Dog Food Calculator
Enter your dog's weight, life stage and the calorie number from your food label. You get the daily calories and the exact portion in cups, computed with the veterinary RER formula.
An estimate based on RER = 70 x (kg ^ 0.75); your weight in pounds is converted automatically. Watch body condition and adjust by ±10%. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.
The formula we use
RER = 70 x (weight in kg ^ 0.75) · MER = RER x factor · cups = MER / kcal per cup RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the energy a dog burns at rest, per NRC and WSAVA guidelines. The factor depends on age and activity: puppy 2.5 to 3, neutered adult about 1.5, very active 2, senior about 1.3. Pounds are converted to kilograms before the math. Sources are on the Methodology page.
Foods in this calorie range
Picking a food is about more than calories: the first ingredient, the AAFCO statement and the life stage all matter. See our guide to choosing a dog food →
Frequently asked questions
How many cups of food should my dog eat per day?
It depends on weight, life stage, activity and the calorie density of your food. As a reference point: a neutered 50 lb adult dog needs about 1,090 kcal a day, which is roughly 2.7 cups of a typical 400 kcal/cup dry food. The calculator does this math for your exact dog and your exact food.
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs usually eat 2 meals a day, with the daily amount split evenly. A puppy under 4 months eats 4 meals a day, and a puppy between 4 and 12 months eats 3. The total for the day is what the calculator shows, divided by the number of meals.
Do treats count toward the daily amount?
Yes. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories. If you give a lot of treats, reduce the main portion accordingly, otherwise your dog gains weight on a seemingly normal diet.
My label lists kcal per kilogram or per 100 g, not per cup. What now?
Switch the label unit in the calculator to kcal per 100 g. That is common on imported and European foods. If your label only shows kcal/kg, divide by 10 to get kcal per 100 g (for example 3,500 kcal/kg is 350 kcal/100 g).
When should I reduce the portion?
If you cannot feel your dog's ribs with light pressure, or the waist disappears when viewed from above, the portion is too big. Cut it by 10% and re-check in 2 to 3 weeks. If you suspect your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian.