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Dog Calorie Calculator

Calculate your dog's daily calorie needs based on weight, neutered status, and activity level. Uses veterinary RER/MER formulas.

lbs
Daily Calorie Needs
0 kcal/day
Resting (RER)
0
Base metabolism
Weight: 0 lbs Life stage: — (×0) Activity: — (×0)
Formula: RER × 0 × 0 = 0 kcal (MER)

How to use this number:

  • Check your dog food bag for "kcal per cup" or "kcal per kg"
  • Divide daily calories by kcal per cup to get cups per day
  • Split into 2 meals (or 3-4 for puppies)
  • Weigh monthly and adjust if needed

About This Tool

Every dog has different calorie needs. A lazy lap dog needs far fewer calories than an active working dog, and spayed/neutered dogs have slower metabolisms than intact ones. Getting the calories right prevents obesity (the #1 health problem in pets) and ensures your dog has enough energy for their lifestyle. This calculator uses the standard veterinary formulas: Resting Energy Requirements (RER) based on body weight, then multiplied by factors for life stage, reproductive status, and activity level to get Maintenance Energy Requirements (MER). The result is the number of calories your dog should eat per day. Once you know the calorie target, check your dog food's calories per cup or can, and measure portions accordingly. Most dry kibble has 300-400 kcal per cup; check the bag for exact numbers.

How to Use

1. Enter your dog's current weight in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg) 2. Select whether your dog is spayed/neutered or intact 3. Choose the activity level that best matches your dog's lifestyle 4. See the daily calorie recommendation (MER) 5. Optionally select a weight goal to adjust calories up or down 6. Use "Copy Link" to save or share your calculation

Formula

Resting Energy Requirements (RER): RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75 Maintenance Energy Requirements (MER): MER = RER × Life Stage Factor × Activity Factor Life Stage Factors: - Intact adult: 1.8 - Neutered adult: 1.6 - Puppy (under 4 months): 3.0 - Puppy (4-12 months): 2.0 - Senior (7+ years): 1.4 - Weight loss: 1.0 (just RER) - Weight gain: 1.2-1.4 × normal MER Activity Factors: - Sedentary (mostly indoors): 0.9 - Light (1-2 short walks/day): 1.0 - Moderate (1+ hour activity/day): 1.2 - Active (2+ hours activity/day): 1.4 - Working/Sport (intense daily training): 1.6-2.0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does a dog need per day?
It depends on size and activity. A 10kg (22lb) neutered adult with moderate activity needs about 550-650 kcal/day. A 25kg (55lb) dog needs 1000-1200 kcal/day. A 40kg (88lb) dog needs 1400-1700 kcal/day. Puppies and working dogs need more; seniors need less.
Do neutered dogs need fewer calories?
Yes. Spaying/neutering reduces metabolic rate by about 25-30%. A neutered dog's MER factor is 1.6 compared to 1.8 for an intact dog. If you don't reduce food after neutering, weight gain is almost certain. This is why post-surgery diet adjustment is important.
How do I know if my dog is getting the right calories?
Monitor body condition: you should be able to feel ribs easily but not see them prominently. View from above — there should be a visible waist. Weigh monthly. If gaining, reduce by 10-15%. If losing, increase by 10-15%. Adjust based on actual results, not just calculator numbers.
How many calories does a puppy need?
Puppies need 2-3× more calories per kg than adults. Under 4 months, use a 3.0 factor; from 4-12 months, use 2.0. A 5kg puppy might need 400-500 kcal/day, more than a sedentary adult of the same weight. Feed puppy-specific food and measure carefully.
Should I reduce calories for a senior dog?
Usually yes. Dogs over 7 years typically have slower metabolisms and less activity. Use a factor of 1.4 instead of 1.6-1.8. However, some seniors stay very active — adjust based on your dog's actual lifestyle and body condition, not just age.
How do I calculate calories for dog weight loss?
For safe weight loss, feed at RER (no multiplier) or 80% of current MER. This creates a 15-25% calorie deficit. Aim for 1-2% body weight loss per week. Weigh weekly, and don't reduce more than 25% below normal MER without vet supervision.
What's the difference between RER and MER?
RER (Resting Energy Requirements) is the calories a dog needs just to exist — breathing, circulation, basic metabolism. MER (Maintenance Energy Requirements) is RER multiplied by activity and life stage factors — the actual calories needed for daily life. Always feed based on MER, not RER, unless doing controlled weight loss.

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