Petfoodia

Puppy food calculator

Growing puppies need more energy per kilogram than adults. Enter your puppy's current weight and age group. Re-check every few weeks as your puppy grows. Large and giant breeds can have specific growth needs — ask your vet.

How to use the calculator

  1. Weigh your puppy 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

499

kcal per day

≈ 1.31 cups

per day, split across meals

Weight
5.4 kg
Resting energy (RER)
249 kcal
Multiplier
×2

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.

Last updated: November 3, 2026 · How this is calculated

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How often to feed a puppy

Split the daily amount into several small meals: young puppies (up to about 4 months) usually do best with 3–4 meals a day, and older puppies with 2–3. Regular mealtimes also help with house training. Always keep fresh water available, and ask your vet about the right schedule for your puppy's breed and size.

How the formula works

First we estimate the Resting Energy Requirement (RER): the calories your puppy 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 15 lb puppy aged 4–12 months

  • Weight: 15 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 6.8 kg
  • RER: 70 × 6.80.75 ≈ 295 kcal/day
  • DER: 295 × 2 ≈ 590 kcal/day
  • Cups: 590 ÷ 380 kcal/cup ≈ 1.55 cups/day

Example: a 30 lb puppy under 4 months

  • Weight: 30 lb ÷ 2.20462 = 13.6 kg
  • RER: 70 × 13.60.75 ≈ 496 kcal/day
  • DER: 496 × 3 ≈ 1488 kcal/day
  • Cups: 1488 ÷ 380 kcal/cup ≈ 3.92 cups/day

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