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Dog Food Calculator
The formula behind it
Veterinarians start from the Resting Energy Requirement: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. That is the calories a dog burns at rest. Daily needs (MER) multiply RER by a life-stage factor from AAFCO and WSAVA guidance — about 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult, 2.0–3.0 for growing puppies, 1.4 for seniors and 1.0 for weight-loss plans under veterinary supervision.
Portion size is simply daily calories divided by the energy density printed on your food bag (typically ~3,500 kcal/kg for dry kibble). Weigh portions on a kitchen scale — measuring cups are a major source of accidental overfeeding, and keeping a dog lean is one of the most proven ways to extend lifespan.
Estimates only: adjust to your dog’s body condition and follow your vet’s guidance for puppies, seniors and weight-loss plans.
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Frequently asked questions
How many calories does my dog need per day?
A 10 kg neutered adult needs roughly 630 kcal/day (RER 394 × 1.6). Needs range from ~230 kcal for a 3 kg adult up to 2,000+ kcal for an active giant breed.
How many grams of food is that?
Divide daily calories by the kcal/kg printed on the bag, then multiply by 1,000. Example: 630 kcal at 3,500 kcal/kg ≈ 180 g per day.
How often should I feed my dog?
Adults do well on two meals a day; puppies under six months need three to four smaller meals from the same daily total.
Why does my neutered dog need fewer calories?
Neutering lowers metabolic rate and appetite regulation hormones by roughly 20–30%, so the AAFCO factor drops from 1.8 to 1.6 to prevent weight gain.