Raw Feeding Calculator for Cats

About the Raw Feeding Calculator for Cats

Raw feeding for cats aims to replicate the natural prey diet that felines evolved to eat. The most common raw feeding model uses a ratio of 84% muscle meat, 6% raw edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs. The total daily amount is typically 2-4% of the cat's body weight.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found only in animal tissue — including taurine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A. A properly balanced raw diet can provide all these nutrients, but the ratios and amounts must be correct to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

This calculator determines the total daily raw food intake based on your cat's weight and activity level, then breaks it down into the correct proportions of meat, bone, liver, and organs. It's designed for the prey model / frankenprey feeding approach.

When This Page Helps

Getting raw feeding ratios wrong can cause serious nutritional problems. Too little bone leads to calcium deficiency; too much causes constipation. Skipping liver means no vitamin A. This calculator ensures every meal is properly balanced according to established raw feeding guidelines.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter your cat's body weight in pounds.
2. Select the feeding percentage (2% for less active, 3% average, 4% active/kittens).
3. View the total daily raw food amount in ounces.
4. See the breakdown: 84% meat, 6% bone, 5% liver, 5% other organs.
5. Divide into 2 meals for adults or 3-4 meals for kittens.
6. Source ingredients and portion/freeze in advance.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Source raw meaty bones appropriate for cats: chicken necks, wing tips, quail.
• Liver must be from a named source (chicken liver, beef liver) — it's the primary vitamin A source.
• Freeze raw portions for 3+ days before serving to reduce parasite risk.
• Add taurine supplement (250 mg/day) if not feeding heart meat regularly.
• Rotate protein sources weekly for nutritional variety.
• Never feed cooked bones — they splinter. Raw bones are flexible and safe.
• Consult your vet before starting a raw diet, especially for cats with health conditions.

Prey Model vs. BARF Diet

The prey model (frankenprey) uses whole cuts of meat, bone, and organs to replicate whole prey. The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) model adds 10-20% vegetables and fruits. For cats, the prey model is generally preferred since felines have minimal need for plant matter.

Preparing and Storing Raw Meals

Batch preparation is essential. Portion the daily amounts into individual containers, freeze, and thaw one day's worth in the refrigerator overnight. Never microwave raw food as it can create hot spots that denature nutrients and cook bone fragments.

Transitioning to Raw

Switch gradually over 7-14 days, starting with a small amount of raw mixed with current food. Some cats take to raw immediately while others need patience. Slightly warming raw food to room temperature increases palatability for hesitant cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the 84/6/5/5 ratio?

  It represents 84% muscle meat (including heart), 6% raw edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, pancreas). This ratio mimics the composition of whole prey that cats would eat in the wild.

• How do I choose between 2%, 3%, and 4%?

  Use 2% for less active or overweight cats, 3% for average adult cats, and 4% for active, underweight, or growing kittens. Start at 3% and adjust based on weight changes over 2-4 weeks.

• Is raw feeding safe for cats?

  When done correctly with proper sourcing, handling, and ratios, raw feeding is practiced successfully by many cat owners. Risks include bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. Follow food safety practices and have your vet monitor your cat's health.

• Do I need supplements with raw feeding?

  A balanced prey-model diet with variety provides most nutrients. However, many raw feeders add taurine (especially if not feeding heart), fish oil for omega-3s, and vitamin E. Consult a veterinary nutritionist for a complete assessment.

• Can kittens eat a raw diet?

  Yes, but kittens need more food relative to body weight (3-6% depending on age). They should eat 3-4 meals daily and need finely ground bone rather than whole bone pieces. Kittens under 12 weeks should have food ground or minced.

• What proteins are best for cats?

  Chicken, turkey, rabbit, and quail are excellent staples. Beef, lamb, and venison are good rotational proteins. Avoid pork from non-inspected sources. Fish should be limited to 1-2 meals per week due to thiaminase concerns.