What Raw Feeding Really Costs: Build Your Dog’s Monthly Budget

Updated October 5, 2026 · West Texas Primal Bites

The number that matters is the cost of your dog's actual routine. A low case price can be misleading when package weights, calories and serving amounts differ.

Start with three numbers

1. Cost per pound: case price ÷ pounds in the case.
2. Daily food cost: cost per pound × the amount your established feeding plan uses each day.
3. Monthly food cost: daily food cost × days in the month.

Compare calories when comparing recipes

Different foods can supply different calories per pound. Ask for calorie information before assuming the same weight will replace the current meal. AAFCO explains the calorie statement on pet-food labels.

For a price comparison, divide price per pound by calories per pound, then multiply by 1,000. That gives cost per 1,000 calories. It helps compare price, but does not decide whether a food suits your dog or supplies complete nutrition.

Add the costs that are easy to overlook

• Delivery or shipping allocated to the food used that month.
• Treats, chews, toppers and any supplements already included in the plan.
• Food discarded because the package was too large to use in time.
• Storage supplies and freezer space, if additional equipment is needed.

Keep one-time setup costs separate from recurring expenses. That makes the second month's budget more realistic.

Match the case to how you actually feed

Divide the case weight by the daily amount to estimate coverage. In the example above, 20 lb ÷ 0.75 lb is about 26.7 days. A month-long reorder interval would leave a gap unless other food is already accounted for.

Now check the size of each package and the manufacturer's storage directions. Our 20 lb and 30 lb case guide explains why package format matters as much as total weight.

Keep veterinary care in its own budget

Do not subtract assumed future vet savings to make a food plan affordable. We cannot predict that changing to raw will reduce an individual dog's medical expenses.

Your next step: bring West Texas Primal Bites the intended recipe, established daily amount, food already on hand and monthly budget. We can help compare the practical options without changing your dog's medical plan.