Dog food calculator

Enter your dog's weight, age and activity level. We estimate resting energy (RER) from body weight, multiply by a life-stage factor, then divide by your food's calorie density to get cups per day. For dogs under 12 months, use the puppy calculator.

How to use the calculator

  1. Weigh your dog and enter the weight in lb or kg.
  2. Pick the age group and activity level that fit best.
  3. Enter the "kcal per cup" value from your food's label.
  4. Read the daily calories and cups, then check body condition with your vet.

Questions? See the feeding FAQ, or read common feeding mistakes.

Check your food's label for "kcal/cup". The default is only a placeholder.

Estimated daily needs

794

kcal per day

≈ 2.27 cups

per day, split across meals

Weight
13.6 kg
Resting energy (RER)
496 kcal
Multiplier
×1.6

These are estimates only — not veterinary advice.

Estimate only. Individual needs vary by up to 20–30% or more. These results are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Monitor body condition and adjust with your vet. Read the disclaimer.

Just want a ballpark? See the dog feeding-by-weight guide for estimated calorie ranges at common adult weights.

How the formula works

First we estimate the Resting Energy Requirement (RER): the calories your dog burns at rest. RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. Then we multiply by a life-stage factor to get the Daily Energy Requirement (DER), which accounts for activity and neuter status. Finally, DER ÷ kcal per cup gives cups per day.

Example: a 50 lb spayed/neutered adult dog

  • Weight: 50 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 22.7 kg
  • RER: 70 × 22.70.75 ≈ 727 kcal/day
  • DER: 727 × 1.6 ≈ 1163 kcal/day
  • Cups: 1163 ÷ 350 kcal/cup ≈ 3.32 cups/day

Example: a 20 lb senior dog with low activity

  • Weight: 20 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 9.1 kg
  • RER: 70 × 9.10.75 ≈ 366 kcal/day
  • DER: 366 × 1.2 ≈ 439 kcal/day
  • Cups: 439 ÷ 350 kcal/cup ≈ 1.25 cups/day

These examples are estimates only. Real needs can differ by 20–30% or more. See the methodology for details.