If you've ever stared at a bag of food wondering whether you're feeding too much or too little, you're not alone — portioning is the single most common question we hear. And with freeze-dried raw, the honest answer surprises most people: it's far less by volume than you're used to.
Here's the simple, vet-informed way to get your dog's portion right, why freeze-dried raw is measured so differently from kibble, and how to fine-tune it for your individual dog.
Why freeze-dried raw is measured differently
Freeze-drying removes the water from real raw meat, organ and bone but keeps the nutrition intact. What's left is featherlight and intensely calorie-dense — so a small, dry amount delivers a complete meal. Measure it like kibble and you'll dramatically overfeed.
A 70 lb Labrador needs only about 10–11 oz of freeze-dried raw a day — roughly the weight of a baseball, not a heaping bowl.Land Animal feeding guidance
The simple rule: ~0.15 oz per pound
As a starting point, feed about 0.15 oz of freeze-dried raw per pound of your dog's ideal body weight, per day, split across two meals. That works out to roughly:
- 10 lb — about 1.5 oz/day
- 30 lb — about 4.5 oz/day
- 70 lb — about 10.5 oz/day
Key takeaway
Always feed to your dog's ideal weight, not their current weight. If your dog needs to slim down, portion for the goal — not the gut.
Adjust for life stage, activity and body condition
The per-pound rule is a starting line, not a finish line. Puppies need far more energy per pound for growth; seniors and couch companions need a little less; canine athletes need more. The real test is hands-on: run your fingers along your dog's ribs. You should feel them easily under a light layer, with a visible waist from above.
Our grass-fed beef recipe is a great everyday base for most adult dogs — rich, complete and highly palatable:
If your dog is sensitive to richer proteins, a leaner poultry option can be gentler day to day:
How to switch your dog to raw
Transition gradually over 7–10 days, mixing a little more freeze-dried raw into the current food each day. You can feed it dry or rehydrate with a splash of warm water to boost moisture and aroma — especially helpful for picky eaters. Re-check the portion against body condition every few weeks and adjust.
Frequently asked questions
How much freeze-dried raw should I feed my dog?
About 0.15 oz per pound of ideal body weight per day, split into two meals — roughly 1.5 oz for a 10 lb dog and 10.5 oz for a 70 lb dog. Adjust to body condition.
Is freeze-dried raw really less food than kibble?
By volume, yes — the water's been removed, so it's far more calorie-dense. That's why you measure a smaller amount.
Do I need to add water?
It's optional. Rehydrating adds moisture and aroma, which many dogs love and which supports hydration. You can also feed it dry.
Want your dog's exact number? Every breed eats a little differently — see your breed's feeding guide for a weight-based chart, or take our 60-second quiz and we'll build their exact plan and deliver it on your schedule.