Feeding Guide Made Simple
Feeding the right amount of raw food helps keep your cat or dog at a healthy weight and thriving. The amounts below are starting guidelines only based on your pet’s weight, activity level and life stage:
- Maintenance: For pets at a healthy weight with regular activity.
- Active: For pets that are very playful, working, sporty or have higher energy needs.
- Growing: Puppies and kittens need more food to support rapid growth.
Example: an adult dog that weighs 10 kg would be fed about 200 g per day for maintenance (2% of body weight). Adjust the amount up if they are very active or growing, or down if they are less active and gaining weight. Everyone’s pet is unique — monitor body condition and adjust over time.
DOGS
| Weight (KG) | Maintenance (2% of weight) | Active (3% of weight) | Growing Puppy (5% of weight) | Growth Spurt (10% of weight) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 - 5 kg | 50g- 100g | 60g - 150g | 100g - 250g | 200g - 500g |
| 6 - 10 kg | 120g - 200g | 180g - 300g | 300g - 500g | 600g - 1000g |
| 11 - 20 kg | 220g - 400g | 340g - 600g | 550g - 1000g | 1100g - 2000g |
| 25 - 30 kg | 500g - 600g | 750g - 900g | 1250g - 2500g | 2500g - 3000g |
| 35 - 40kg + | 700g -900g + | 1050g - 1200g + | 1750g -2000g + | 3500g - 4000g + |
CATS
| Weight (KG) | Maintenance (3% of weight) | Active (5% of weight) | Growing Kitten (5-10% of weight) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 kg | 30g - 60g | 50g - 100g | 50g - 200g | |
| 3 - 4 kg | 90g - 120g | 150g - 200g | 150g - 400g | |
| 5 - 6 kg | 150g - 180g | 250g - 300g | 250g - 600g | |
| 7 - 8 kg | 210g - 240g | 350g - 400g | 350g - 800g |
Nutrient Imbalances
The AAFCO 'complete and balanced' claim means that the food contains all the nutrients required for most dogs to survive in good health for a period of six months (and shorter for puppy/kitten diets). Feeding a raw diet is a bit like feeding yourself: you eat a variety of foods, with the expectation that this will meet your nutrient needs over time.
A nutrient imbalance can happen because:
1. The diet is not well-planned, or
2. The animal has an impaired ability to absorb/utilise certain nutrients, due to ill health, or genetic issues, or
3. Both!
Even if a raw diet is very well planned, an animal with impaired absorption/utilisation of nutrients may still struggle to get all they need from the diet.
Nutrient imbalance is a risk within processed diets too (we recommend feeding a well-planned, raw, species-appropriate diet) however, if you are going to feed a processed diet, we recommend a veterinary and AAFCO-approved diet. But even so, AAFCO approval is not a fail-safe, and owners need to be aware that nutrient deficiencies can still occur.
How to Minimise Imbalances
Our biggest tip for balanced raw feeding is to offer a mix of meat, bones, organs, green tripe from a variety of prey sources.
- Dogs and cats are carnivores. An appropriate diet for them is a variety of prey-animals (mostly small herbivores). This is supported by studies in zoology and nutritional ecology.
- Wild populations of cats and dogs may have a preferred prey source, but they never subsist on just one source. They eat a variety of prey. This will give them a varied nutrient intake. The nutrient composition of the prey will also change with the seasons. We recommend feeding from at least three different prey species over a week.
- Wild populations of cats and dogs eat meat, bones, organs, and often tripe too. They do not just eat meat. Feeding an all-meat diet will cause mineral deficiencies, and is dangerous to your pet's health!
- Wild cats and dogs are able to produce strong gastric acid to help them digest their raw diet, and to deal with any pathogens that may be on their food. The production of strong acidity is dependent on the level of protein in the diet. For this reason, we recommend that you do not dilute the protein content of the raw diet by adding in processed food (which is high in carbohydrate). Feed EITHER a raw diet OR a processed diet, but not both. If we suspect that a dog or cat is not producing adequate gastric acid, we may recommend that they hold off including bones in the diet for the time-being. It is vital that these pets are eating minced product containing ground bone, so that their mineral needs are met.
Raw Feeding isn't a Heal-All
We see dogs and cats experience dramatic health improvements when they change from a processed diet to a well-planned raw diet, but raw feeding is not a heal-all and will not fix every problem! Please talk to your vet if medical issues are ongoing.
