Dog Feeding Guide Calculator

The Dog Feeding Guide Calculator estimates daily caloric needs based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. This tool helps dog owners ensure proper nutrition and healthy weight management for their pets. Whether you are managing obesity, feeding a growing puppy, or maintaining an active dog's energy, this calculator provides precise portion recommendations. It uses science-backed formulas to take the guesswork out of mealtime.

Enter your dog's weight in pounds (lbs)
Enter your dog's age in years (e.g., 0.5 for 6 months)
Number of meals you plan to feed per day
Average number of treats given daily
Calories per cup (kibble) or can (wet food). Leave blank for average values.


How Daily Caloric Needs Is Calculated

Daily Caloric Needs represent the total energy your dog requires to maintain their current weight and activity level. We calculate this using the National Research Council (NRC) method to ensure scientific accuracy.

RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75

Steps:

  • Step 1: Convert weight to kg and calculate the Resting Energy Requirement (RER). This is the energy needed just to survive.
  • Step 2: Multiply the RER by factors for activity, age, and body condition to get the final calorie count.

This process tailors the generic energy baseline to your specific dog's lifestyle, ensuring you do not overfeed a sedentary dog or underfeed a working athlete.

What Your Daily Caloric Needs Means

Your result is the precise amount of fuel your dog burns every day. Use this number to measure food portions accurately instead of guessing.

Weight Loss: If your dog is overweight, feed them 80% of the calculated amount. For example, if the result is 1,000 calories, feed 800 calories to promote safe fat loss.

Weight Gain: For underweight dogs, feed 120% of the result. Ensure the extra calories come from healthy proteins and fats.

Maintenance: For a healthy weight, feed exactly the calculated amount. Monitor their ribs and waistline weekly to ensure they stay steady.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian before significantly changing your dog's diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Adjust the feeding amount if your dog gains or loses more than 5% of their body weight in a month.

Related Calculators