The homemade pet food cost calculator compares monthly raw feeding expenses against commercial kibble based on your pet's weight and your local protein prices. Enter the cost per pound for each food type to see a detailed monthly and annual cost breakdown.
Pet Information
Raw Food Prices (per lb)
Monthly Cost Comparison
How to Use the Pet Food Cost Calculator
One of the most common hesitations about raw feeding is cost. This calculator uses your actual local prices to show a real comparison instead of relying on generic estimates that may not apply to your situation.
Step 1: Enter Your Pet's Weight
Enter your pet's weight and choose the feeding rate. Adult dogs and cats typically eat 2–2.5% of body weight daily in raw food. Use your pet's ideal weight for more accurate results — if your dog is currently overweight, feed to their target weight rather than actual weight.
Step 2: Enter Your Local Food Prices
Check your local grocery store, butcher, or farm for prices. Chicken leg quarters often run $0.99–1.49/lb at discount stores. Beef chuck can be $3–5/lb. Organ meats like liver and kidney are often very affordable at $1–2/lb. For kibble, divide the bag price by the weight in pounds — a 30 lb bag at $60 works out to $2/lb.
Step 3: Read the Comparison
The calculator shows monthly cost for raw feeding (using a blend of your entered prices) versus kibble, plus annual totals. If you source primarily from discount stores and buy in bulk, raw feeding can cost the same as or less than premium kibble for small and medium dogs.
Reducing Raw Feeding Costs
Buy chicken frames, necks, and other bone-in cuts for the bone component — these are cheap and often less than $1/lb. Source organ meats from ethnic grocery stores where liver, kidney, and tripe are commonly sold at low prices. Join a local raw feeding co-op to access wholesale pricing on bulk orders.
FAQ
Is raw feeding more expensive than kibble?
It depends on your protein sources and pet size. For small dogs, raw feeding often costs $30–80/month, comparable to premium kibble. For large dogs, raw can cost $100–200/month, more than most kibbles. Buying in bulk, directly from farms, or using variety packs significantly reduces cost.
What is the cheapest protein for raw feeding?
Chicken is typically the most affordable raw protein at $1–2/lb in bulk. Chicken leg quarters, whole chickens, and chicken frames (for bone content) are the most economical cuts. Beef heart is also very affordable and nutrient-dense. Prices vary significantly by region and sourcing.
How can I reduce raw feeding costs?
Buy in bulk (often 30–50% cheaper), source directly from farms or butchers, use lower-cost cuts (organ meats are cheap and very nutrient-dense), buy packs marked for clearance, and join a raw feeding co-op or buying group in your area to access wholesale prices.
Does raw feeding save money on vet bills?
Many raw feeders report fewer vet visits related to diet-related conditions (dental disease, obesity, allergies). However, this is anecdotal and varies widely by individual pet. Do not use projected vet savings as a reason to skip wellness exams.
How much does it cost to feed a 50 lb dog on raw?
A 50 lb adult dog eating 2.5% body weight needs about 1.25 lbs of raw food daily. At an average protein cost of $2/lb, that is $2.50/day or roughly $75/month. Using higher-cost proteins (salmon, venison) increases this; using chicken and budget cuts keeps it under $50/month.
Is this calculator accurate for all pet sizes?
The calculator uses standard feeding rate percentages (2–3% for adults) and the protein prices you enter. Results are estimates — your actual cost depends on protein variety, your local market prices, and how much you buy at once.