How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog or Cat?

Understanding Raw Food Diets for Dogs and Cats

A raw food diet (also called BARF — Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or prey model feeding) replaces commercial kibble with uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables. Proponents argue it more closely resembles what dogs and cats would eat in the wild, leading to shinier coats, cleaner teeth, smaller stools, and improved energy levels. However, raw feeding requires careful attention to nutritional balance — an improperly formulated raw diet can lead to calcium deficiencies, vitamin imbalances, and bacterial contamination risks.

There are two main approaches: the BARF model includes 60–80% raw meaty bones, 10–20% vegetables and fruit, and 10–10% organ meat. The prey model mimics whole prey with 80% meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% other organs, with no plant matter. Both require supplementation with fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and sometimes additional vitamins.

How Much Does Raw Feeding Cost Per Month?

Raw food costs vary significantly based on your pet's size, the quality of ingredients, and whether you prepare meals yourself or buy commercial raw diets:

• DIY raw (grocery store meat): $50–$120/month for a medium dog, $15–$40/month for a cat
• Commercial raw patties (Darwin's, Primal, Stella & Chewy's): $120–$300/month for a medium dog
• Freeze-dried raw (rehydrate with water): $80–$200/month for a medium dog
• High-end subscription raw delivery: $200–$500/month for a large dog

Our calculator above gives you a personalized estimate based on your pet's weight, activity level, and chosen diet model. For a full breakdown of commercial options, see ourraw dog food cost guide.

Is Raw Feeding Safe?

The safety of raw feeding is debated among veterinarians. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages feeding raw meat to pets due to the risk of Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria contamination — both to the pet and to humans handling the food. If you choose to feed raw, follow strict hygiene practices: freeze meat until use, thaw in the refrigerator, clean all surfaces and bowls with hot soapy water, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Dogs with compromised immune systems, very young puppies, and senior dogs may not be good candidates for raw diets.

Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a raw diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions. For pets with food allergies, raw feeding may eliminate symptoms by removing common kibble allergens — see our food allergy test cost guide.