors.

Our goal is to keep every dog feeling great, regardless of age or energy level.

Transitioning to Raw Without the Digestive Drama

One of the biggest fears pet owners have is: “What if my dog reacts badly to raw food?” The key is to transition gradually.

We recommend a 7–10 day switch using this model:

Day	Ratio (Raw:Kibble or Cooked)
1–3	25% raw, 75% old food
4–6	50% raw, 50% old food
7–9	75% raw, 25% old food
10+	100% raw

Some dogs adjust faster; others need more time. Watch for signs like loose stool, gas, or energy dips, and adjust pace as needed. If anything feels off, our team is always available to help fine-tune your plan.

Getting the Nutrients Right

One of the most common objections to raw feeding is: “How do I know it’s balanced?”

That’s a fair question. A good raw diet needs:

• Calcium-to-phosphorus balance

• Correct organ ratios

• Omega-3 fats

• Vitamins A, D, and E

• Probiotic and enzyme support
  

We offer pre-balanced meal packs that meet or exceed NRC (National Research Council) guidelines for canine nutrition. Whether you're DIYing or prefer pre-made, we can guide you toward a feeding routine that covers all nutritional bases.

But What If I Get It Wrong?

It’s totally normal to worry about getting it wrong. That’s why we focus on education, not perfection.

Feeding raw is a learning process and it’s okay to start slow. That’s why we offer:

• Custom feeding plans

• Free portion guides

• Transition support

• Puppy and senior consultations
  

We’re here to help you feed with confidence, not fear.

Why Ottawa Dog Owners Trust Raw Fed and Furry

We’re more than a supplier—we’re your local raw food partner.

• Based in Orleans, ON – Easy pickup or delivery

• Free local delivery within Ottawa and surrounding areas

• Ethically sourced proteins with no preservatives or fillers

• Ongoing feeding support (in-store or online)
  

From your first bag of raw to your fifth-year feeding plan, our team is committed to helping your dog thrive.

Ready to Start Feeding Raw the Right Way?

Switching to raw shouldn’t feel intimidating. With the right info, the right plan, and the right support, it’s a lot easier than you think—and your dog will thank you for it.

Visit us in-store at 5929 Jeanne D'arc Blvd S Unit 9, Orleans, ON, or explore our raw feeding tools and guides online. We’re here to make raw feeding simple, safe, and sustainable for every dog and every budget.

Start Feeding with Confidence

Need help figuring out how much raw food to feed your dog?

Contact Raw Fed and Furry today at (343) 883-1818 or thatsrawsome@gmail.com for a personalized plan that fits your pet’s weight, age, and lifestyle.

We’ll help you feed raw the right way—right here in Ottawa.