The cost of feeding raw
Americans’ favorite dog breeds and how much it costs to feed them a raw diet.
For many decades, dogs have been the number one choice for pets in American households. In fact, according to a 2023/24 survey of American pet owners, an estimated 65.1 million households in the US owned a dog. But owning a pet isn’t quite as simple as just choosing your favorite animal; it’s a long-term commitment akin to adding another member to your family. Throughout their life they need to be given shelter, enrichment, love, and of course food. And when it comes to food, Americans have long been sold the lie that kibble is the best option for their four-legged family members when, in reality, a raw diet is what’s best. Pet owners often think that raw dog food is inaccessible, but we’re here to bust that myth. It is true that raw food is more expensive than kibble because raw food is real food while kibble is lots of cheap filler ingredients that are over-processed and often completely devoid of nutritional value. But you can feed your dog a healthy, adapted, truly raw diet without completely breaking the bank – with Carnos.
Don’t believe us? Read on to learn what Americans’ top 10 favorite dog breeds are and see for yourself how much it costs to feed them a truly raw diet with Carnos vs how much it costs with the other guys.
#1 French Bulldog
Coming in at number 1, Frenchies are known for their bat-like ears and big, spunky personalities fit into tiny bodies. These pint-sized pups typically weigh an average of 20-30 pounds.
On average, to feed a French Bulldog a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $4.20-$6.30 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $4.84-$8.60 per day.
#2 Labrador Retriever
Everybody loves a Lab, and for good reason. They’re loyal, loveable, happy-go-lucky companions. A healthy Labrador Retriever will weigh an average of 55-80 pounds.
On average, to feed a Labrador retriever a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $11.55-$16.80 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $14.19-$21.48 per day.
#3 Golden Retriever
The term “man’s best friend” may have been coined by somebody who owned a Golden Retriever. It’s no surprise these gentle and affectionate furry friends are one of America’s favorites. A healthy Golden Retriever will weigh an average of 60-70 pounds.
On average, to feed a Golden Retriever a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $12.60-$16.17 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $15.48-$20.67 per day.
#4 German Shepherd
Full of energy, these working dogs are as loyal as they are active. Super intelligent and loving, these dogs typically weigh 68-86 pounds, on average.
On average, to feed a German Shepherd a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $14.28-$18.06 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $17.54-$23.09 per day.
#5 Poodle
You may associate Poodles with the French, but these fluffy companions are also favorites of American pet owners. Fun, energetic, and intelligent, Poodles are social creatures who prefer to be with their people. A healthy Poodle will weigh 45-70 pounds on average.
On average, to feed a Poodle a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $9.45-$14.70 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $11.61-$18.80 per day.
#6 Dachshund
With their little legs and big, cuddly personalities, it’s hard not to love a Dachshund. Affectionately known as “wiener dogs”, these four-legged walking hot dogs typically weigh an average of 16-32 pounds.
On average, to feed a Dachshund a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $3.36-$6.72 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $4.13-$8.59 per day.
#7 Rottweiler
Coming in at the largest of the top ten favorite dog breeds, a healthy Rottweiler will weigh 95-135 pounds on average. Often chosen as family dogs, these gentle giants love their people and are great with children. Their unique coat coloring, expressive eyes, and loving nature set them apart.
On average, to feed a Rottweiler a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $19.95-$28.35 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $24.51-$36.25 per day.
#8 Bulldog
Dependable and easy-natured, Bulldogs are a people-oriented breed. Smaller in stature than some of the breeds that precede them on this list, a healthy Bulldog will weigh around 20-30 pounds, on average.
On average, to feed a Rottweiler a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $4.20-$6.30 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $5.16-$8.06 per day.
#9 Beagle
While you wouldn’t call them quiet dogs, you would certainly say that they’re lovable. A smaller hound dog, Beagles were originally bred for hunting, though they make great pets and have for years been a favorite among American families. A healthy Beagle will be around 25-30 pounds on average.
On average, to feed a Rottweiler a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $5.25-$7.35 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $6.45-$9.40 per day.
#10 German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
Last, but absolutely not least, German Shorthaired Pointers are a unique and beautiful breed. Originally bred as hunting dogs, these curious and playful pups make great furry companions for active families. Healthy German Shorthaired Pointers will typically weigh 55-70 pounds on average.
On average, to feed a Rottweiler a complete raw diet:
• with Carnos, it would cost between $11.55-$14.70 per day.
• with other Brands, it would cost between $14.19-$18.80 per day.
How to calculate how much to feed your dog?
If you want to calculate exactly how much you should be feeding your own dog, we recommend multiplying their current weight by .03, as the amount of food they should be given is 3% of their body weight throughout the day. So, for example, if you have a 72-pound healthy dog and want to maintain their current weight, feed them 2.16 pounds of food in total every day. From here, if you know the price of the raw food you’re purchasing and how much of it you’ll be buying, you can figure out how much it will cost you to feed your specific dog.