Free calculator
Dog food calculator: how much should your dog eat?
Enter your dog's details to estimate their daily calorie needs and how much food that means. No sign-up needed.
How the calculator works
It starts from resting energy requirement (RER), calculated from body weight: 70 × body weight (kg)^0.75. That is multiplied by a factor based on age, spay/neuter status and activity. For puppies the growth stage is used, and for overweight dogs the expected ideal weight.
DogDietLab's feeding report uses the same calculation, so the calculator and the report give the same figure for the same dog.
Why the result is an estimate
Two dogs of the same weight can need very different amounts because of temperament, muscle mass, coat, living conditions and health. The formula gives a group average, not your dog's exact needs.
The feeding chart on the bag is an estimate too. Both are starting points that you fine-tune using your dog's body condition.
How to track body condition
Weigh your dog every 2–4 weeks on the same scale and check body condition as well: ribs easy to feel, a visible waist from above and a tucked belly from the side.
Learn how to assess it in our body condition score guide.
How to fine-tune the portion
If an adult dog gains weight over 2–4 weeks and you don't want that, reduce the daily amount by about 10%. If they lose weight and that is not the goal, increase it by about 10%. Then watch for another 2–4 weeks.
Treats, chews and table scraps all add calories, so count them in the daily allowance. If your dog is ill, on medication or on a veterinary diet, agree portions with your veterinarian.
More on daily energy needs: how to calculate a dog's daily calorie needs. For puppies: puppy feeding chart.
Frequently asked questions
How much food should my dog eat per day?
It depends on your dog's energy needs and the calorie content of the food. The calculator uses both: it divides the estimated daily calories by the food's calories per gram or per cup.
Is this calculator more accurate than the feeding chart on the bag?
Both are estimates. The calculator takes age, spay/neuter status, activity and body condition into account, while a bag chart usually uses weight only. The final test is how your dog's weight and body condition change.
Can I use the calculator for a puppy?
Yes. For puppies it uses a growth factor and the expected adult size. Weekly weighing and following the growth curve are especially important for puppies.
What if my dog is overweight?
For an overweight adult dog, the calculator uses the estimated ideal weight. Plan weight loss with your veterinarian, especially if your dog is ill or on medication.
Is the result suitable for a dog with a health condition?
No. Illness, medication or a veterinary diet can change energy needs and the diet itself. In that case, follow your veterinarian's advice.