Raw Food Diet Calculator (BARF & PMR)

BARF vs Prey Model Raw — What’s the Difference?

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes muscle meat, raw meaty bones, organ meat, vegetables, fruit, and supplements. The theory is that dogs are omnivores who benefit from plant matter. PMR (Prey Model Raw) uses only muscle meat, raw meaty bones, and secreting organs — no plant matter — based on the idea that dogs evolved eating whole prey animals.

The 2-3% Rule Explained

Raw feeding is based on feeding a percentage of the animal’s body weight daily. Adult dogs typically eat 2–3% of their body weight. Active dogs need more; sedentary or overweight dogs need less. This is a starting point — adjust based on body condition score every 2–4 weeks.

The Most Important Safety Rules

Never feed cooked bones — they splinter and can perforate the digestive tract. Never feed weight-bearing bones like femurs — they can fracture teeth. Never exceed 5% liver — vitamin A toxicity causes serious illness. Transition slowly over 2–4 weeks to avoid digestive upset.

Cats Have Different Requirements to Dogs

Cats are obligate carnivores and have specific dietary requirements that differ from dogs. They cannot synthesise taurine, arachidonic acid, or vitamin A from plant precursors — these must come from animal tissue. A cat raw diet must include heart (for taurine) and liver (for vitamin A) in the correct proportions, plus a taurine supplement as insurance.