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Dog Calorie Calculator
Daily calories and feeding amount for a dog.
Results
- Daily calories (MER)
- 1,059 kcal
- Resting energy (RER)
- 662 kcal
- Cups per day
- 3 cups
RER × factor
RER = 70 × (kg^0.75)
MER = RER × 1.6
Human calorie formulas do not apply to dogs. Confirm feeding amounts with your veterinarian.
A dog needs about 25–30 calories per pound of body weight per day at maintenance, set by resting energy times an activity factor. Puppies, working dogs, and intact dogs need more.
Enter your dog's weight, status, and food density for daily calories and cups per day.
How to calculate a dog's calories
To calculate a dog's calories, find resting energy (RER = 70 × kg^0.75), then multiply by a life-stage factor. Divide by the food's calories per cup for the daily amount.
Worked example: a 20 kg neutered adult has an RER near 662 calories and a maintenance need near 927.
Frequently asked questions
About 25–30 calories per pound at maintenance for a typical adult. Puppies and working dogs need up to twice the resting rate.
Divide daily calories by the food's calories per cup. A 350-calorie-per-cup food covers most 20 kg adults in about 2.5–3 cups.
No. Dogs use a different resting-energy equation and life-stage factors, so use a dog-specific calculator.
Results are estimates based on population averages and are not medical advice. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) before making large changes to your diet, especially for deficits over 2 lb (0.9 kg) per week, during pregnancy or nursing, or for anyone under 18.