Dog Food Calculator
How much to feed your dog, by calories and cups — based on weight and life stage. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
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Starting-point estimate. Monitor body condition and adjust with your vet — needs vary with metabolism, and treats count toward daily calories.
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How much should I feed my dog?
The honest answer is "it depends" — on weight, age, activity, and the specific food's calorie density. This calculator does the veterinary math: it finds your dog's Resting Energy Requirement (RER = 70 × kg^0.75), multiplies by the right life-stage factor to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement, and divides by your food's calories per cup. That's far more accurate than the generic chart on the bag.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog?
Feed to daily calories, not cups. A dog's daily energy need is its resting requirement (70 × weight-in-kg^0.75) times a life-stage multiplier — 1.6 for a typical neutered adult, up to 3.0 for a young puppy. Divide by your food's kcal-per-cup (printed on the bag) to get cups per day, then split into two meals.
Why does the calculator ask for kcal per cup?
Because dog foods range from about 300 to over 500 calories per cup. Two different bags at the 'same' cup amount can differ by 60%. The kcal/cup figure is printed on every bag — enter yours for an accurate portion.
How do I adjust for weight loss?
Use the 'weight loss' setting, which feeds to the resting requirement of the target (ideal) weight rather than current weight. Do it gradually and with your vet's guidance — crash diets are dangerous, especially for cats.
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