Dog Food Calculator
Calculate how much to feed your dog based on weight, age, and activity level. Get daily calories, cups of dry or wet food, treat limits, and a 7-day food transition schedule.
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
Daily Nutrition
Treat Management
Food Transition Schedule (7-day)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your dog's weight in lbs, select their life stage (puppy/adult/senior) and activity level to get daily calories and cups of food. Use the Dry Food tab and enter your food's exact calories per cup from the bag label. The Wet Food tab calculates ounces and cans. The Weight Management tab adjusts portions for a target weight. The Professional tab adds breed size factor, pregnancy/nursing multiplier, treat allowance (10% rule), and a 7-day food transition schedule.
Formula
RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75
Daily Calories = RER × Life Stage Factor × Activity Factor × Breed Factor
Life Stage: Puppy = 2.0×, Adult = 1.6×, Senior = 1.2× | Activity: Low = 0.8×, Moderate = 1.0×, High = 1.25×
Example
30 lb adult dog, moderate activity: Weight = 13.6 kg | RER = 70 × 13.60.75 = 70 × 6.65 = 466 kcal | Daily = 466 × 1.6 × 1.0 = 745 kcal → 2.1 cups at 350 kcal/cup
Frequently Asked Questions
- It depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. As a rule of thumb, a 30 lb adult dog with moderate activity needs approximately 800–900 kcal/day, which is about 2.5 cups of standard dry food (350 kcal/cup).
- Divide your dog's daily caloric need by the calories per cup of your specific food (shown on the bag). Most dry foods are 300–400 kcal/cup. This calculator uses 350 kcal/cup as a default but lets you enter the exact value.
- Most vets recommend 2 meals per day for adult dogs. Puppies typically need 3 meals per day. Our calculator shows your daily total split into 2 equal meals.
- Yes. Puppies have a multiplier of 2.0× their resting energy requirement (RER) due to growth, versus 1.6× for adults. So a 20 lb puppy needs significantly more calories than a 20 lb adult dog.
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain and nutritional imbalance. The Professional tab calculates your dog's exact treat limit and flags if you're over it.