A raw feeding routine can look simple until you are standing in front of the freezer, weighing a meal, and wondering whether that portion will actually suit your pet. Raw meal portions are not one-size-fits-all. A busy adult dog, a growing kitten, a senior cat, and a highly active puppy can all need very different amounts, even at a similar body weight.
The goal is not to find one perfect number and follow it forever. It is to begin with a sensible feeding range, pay attention to your pet's body condition and appetite, and make small adjustments as their needs change. That approach keeps feeding practical while giving you a clearer sense of what is working.
Start With Your Pet, Not the Package Size
Most complete raw diets provide a feeding guide based on your pet's current weight. For healthy adult dogs, a common starting point is roughly 2 to 3 per cent of ideal body weight per day. A 20 kg dog, for example, may begin with about 400 to 600 grams of food daily, divided into one or two meals.
Cats often eat a larger percentage of their body weight than adult dogs because of their smaller size and faster metabolism. Many adult cats begin around 2 to 4 per cent of their ideal body weight each day, though calorie density varies considerably between formulas. A rich beef meal, for instance, may not feed the same as a leaner poultry or rabbit recipe.
These figures are starting points, not prescriptions. Every brand has its own calorie content, recipe composition, and feeding recommendation. Use the manufacturer's guide on the product you choose, then let your pet's body condition provide the real feedback.
A healthy pet should have a visible waist when viewed from above and a gently tucked abdomen from the side. You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure, without the ribs being sharply visible. If you are unsure what a healthy condition looks like for your pet's breed or age, a veterinarian can help you establish a useful baseline.
Raw Meal Portions Change With Life Stage
Puppies and kittens have very different needs from adult pets. They are building bone, muscle, and organs at a rapid pace, so their food intake is often much higher as a percentage of body weight. Young pets may need several meals per day, especially when they are small.
This is also where feeding a complete and balanced formula matters most. Growth is not the time to build meals from loose meat, organs, and supplements without professional guidance. Look for raw diets labelled as complete for growth or all life stages, and follow the feeding recommendations for your pet's expected adult size where applicable.
Adult pets are generally easier to portion because their weight and activity level are more stable. Still, a dog that joins you for long trail days, daycare sessions, or agility training may need more food than a dog with a quieter week of neighbourhood walks. A cat that spends most of the day lounging indoors may need a more modest portion than a highly active young cat.
Senior pets can be less predictable. Some need fewer calories as activity declines, while others lose muscle or have health concerns that change their nutritional needs. If your older pet is losing weight, gaining weight quickly, drinking more, or becoming picky with food, it is worth checking in with your veterinarian rather than simply increasing or reducing the bowl.
Measuring Raw Meal Portions Without Guesswork
A kitchen scale is one of the most useful raw feeding essentials you can own. Measuring by scoop or by eye can work once you know a product well, but raw foods vary in density. A scale gives you consistency, especially when you are introducing a new protein or adjusting a portion.
For packaged patties, nuggets, and portioned tubs, do a quick calculation before feeding. If a dog needs 500 grams per day and each patty is 100 grams, five patties is the daily amount. If you feed twice a day, that becomes two and a half patties per meal. You can alternate between two and three patties rather than trying to cut every portion perfectly.
Portioned formats can be particularly helpful for households with more than one pet, people who use daycare or pet sitters, and anyone transitioning from kibble. Bulk formats may offer better value for larger dogs or multi-pet homes, but they require more thawing and measuring. The best option is the one you can handle safely and feed consistently.
How Often Should You Feed?
Many adult dogs do well with one or two meals a day. Two meals are often easier for managing hunger, routine, and portion control, particularly for dogs that become overly enthusiastic around food. Puppies usually need more frequent meals, while adult cats often prefer smaller meals spread through the day.
Your schedule matters too. If you rely on a morning routine before work and an evening meal after a walk, build your raw feeding plan around that. Consistency makes it easier to notice changes in appetite, stool quality, and energy.
For pets that eat very quickly, a slow feeder, lick mat, enrichment toy, or a partially frozen meal can help extend feeding time. These tools do not change the required amount of food, but they can make mealtime more satisfying and engaging.
Adjusting Portions Based on Real Results
After starting a new feeding amount, give it about two to three weeks before making major changes, unless your pet is clearly hungry, unwell, or gaining or losing weight rapidly. Weigh your pet regularly where possible. For smaller pets, even a modest change can matter.
If your pet is gaining unwanted weight, reduce the daily portion slightly, usually by around 5 to 10 per cent, and reassess. If they are losing weight unintentionally or appear consistently hungry while maintaining normal stool and energy, a small increase may be appropriate. Make one change at a time so you can tell what caused the result.
Treats, chews, toppers, and training rewards count too. A large dental chew or several freeze-dried treats can add meaningful calories for a small dog or cat. You do not need to remove every treat from your routine, but balancing them with the main meal helps keep portions honest.
Transitioning to Raw Without Overfeeding
When switching from kibble, canned food, or another diet, focus on a gradual transition rather than offering a full raw portion immediately. Start with a small amount of the new food mixed into the current diet, then increase it over several days or longer if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
During the transition, your pet may be eating two different foods with different calorie densities. Follow the feeding guide for each food and reduce the old diet as the raw diet increases. This prevents the common mistake of feeding a full serving of both.
Stool changes can happen during a transition, especially when introducing richer proteins or new ingredients. Smaller, firmer stools can be normal on a raw diet. Persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, lethargy, or refusal to eat should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Building a Freezer-Friendly Feeding Routine
The easiest raw routine is usually the one planned a few days ahead. Keep the bulk of your food frozen, and move one to three days of meals into the refrigerator to thaw safely. Store thawed food in a sealed container, use clean bowls and utensils, and wash hands and surfaces after handling.
A simple rotation of two or three proteins can bring variety without making feeding complicated. Start with proteins your pet tolerates well, then introduce new options gradually. For pets with suspected sensitivities, keep the diet simpler and make changes slowly so you can identify what suits them.
For Vancouver pet owners balancing commutes, family schedules, and freezer space, convenience matters. Choosing pre-portioned raw meals, stocking up before busy weeks, and using local delivery or pickup can make a nutrition-focused routine much easier to maintain. The Raw Connoisseurs carries a broad selection of raw formats and proteins, so you can choose the approach that fits both your pet and your household.
When to Ask for Individual Advice
A standard feeding guide is not enough for every pet. Puppies of large or giant breeds, pregnant or nursing pets, pets with kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, food allergies, or a history of urinary issues need more individual guidance. Cats are especially sensitive to prolonged food refusal, so do not wait if a cat stops eating.
A veterinarian can help address medical concerns, while a qualified veterinary nutrition professional can be useful for pets with more complex dietary needs. Bring details such as the exact food, daily amount, treats, supplements, current weight, and recent weight changes to the conversation.
The most useful raw meal portions are the ones you can prepare safely, serve consistently, and adjust with confidence. Start with the feeding guide, keep an eye on your pet rather than the bowl alone, and let small, thoughtful changes shape a routine that supports their everyday wellbeing.