Dog Food Calculator
How much should you feed your dog? Enter its weight and life stage and the calories in your dog food to see the daily amount in cups or grams, and how much to give at each meal.
A starting point, not a prescription
Food per day (cups)
2.81
Check the highlighted fields to see your result.
- Per meal
- 1.41
- Calories per day
- 985 kcal
- Resting energy (RER)
- 615 kcal
Results are estimates for information only and do not constitute financial, medical, or legal advice.
How it works
First the calculator estimates your dog's resting energy requirement (RER), the calories it needs just to stay alive at rest. Then it multiplies by a factor for its life stage (a growing puppy needs more than a neutered adult) to get the calories per day. Dividing by the calories in one cup (or one kilogram) of your food gives the amount to feed.
The formulas
RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75
Calories per day = RER × life stage factor
Food per day = calories per day ÷ calories per cup
Factors used: puppy under 4 months 3.0, puppy 4 to 12 months 2.0, neutered adult 1.6, adult not neutered 1.8, less active or prone to weight gain 1.3, and weight loss 1.0 (using the ideal weight).
Worked example
A neutered adult dog weighs 40 lb (18.1 kg) and eats a food with 350 kcal per cup.
- RER: 70 × 18.10.75 = 615 kcal.
- Calories per day: 615 × 1.6 = 985 kcal.
- Food: 985 ÷ 350 = 2.8 cups per day, or 1.4 cups per meal with two meals.
Sources and cautions
The method follows theMerck Veterinary Manual on nutritional requirements. TheWSAVA guide to selecting a pet foodexplains how to read the label. Real needs vary a lot between dogs, so these are estimates by size and life stage, not by breed. Large and giant breed puppies need special care (seeVCA). Talk to your veterinarian, especially if your dog is overweight, pregnant, nursing, or has a health condition.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog?
It depends on your dog's weight, life stage, activity, and the food itself. This calculator estimates the calories your dog needs and turns them into cups or grams of your food. Treat the result as a starting point, then adjust it by watching your dog's weight and body condition.
Why is the amount different from the feeding chart on the bag?
The chart on the bag is a general average for all dogs of a given weight, and it often overestimates what a particular dog needs. WSAVA notes that label recommendations are only a starting point. This calculator uses your dog's life stage and the calories of your food.
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Most adult dogs do well with two meals a day, and puppies often need three or four. Dividing the daily amount into meals keeps the total the same. Your vet can suggest a schedule for your dog.
How do I find the calories in my dog food?
Look for "kcal/cup" or "kcal/kg" in the guaranteed analysis or the calorie statement on the bag. In the US, labels list kilocalories per kilogram and per cup. If it is not on the bag, check the maker's website or ask them.