Dog Food Calculator

Estimate how many calories and how many cups of food a dog needs each day, from weight and life stage.

Rates verified Oct 27, 2026Formula explained below

Current weight, or ideal weight for a dog that is over or under

Printed on the bag as kcal per cup

Calories per day

862 to 985 kcal

Cups of food per day
2.46 to 2.81 cups
Resting calories
615 Cal

These are starting points. Adjust by watching your dog's weight and body condition.

Calculation breakdown

StepFormulaResult
Resting energy requirement70 × 18.14 kg ^ 0.75615 Cal
Daily energy requirement615 kcal × 1.4 to 1.6923 Cal
Cups per dayDaily kcal ÷ 350 kcal per cup2.64

How it works

Enter your dog’s weight, choose a life stage, then the calories per cup from the food bag.

Resting energy (RER, kcal/day) = 70 × Weight in kg ^ 0.75Daily energy = RER × Life stage factorCups per day = Daily energy ÷ Calories per cup

Worked example

A 4.5 kg (10 lb) neutered adult dog eating a 350 kcal per cup food:

  1. Resting energy: 70 × 4.5 ^ 0.75 = 216 kcal
  2. Daily energy at factors 1.4 to 1.6: 303 to 346 kcal
  3. Food: 303 ÷ 350 to 346 ÷ 350 = 0.87 to 0.99 cups

Adjust as you go

Treats count toward calories. If your dog gains or loses weight, change the amount a little and check the body condition again.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much should I feed my dog?

Start with the daily calorie estimate, then divide by the calories in a cup of your food. A 4.5 kg (10 lb) neutered dog needs about 303 to 346 kcal a day, which is roughly 0.9 to 1 cup of a 350 kcal per cup food.

How are a dog's daily calories calculated?

Veterinary guidelines use the resting energy requirement, 70 × body weight in kilograms raised to the power 0.75. That is multiplied by a life stage factor, such as 1.4 to 1.6 for a neutered adult.

Where do I find calories per cup?

It is printed on the bag as kcal per cup, usually in the guaranteed analysis or calorie content section. Foods range widely, so check yours.

Does a puppy need more calories?

Yes. Puppies under 4 months use about 3 times the resting requirement, and puppies from 4 months use about 2 times. Ask your vet about the growth of large breeds.

Is this safe for every dog?

It is a starting point for healthy dogs only. Dogs that are overweight, underweight, sick, or have special needs should follow a vet's plan. The guidelines say to adjust by watching body weight and body condition.

Dog AgeDog years to human yearsDog PregnancyDue date and gestation rangeDog Heat CycleEstimate when your dog's next heat may startCalorieDaily energy needs

General information, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your dog's diet, especially for weight loss, illness or pregnancy.