Dog Food Calculator
Calculate how much food your dog needs daily based on weight, activity level, and life stage using veterinary calorie formulas. This calculator determines Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and Daily Energy Requirement (DER), then converts to cups or grams based on your dog food's caloric density. Proper portion control prevents obesity and maintains optimal health.
Calculate Daily Food Amount
Dog's Current Weight
Life Stage
Activity Level
Increases calorie needs by 10-50% above base level
Food Calorie Density
Check your dog food package for exact value
Dog Food Calculation Formulas
Veterinary Calorie Calculations
1. Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
\( \text{RER (kcal/day)} = 70 \times (\text{Body Weight kg})^{0.75} \)
Base metabolic rate for maintaining body functions at rest. Uses metabolic body weight formula. For a 20 kg dog: RER = 70 × (20)^0.75 = 70 × 11.89 = 832 kcal/day.
2. Alternative RER Formula (for dogs 2-45 kg):
\( \text{RER (kcal/day)} = (30 \times \text{Body Weight kg}) + 70 \)
Linear approximation formula, simpler but slightly less accurate. For 20 kg dog: RER = (30 × 20) + 70 = 670 kcal/day. Use exponential formula for most accurate results.
3. Daily Energy Requirement (DER/MER):
\( \text{DER (kcal/day)} = \text{RER} \times \text{Life Stage Factor} \)
Life Stage Factors:
Puppy <4mo: 3.0 | Puppy 4-12mo: 2.0 | Adult neutered: 1.6 | Adult intact: 1.8 | Senior active: 1.4 | Senior inactive: 1.2 | Weight loss: 1.0 | Working dog: 2-5 | Pregnant: 1.8-2.0 | Lactating: 4-8
4. Activity Adjustment:
\( \text{Adjusted DER} = \text{DER} \times (1 + \text{Activity Multiplier}) \)
Add for extra activity: Sedentary: +0%, Light: +10%, Moderate: +20%, Active: +30%, Working: +50%. Example: 832 kcal × 1.6 (neutered) × 1.2 (moderate) = 1,597 kcal/day.
5. Cups Per Day Calculation:
\( \text{Cups/Day} = \frac{\text{Daily Calories}}{\text{Calories per Cup}} \)
Check dog food package for kcal/cup. Standard dry kibble: ~350 kcal/cup. Premium: ~400 kcal/cup. Wet food: ~250 kcal/cup. Example: 1,597 kcal ÷ 350 kcal/cup = 4.6 cups/day.
6. Weight in Grams:
\( \text{Grams/Day} = \text{Cups/Day} \times 112 \text{ g/cup} \)
1 cup dry dog food ≈ 112 grams (varies by kibble density). For precise feeding, weigh food with kitchen scale. Example: 4.6 cups × 112 g = 515 grams per day.
Daily Feeding Guidelines by Weight
Based on adult neutered dogs with moderate activity eating standard dry kibble (350 kcal/cup). Adjust for individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food should I feed my dog per day?
Daily food amount depends on weight, age, and activity level. Use the RER formula: 70 × (body weight kg)^0.75, then multiply by life stage factor (1.6 for adult neutered dogs). For a 50 lb (22.7 kg) neutered adult: RER = 732 kcal, DER = 732 × 1.6 = 1,171 kcal/day. Divide by food's caloric density (typically 350 kcal/cup for dry kibble) = 3.3 cups per day. Adjust based on body condition - if gaining weight, reduce by 10%; if losing, increase by 10%. These are starting points; individual metabolism varies by up to 50%.
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Puppies under 6 months should eat 3-4 small meals daily to maintain stable blood sugar and support growth. Puppies 6-12 months can transition to 2-3 meals. Adult dogs (over 1 year) typically do well with 2 meals per day, spaced 8-12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some large breeds prone to bloat benefit from 2-3 smaller meals. Senior dogs may need 2-3 smaller meals if appetite decreases. Divide total daily amount evenly between meals. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion and prevent begging behavior.
Should I follow the feeding guide on dog food bags?
Bag feeding guides provide general ranges but often overestimate portions, especially for less active or neutered dogs. These charts typically assume intact, moderately active adults. Use bag guidelines as a starting reference, then adjust based on your dog's individual needs. The RER/DER calculation method is more accurate as it accounts for life stage, activity, and neuter status. Monitor body condition score weekly - you should easily feel ribs with light pressure, see a visible waist from above, and abdominal tuck from the side. If your dog gains or loses weight, adjust portions by 10% and reassess in 2 weeks.
How do I measure dog food accurately?
Use a standard dry measuring cup (8 oz capacity) and level off the top - don't scoop directly from bag as this packs food and adds 20-30% more than intended. For most accurate feeding, use a kitchen scale to weigh food in grams. One cup of dry kibble weighs approximately 112 grams but varies by kibble size and density - small kibble packs tighter. Check your food's caloric density on the package (kcal per cup or per 100g). Measure the same way each time for consistency. Avoid using coffee mugs or random containers as "cups" - sizes vary significantly.
Do I need to adjust food for treats and table scraps?
Yes, absolutely. Treats and extras should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories to maintain nutritional balance. If your dog needs 1,000 kcal/day, limit treats to 100 kcal maximum and reduce meal portions by that amount. Many commercial dog treats contain 30-50 kcal each - just 3-4 treats can equal 15% of a small dog's daily needs. Table scraps are generally not recommended as they can cause digestive upset and encourage begging, but if given, they count toward the 10% treat allowance. For training with treats, use tiny pieces (pea-sized) or low-calorie options like carrots or green beans, and reduce meal portions accordingly.
Why is my dog always hungry?
Dogs are opportunistic eaters and will often act hungry even when nutritionally satisfied - this is normal evolutionary behavior. If body condition is ideal, continue current portions despite begging. However, constant hunger can indicate: inadequate portions (check calculations), low-quality food lacking satiety, intestinal parasites, metabolic disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism), or medication side effects (steroids). High-fiber or protein foods provide better satiety than carb-heavy options. Adding small amounts of low-calorie vegetables (green beans, carrots) can increase meal volume without excess calories. If concerned despite normal weight, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes.