Dog Food Calculator

Calculate how much to feed your dog daily based on weight, age, activity level, and food type โ€” with portion guides for puppies to seniors

Food calories
Check your food bag for kcal/kg or kcal/cup
Common breed weights
Chihuahua: 2-3 kg
Beagle: 9-11 kg
Labrador: 25-35 kg
German Shepherd: 30-40 kg
French Bulldog: 8-13 kg
Golden Retriever: 25-34 kg
Husky: 20-27 kg
Great Dane: 50-80 kg

About This Tool

How much should you feed your dog? It depends on their weight, age, activity level, and the type of food. Overfeeding leads to obesity (the #1 health problem in dogs), while underfeeding causes nutritional deficiencies. This calculator uses veterinary-approved formulas to determine your dog's daily caloric needs (RER and MER), then converts that to actual food portions based on your food's calorie density. Get results in grams, cups, and meals per day โ€” customized for puppies, adults, seniors, and working dogs. Works for dry kibble, wet/canned food, and raw diets. Adjust for weight goals (weight loss, maintenance, or gain) and see how activity level affects portions.

How to Use

1. Enter your dog's current weight (kg or lbs) 2. Select their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) 3. Choose activity level (low, moderate, high, working) 4. Select food type and enter calories per cup/100g (from the bag) 5. Optionally set a weight goal (lose, maintain, gain) 6. See daily food amount in grams, cups, and suggested meals

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much food my dog needs?
Start with Resting Energy Requirements (RER): 70 ร— (body weight in kg)^0.75. Then multiply by an activity factor (1.0โ€“2.0) to get Maintenance Energy Requirements (MER). Finally, divide MER by your food's calories per gram to get daily grams. This calculator does it automatically.
How many calories does a dog need per day?
It varies by size and activity. A 10kg (22lb) moderately active adult dog needs about 550-700 calories/day. A 30kg (66lb) dog needs 1200-1500 calories. Puppies need more per kg of body weight; seniors need less.
Should I feed my dog once or twice a day?
Most adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day (morning and evening). Puppies under 6 months need 3-4 meals. Large/giant breeds prone to bloat may benefit from 2-3 smaller meals. This calculator shows recommended meal frequency.
How do I know the calories in my dog food?
Check the bag for 'kcal/cup' or 'kcal/kg'. Dry kibble typically has 300-400 kcal/cup (3000-4000 kcal/kg). Wet food has 200-400 kcal per can. Raw food varies widely. If unlisted, contact the manufacturer or use the default values.
How much should I feed a puppy?
Puppies need 2-3ร— more calories per kg than adults. A 2-month puppy eats about 4-5% of body weight daily; by 6 months, it's 3-4%. Use the puppy setting and feed 3-4 meals per day until 6 months, then transition to 2 meals.
How do I help my dog lose weight?
Reduce daily calories by 15-20% (use the 'weight loss' setting). Increase exercise gradually. Avoid treats or count them in the daily total. Weigh monthly and aim for 1-2% body weight loss per week. Consult your vet for obese dogs.

Related Tools