If your pet is unwell and you are currently feeding a processed diet, please let your vet know before you change to raw. This is particularly important in some conditions which may need close management (such as diabetes).
Novel Plans - Healing the Inner Gut
Our ultimate goal with a novel protein plan is to heal and seal the gut, so your pet can fully digest a wide range of appropriate raw foods.
Every pet needs an individual plan, and typically lasts for 4-6 weeks. The novel proteins selected should be ones that your pet has not eaten in the past. You can feed a variety of the following (exclude anything your pet has eaten before), along with green tripe.
Good Proteins for Novel Deits
A novel protein feeding plan focuses on introducing less common protein sources—such as rabbit, venison, and possum—into your pet’s diet. This approach is particularly useful for dogs and cats experiencing food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues, as these proteins are less likely to have been previously exposed to. By rotating or temporarily feeding a single novel protein, you can help reset the digestive system, reduce inflammation and identify trigger ingredients more effectively.
'HOP PURE' (Rabbit Mince)
Rabbit is low fat, easily digestible protein, making it ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs or those needing a lighter diet. It's rich in essential nutrients while being mild on the gut, helping support digestion without overloading the system.
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'WILD VEN FUEL' (Venison + Organ)
Venison is a high-quality red meat packed with Iron, B Vitamins and essential amino acids. It supports muscle development, energy levels and overall vitality, while also being a great alternative for pets intolerant to common proteins like beef or chicken.
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PURE POSSUM (Possum Mince)
Possum is a unique, highly novel protein in New Zealand, making it ideal for elimination diets. It provides rich flavour, quality fats and essential nutrients, while also offering a sustainable, locally sourced feeding option.
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What to Avoid -
Avoid feeding any food that we have not discussed in your feeding plan - even a corner of food scraps off the breakfast table, or a mouthful of biscuits can be enough to cause setbacks to a novel diet.
Treats
Many treats can contain cereal, preservatives and other inappropriate ingredients. We create our own completely natural treat range that are within the novel dietary plan. If treats are important part of your pets day - please check out our Rabbit & Venison treat range!
Gut-Support Protocol
You are likely to have recommended a gut-support protocol. This may involve probiotics, fish oil or other supplementation. In more cases this is a temporary measure to help speed up the healing process. Once the gut health is in good health, the diet will maintain it.
Breeding places higher demands on your dogs than any other stage of life. From conception through to whelping and raising a litter, nutrition plays a critical role in fertility, development, milk production and recovery. A well-managed raw diet provides the building blocks needed to support both the dam and her pups naturally.
Breeding is an exciting and deeply rewarding journey for pet owners — whether you’re welcoming puppies or kittens into the world. But it also brings important nutritional questions: Can a dog or cat stay on a raw diet through mating, pregnancy, and lactation? How should feeding plans adapt as physiological needs change?
At Paw Cuisine, we believe the answer is yes — with careful planning and species‑appropriate nutrition. Our approach is grounded in nearly two decades of science‑informed experience helping pets in Aotearoa thrive on natural, unprocessed raw food — just as nature intended. Raw Means Raw and that includes supporting breeding pets through every life stage with thoughtfully balanced nutrition.
Why Nutrition Matters During Pregnancy
Reproductive health, pregnancy, and lactation are periods of dramatically increased nutritional demand. During these stages, a well‑balanced diet plays a crucial role in supporting:
Fertility, contraception and healthy mating cycles
Optimal fetal development and growth
Post-birth recovery for the mother
High-Quality milk production during lactation
Scientific guidelines for gestation and lactation nutrition emphasise the importance of high‑quality animal‑based protein and energy‑dense food to meet metabolic requirements — nutrients that unprocessed raw feeding can deliver effectively when well formulated. During lactation, energy needs may increase up to 2–4× the maintenance requirement, and protein requirements rise even higher to support the rapid growth of offspring. Assistance Dogs International
Raw feeding provides nutrient‑dense whole foods — including muscle meat, organs, and bone components — supplying the essential amino acids, fats, and micronutrients breeding animals need for growth, repair, and milk synthesis. This aligns with nutritional science that underscores high‑quality protein in supporting fetal and neonatal development. Assistance Dogs International
Feeding through Pregnancy
Pregnancy nutritional needs change as gestation progresses, with energy and protein requirements increasing, especially in late gestation and lactation. Evidence‑based nutrition recommendations for pregnant animals emphasise:
Sufficient high-quality protein to support fetal growth
Balanced energy intake matched to pregnancy stage
Adequate calcium and phosphorus to support skeletal development
Essential fats for cellular and neural development
Raw feeding, when properly balanced, can support these needs through whole‑food ingredients naturally high in bioavailable proteins and fats. This matches life‑stage feeding guidelines that recommend increased protein and energy dense food for pregnant and lactating animals. Assistance Dogs International
Pregnancy can be divided into three stages, each with slightly different nutritional needs:
Stage 1: Weeks 1-3: Feed as per normal
Stage 2: Weeks 4-6: Gradually Increase portions; feed smaller; frequent meals
Stage 3: Weeks 7-9: Stop whole bones; continue bone-inclusive mixes
Supporting Mothers and Babies After Birth
The period immediately after whelping or queening is critical. Mothers rapidly increase their energy intake to support milk production, often eating 2-4 times their usual energy needs. Assistance Dogs International Raw feeding supports this through nutrient-rich food that promotes satiety and steady nutrient supply without relying on fillers and addatives.
