Big Dog Raw Food Feeding Guide Australia (2025)
One of the most common questions we hear in-store is: “How much Big Dog raw food should I feed?” As a Melbourne pet store that sends out Big Dog raw orders from our Moorabbin warehouse almost every day, we see the same feeding questions and patterns come up again and again. Getting the right amount – and introducing it the right way – is just as important as choosing a good brand.
This practical Big Dog raw food feeding guide is designed to help you work out portions, plan a smooth transition from kibble, and feed raw safely in Australian conditions. It focuses on how to feed Big Dog BARF patties – not whether the brand is “good” or not. If you are looking for a detailed review of Big Dog formulas, ingredients and overall pros and cons, we recommend reading our separate Big Dog raw pet food review (2025) .
Here, we’ll stay focused on:
- Daily feeding amounts for puppies, adults and seniors
- How to use a raw feeding calculator with Big Dog patties
- Transitioning from kibble to raw without upsetting tummies
- How to store, thaw and handle raw dog food safely
- Common mistakes to avoid with a BARF-style diet
You can always shop the full range of formulas here: Big Dog Raw Pet Food at ADS Pet Store .
1. Raw Feeding Basics – Big Dog Feeding Guide (Australia)
As a general rule for raw food for dogs, most healthy adult dogs will do well on around 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split into two or three meals. Puppies, very active dogs and some working breeds often need more; older or less active dogs can need a little less.
Think of this as a starting point, not a fixed rule. You’ll still adjust based on:
- Body condition (is your dog too thin, ideal or overweight?)
- Activity level – chill pup vs. daily runner
- Life stage – puppy, adult or senior
- Whether you’re feeding Big Dog alone or mixing with other foods
For more precise guidance, many owners in Australia use the official Big Dog calculator: Big Dog Feeding Guide Calculator .
1.1 Adult Dog Feeding Guide (Starting Point)
The table below gives a typical starting point for healthy, desexed adult dogs on a Big Dog BARF feeding guide style plan. Adjust every 1–2 weeks based on body condition.
| Ideal Adult Weight | Lower Activity (2% BW) | Average Activity (2.5% BW) | Higher Activity (3% BW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 100 g / day | 125 g / day | 150 g / day |
| 10 kg | 200 g / day | 250 g / day | 300 g / day |
| 15 kg | 300 g / day | 375 g / day | 450 g / day |
| 20 kg | 400 g / day | 500 g / day | 600 g / day |
| 25 kg | 500 g / day | 625 g / day | 750 g / day |
| 30 kg | 600 g / day | 750 g / day | 900 g / day |
| 35 kg | 700 g / day | 875 g / day | 1,050 g / day |
| 40 kg | 800 g / day | 1,000 g / day | 1,200 g / day |
Tip: If your dog is gaining weight after 2–3 weeks, gently reduce the total by 10–15%. If they’re losing weight or always hungry, increase slightly and re-check after another fortnight.
1.2 Puppy Feeding Guide (Big Dog Puppy Formulas)
Puppies grow fast and have higher energy and nutrient needs than adults. For many puppies on Big Dog raw food, a good guideline is:
- 8–16 weeks: around 4–6% of current body weight per day
- 4–9 months: around 3–4% of current body weight per day
- 9–18 months: gradually reduce towards the adult range (2–3%)
Use smaller, more frequent meals – usually 3 meals/day for young puppies, then reducing to 2.
| Puppy Weight | 4% BW (Lower Range) | 5% BW (Middle) | 6% BW (Higher Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 120 g / day | 150 g / day | 180 g / day |
| 5 kg | 200 g / day | 250 g / day | 300 g / day |
| 10 kg | 400 g / day | 500 g / day | 600 g / day |
| 15 kg | 600 g / day | 750 g / day | 900 g / day |
These values are starting points only. Puppies should be monitored closely with your vet to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate and maintaining good body condition.
2. Using a Raw Dog Food Feeding Calculator
If numbers aren’t your thing, you can avoid manual maths by using a dedicated raw dog food feeding guide calculator. Big Dog offers an easy online tool where you can enter:
- Dogs or Cats
- Current Weight
- Age or life stage
- Recipes you feed
The calculator will then suggest a daily portion size in grams for their BARF patties. You can try it here: Big Dog Feeding Guide Calculator .
