How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog? (Simple Winnipeg Feeding Guide)

The question we answer most at the store. Here's the short version, then the details.

The quick answer

Adult dogs: feed 2–3% of their ideal adult body weight per day.

• 20 lb dog → roughly 0.4–0.6 lb (6–10 oz) per day
• 50 lb dog → roughly 1–1.5 lb per day
• 80 lb dog → roughly 1.6–2.4 lb per day

Split into two meals for most dogs. This is a starting point, not a rule — bodies vary.

When to feed more or less

• More (closer to 3%+): high-energy dogs, working dogs, sled and sport dogs, underweight dogs, pregnant or nursing females. This is where formulas like Perfectly Raw's PRO Energy Mix shine.
• Less (closer to 2%): couch potatoes, seniors, easy keepers, and dogs trimming down. Feed for the weight your dog should be, not the weight they are.
• Puppies: feed more relative to body weight — typically 2–3% of their expected adult weight, split across 3–4 meals a day. Come in and we'll help you dial it in as they grow.

The ribs test

Weigh-ins matter less than your hands. You should feel ribs easily under a thin layer of padding, and see a waist from above. Can't feel ribs? Feed a little less. Ribs and hips visible? Feed a little more. Adjust in 10% steps and give it two weeks.

What it costs in Winnipeg

A 50 lb dog eating ~1.25 lb/day goes through about 37 lb of raw a month — which is why bulk boxes (like Big Country Raw's 30 lb XL line) and loyalty cards matter. Every raw brand at Barks N Purrs has a buy-X-get-1-free program, tracked in-store on your card.

Frequently asked

Do I need to add anything to raw?
Complete diets are balanced on their own. Many customers add targeted support — omega oils, mushroom blends for immune and cognitive support — based on the dog. Our free Furmilia™ consultation routes you to what actually fits.

Where can I get help in person?
Barks N Purrs, 925 Headmaster Row, Winnipeg. Certified staff, Canadian-only raw brands, and freezers full of options. Mon–Fri 9–8, Sat 10–6, Sun 11–5.