Dog Feeding Calculator
How much should you feed your dog? Enter your dog's details below to get a personalized daily feeding plan based on veterinary energy requirement formulas.
Average dry kibble: 300–400 kcal/cup • Fresh food: 150–250 kcal/cup • High-calorie formulas: 400–500 kcal/cup
How This Calculator Works
This calculator uses the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula recommended by veterinary nutritionists: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
The RER is then multiplied by factors for your dog's activity level, life stage (puppy/adult/senior), and body condition to calculate the Daily Energy Requirement (DER) — the total calories your dog needs each day.
Finally, the daily calories are divided by your food's calorie density (kcal per cup, found on the bag) to determine how many cups to feed. The number of meals is based on life stage: puppies need 3-4 meals, adults and seniors typically do best with 2 meals.
Multiplier Reference Table
| Life Stage / Condition | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Puppy (under 4 months) | 3.0 × RER |
| Puppy (4–12 months) | 2.0 × RER |
| Neutered adult | 1.4–1.6 × RER |
| Intact adult | 1.6–1.8 × RER |
| Senior dog (7+) | 1.2–1.4 × RER |
| Weight loss goal | 1.0 × RER |
| Working/sporting dog | 2.0–5.0 × RER |
Source: Veterinary nutritional guidelines based on the NRC (National Research Council) and AAFCO recommendations. Individual caloric needs may vary. This tool is for educational purposes — consult your veterinarian for a customized plan.