Treat this Big Dog feeding guide for Australia as a useful starting point. The final judge is always your dog’s body condition, stool quality, energy and overall health.
3. Transitioning to Big Dog Raw Food from Kibble
A smooth transition is crucial for digestive comfort. Changing from kibble to a raw diet like Big Dog too quickly can cause loose stools or tummy upsets. A gradual transition over 7–10 days is usually best for most dogs.
3.1 Suggested 7–10 Day Transition Plan
| Day | Old Food | Big Dog Raw Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 75% | 25% |
| Days 4–6 | 50% | 50% |
| Days 7–9 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 10+ | 0% | 100% |
Watch stools, appetite and energy. If your dog has a very sensitive stomach, extend each step by a few extra days.
3.2 Can You Mix Kibble and Raw?
Some owners feed Big Dog raw food in one meal and kibble in another (for example, raw in the morning, dry food at night). Many dogs cope with this just fine, but every pet is different.
- Introduce changes gradually, especially for sensitive stomachs.
- Keep total daily calories appropriate – it’s easy to accidentally overfeed when combining foods.
- If your dog has a medical condition (pancreatitis, IBD, kidney disease, etc.), ask your vet before mixing diets.
4. Raw Feeding for Different Life Stages & Body Types
4.1 Small vs. Large Breed Dogs
- Small breeds: Have faster metabolisms and may do better with slightly higher percentages by weight, split into 2–3 smaller meals.
- Large breeds: Often need less food per kilogram than tiny dogs, and any diet changes should be done slowly to reduce gut upset.
4.2 Senior Dogs
Senior dogs often benefit from the high-quality protein and digestibility of a raw dog food diet, but they may need:
- Slightly lower total calories to prevent weight gain
- Gentle, joint-friendly formulas (for example, those including natural omega-3s)
- More frequent health checks with your vet
5. Storing and Handling Big Dog Raw Food Safely
With any raw food for dogs, safe handling matters for both pet and human health. In Melbourne and across Australia’s warmer regions, this is especially important in summer.
- Keep Big Dog patties frozen until you are ready to thaw.
- Defrost in the fridge, not on the bench or in the sun.
- Use thawed portions within 2–3 days.
- Don’t refreeze patties once fully thawed.
- Wash bowls, utensils and your hands thoroughly after feeding.
- Discard uneaten food that has been sitting out for more than 20–30 minutes, especially in hot weather.
5.1 Extra Care in Australian Summers
For Melbourne pet owners – and anyone living through hot Australian summers – it’s worth timing meals so raw food isn’t left in a warm bowl for long. Many owners find it easier to feed Big Dog early in the morning or later in the evening, keep patties thawing in the fridge (not on the bench), and serve smaller portions more often rather than one big meal that sits out.
If you buy larger boxes or feed multiple dogs, consider a dedicated freezer shelf or small chest freezer to keep your Big Dog raw food organised and safe.
6. Common Mistakes with a Big Dog BARF Feeding Guide
- Changing too fast: Switching from 100% kibble to 100% raw overnight is one of the quickest ways to create diarrhoea or gas.
- Not measuring portions: “Eyeballing” raw patties can easily lead to overfeeding, especially for small dogs.
- Ignoring body condition: The scale is useful, but feeling ribs, waist and overall shape is just as important.
- Adding too many extras: Treats, bones and table scraps add up quickly on top of Big Dog meals.
- Neglecting storage: Leaving raw dog food on the counter for hours or thawing in warm water is not safe practice.
If you’re ever unsure, check in with your vet or a qualified pet nutrition professional, especially if your dog has underlying health issues.
7. Buying Big Dog Raw Food in Melbourne
At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin, we stock a wide range of Big Dog raw dog food, including core recipes, Sensitive Skin and Puppy formulas. We offer:
- Same or next-day refrigerated local delivery to many Melbourne suburbs (conditions apply). Discover our Mel & VIC Refrigerated Shipping.
