Dog Daily Calorie Calculator
Uses the standard veterinary RER × activity-factor formula. Enter your dog's weight, life stage, and spay/neuter status to get a realistic daily kcal target — plus an estimate of how much food that translates to.
Daily calories
1,164kcal/day
Resting needs are 727 kcal. We multiply by an activity factor for adult, moderate activity.
Approx. food per day
3.2cups (mid-tier kibble)
Estimated monthly food spend: $128. Adjust for your specific brand's kcal/cup printed on the bag.
These are veterinary-nutrition starting points (RER × activity factor). Always confirm your dog's individual needs with your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with weight or health conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How is daily calorie need calculated?＋
We use the standard veterinary formula: Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, multiplied by an activity factor for the dog's life stage and activity level. Intact (non-spayed/neutered) adults need approximately 10% more than altered adults of the same weight.
My dog is on the calculated amount but gaining weight. Why?＋
Veterinary calorie formulas estimate a healthy starting point but individual metabolism varies ±20%. If your dog is gaining weight on the calculated amount, reduce by 10% and reassess in 4 weeks. If still gaining, talk to your vet — underlying conditions (hypothyroidism, Cushing's) can cause weight gain at appropriate calorie intake.
Does kcal/cup differ between brands?＋
Significantly. A "cup" of food can range from 280 kcal (some weight-management formulas) to 500 kcal (high-fat performance kibble). Always check the kcal/cup printed on your bag and adjust accordingly. Our calculator uses an average of 360 kcal/cup.