Key considerations post-birth include:
- Small, frequent meals to support digestive comfort
- Close monitoring of body condition and milk production
- Hydration to sustain high milk output (milk is > 75% water)
** Each animal is unqiue. Close monitoring of weight, body condition and stool consistency is essential. Adjust as needed. **
How Raw Feeding Supports Breeding:
When balanced correctly, raw diets are aligned with nutritional science that prioritises:
High‑quality protein: Essential for tissue repair, immune function, and growth — especially critical during gestation and lactation. Assistance Dogs International
Bioavailable nutrients: Raw whole foods offer many nutrients in forms readily used by pets, supporting overall health and condition. Healthy Pets
Low processing stress: Minimising highly processed inputs can help reduce digestive disturbances common with commercial diets, supporting gut health and nutrient uptake.
These principles are supported by nutrition science that recognises the value of species‑appropriate diets, particularly when tailored to life stages such as growth and reproduction.
Feeding guide by life stage
| Pet Type | Meals Per Day | Intake Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Small Breed Dog | 4 + | 3 - 4 times daily |
| Large Breed Dog | 4 + | 2 times daily |
| Queen (Cat) | 4 + | 2 - 3 times daily |
Transition gradually
Introduce raw food slowly over 7-10 days to allow your pets digestive system to adjust
Monitor weight
Adjust portions based on your cat's activity level and body condition
Fresh water
Always provide fresh, clean water alongside meals
Storage tips
Keep raw food frozen until ready to use, then thaw in the refrigerator
How Raw Feeding Supports Breeding
When balanced correctly, raw diets are aligned with nutritional science that prioritises:
High‑quality protein: Essential for tissue repair, immune function, and growth — especially critical during gestation and lactation. Assistance Dogs International
Bioavailable nutrients: Raw whole foods offer many nutrients in forms readily used by pets, supporting overall health and condition. Healthy Pets
Low processing stress: Minimising highly processed inputs can help reduce digestive disturbances common with commercial diets, supporting gut health and nutrient uptake.
These principles are supported by nutrition science that recognises the value of species‑appropriate diets, particularly when tailored to life stages such as growth and reproduction.
Conclusion
Breeding, pregnancy, and lactation are nutritionally demanding life stages — and they deserve a feeding approach that is both scientifically informed and species appropriate. A well‑planned raw diet can support fertility, fetal development, maternal recovery and milk production when nutrition is balanced and closely monitored.
At Paw Cuisine, we combine evidence‑based theory with practical expertise to help breeders feed with confidence. With natural, nutrient‑dense raw food that aligns with your pet’s biology, you’re giving breeding pets the foundation they need for strong, healthy litters — from conception to weaning and beyond.
References
Assistance Dogs International. (2023). Nutrition and theriogenology for dogs and cats. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/clientuploads/IBC/Resources/Breeding/nutrition_and_therio_in_dogs_and_cats_2023.pdf Assistance Dogs International
Rawmeatybones.com. (n.d.). Life stage nutrition for healthy dogs and cats. https://rawmeatybones.com/pdf/Life%20Stage%20Nutrition%20for%20Healthy.pdfRaw Meaty Bones
New Zealand Veterinary Journal. (2023). Effects of raw meat diets on gastrointestinal microbiota and pet health. https://healthypets.org.nz/sites/default/files/The%20effects%20of%20raw%20meat%20diets%20on%20the%20gastrointestinal%20microbiota%20of%20the%20cat%20and%20dog%20a%20review.pdf
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