- Click & Collect from our Moorabbin warehouse
- Helpful advice on choosing formulas and working out feeding amounts based on your dog’s body condition and lifestyle
You can explore all options online here: Shop Big Dog Raw Food at ADS Pet Store . Or Discover more information from Big Dog Pet Food official website.
8. Summary – Feeding Big Dog the Smart Way
The Big Dog feeding charts and calculator give Australian dog owners a solid starting point, but the real goal is a healthy body shape, good stools, steady energy and a happy dog. Use percentages and tables as a guide, then fine-tune portions every couple of weeks based on what you see and feel.
If you’re new to raw feeding, take it slowly, keep hygiene tight and avoid changing too many things at once. Many of our regular customers started with the calculator, then adjusted slightly with input from their vet and our in-store team. Over time you’ll learn what “looks right” for your individual dog.
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian – especially if your dog has any medical conditions – or reach out to us for practical, day-to-day advice on feeding Big Dog in Melbourne’s real-world conditions.
FAQs – Big Dog Raw Food Feeding Guide
Still feeling unsure after looking at charts and percentages? That’s completely normal. Every dog is different, and feeding guides are only a starting point. Use the tables above, keep an eye on your dog’s body condition and stool quality, and don’t hesitate to ask your vet or contact our team if you’d like personalised advice.
How do I know if I’m feeding the right amount of Big Dog raw food?
Use a raw dog food feeding guide (2–3% of ideal body weight for adults) or the Big Dog calculator as a starting point, then watch your dog’s body condition. You should be able to feel ribs easily with a light touch, see a defined waist from above, and avoid a pot belly. Adjust portions every couple of weeks until your dog is in a healthy range.
What should I do if my dog has soft stools after changing to Big Dog?
Mildly softer stools can be normal during a transition to raw dog food, especially if the change was quick. Slow the transition down, keep treats simple and avoid adding new foods. If diarrhoea is severe, bloody, or your dog seems unwell (vomiting, lethargy), contact your vet promptly.
Can I feed Big Dog raw food once a day?
Many adult dogs are fine on one main meal per day, while others do better with two smaller meals. Puppies and toy breeds usually need multiple meals to keep blood sugar more stable. The total daily amount matters more than whether you split it into one or two serves.
Is Big Dog raw food suitable for puppies?
Yes, Big Dog has specific puppy formulas designed to support healthy growth. Puppies generally need a higher percentage of their body weight in food (often 3–6%) and more frequent meals. Always work closely with your vet to monitor growth and development.
How long can Big Dog raw food stay in the bowl?
In cooler indoor conditions, raw food shouldn’t sit out for more than about 20–30 minutes. In warm Australian weather, it’s best to remove leftovers sooner. Discard any food that has been at room temperature too long and wash the bowl thoroughly.
Do I still need supplements if I feed Big Dog raw food?
For most healthy dogs, Big Dog’s complete formulas are designed to provide balanced nutrition without extra synthetic supplements. If your dog has a specific medical condition or is on a home-prepared mix alongside Big Dog, ask your vet before adding additional vitamins, minerals or oils.
Is raw feeding safe for households with children?
Raw feeding can be done safely in family homes as long as basic food hygiene is followed – washing hands, cleaning surfaces and not leaving raw meat accessible. If you have very young children, be extra careful with storage, feeding areas and supervision.
Who should avoid a raw dog food diet?
Dogs with certain medical conditions (for example, some immune disorders, severe pancreatitis history or advanced kidney disease) may not be suitable candidates for raw diets. Households with very vulnerable people (such as transplant patients) may also be advised to avoid raw feeding. Always check with your veterinarian before making major diet changes if your dog or family has special health needs.
More Big Dog Resources You May Find Helpful
Once you understand how to portion and transition Big Dog raw food, the next step is choosing the right recipe. These related articles can guide your selection:
- Big Dog Raw Pet Food Review (Australia 2025) — a detailed look at ingredients, benefits and what makes Big Dog different.
- Big Dog Raw Food Comparison Guide (2025) — compare core, single-protein and functional formulas, including options for allergies.
Reading these guides together will give you a complete understanding of Big Dog’s philosophy, product lines and suitability for different dogs.
