Dog Food Calculator
Calculate how much food to feed your dog daily based on weight, age, and activity level.
Get recommendations in cups and grams.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
The RER represents the calories a dog needs at complete rest — just to maintain basic body functions like breathing, circulation, and cell repair.
Daily Energy Requirement (DER):
DER = RER × Activity Factor
The activity factor accounts for the dog’s life stage, activity level, and whether they are spayed/neutered. A more active dog burns more calories and needs a higher factor.
| Life Stage | Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 4 months) | 3.0 | Rapid growth phase |
| Puppy (4-12 months) | 2.0 | Still growing, high energy |
| Adult (neutered) | 1.6 | Most common adult factor |
| Adult (intact) | 1.8 | Slightly higher metabolism |
| Active/working dog | 2.0-5.0 | Depends on workload |
| Senior dog | 1.2-1.4 | Slower metabolism |
| Weight loss | 1.0 | Reduced to RER only |
Practical Example: A neutered adult Labrador weighing 30 kg (66 lbs): RER = 70 x 30^0.75 = 70 x 12.82 = 897 kcal/day DER = 897 x 1.6 = 1,435 kcal/day At 375 kcal per cup of food: 1,435 / 375 = 3.8 cups per day, split into 2 meals.
Converting calories to food: Most dry dog food contains 300-450 calories per cup. Check the “kcal/cup” value on your food’s packaging. This number varies significantly between brands and formulas, so always use the actual value from your specific food.
Tips:
- Puppies should eat 3-4 smaller meals per day. Adults do best on 2 meals per day.
- These are starting estimates. Adjust based on your dog’s body condition — you should be able to feel their ribs but not see them prominently.
- Treats count toward daily calories. A good rule is treats should be no more than 10% of total daily intake.
- Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially for dogs with health conditions.