Dog Food Calculator
Enter your dog weight, choose the life stage or activity level and add the calories in your food. The calculator estimates daily calories, cups per day and how much food you will use in a month.
How to use this Dog Food Calculator
- Weigh your dog and enter the weight in pounds.
- Choose the life stage or activity level that fits your dog best.
- Enter the calories per cup from the food label.
- Add the calories in treats and extras your dog gets each day.
- Press Calculate to see the daily calories and cups.
How to calculate how much to feed a dog
The calculator first finds the resting energy requirement, then multiplies it by a factor for the life stage.
- Weight in kg = pounds / 2.2046
- Resting energy (kcal) = 70 x kg raised to the power 0.75
- Daily calories = resting energy x life stage factor
- Cups per day = (daily calories – treats) / calories per cup
Worked example
A 40 lb neutered adult dog weighs 18.1 kg. The resting energy is 70 x 18.1^0.75, about 615 kcal. With a factor of 1.6 the daily need is about 985 kcal. If the food has 350 kcal per cup and there are no treats, that is 2.81 cups a day, or 84.4 cups in 30 days.
If the dog also gets 100 kcal of treats a day, the food drops to 885 kcal, which is 2.53 cups. The factors are common starting points that vets use, but real needs vary with breed, age, health and how much the dog moves. Weigh your dog every few weeks and adjust the amount if the weight drifts up or down. Many dogs also do better when the daily amount is split into two meals, and any change in food should be made slowly over several days.
Assumptions & limits
- The life stage factors are common starting points, not exact needs. Breed, age, health and activity change the real figure.
- The calories per cup come from the label you enter. Cups vary, so a measuring cup is better than a scoop.
- Treats and table scraps are counted only if you enter them.
- Puppies and dogs with health problems need advice from a vet.
- This is general guidance only. Ask your vet about the right amount for your own pet.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog?
It depends on weight, age and activity. The calculator estimates daily calories and converts them to cups using the calories on your food label.
What is resting energy requirement?
It is the energy a dog needs at rest. It is calculated as 70 times the body weight in kg raised to the power 0.75.
Should I count treats?
Yes. Treats add calories, so enter them and the calculator reduces the food to match.
How do I find the calories in my dog food?
Check the label. It usually lists kcal per cup or kcal per kg.
Why do puppies need more?
Puppies grow fast, so they need more calories per pound than adult dogs.
Should I ask a vet?
Yes, especially for puppies, seniors, and dogs with weight or health problems.
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Last updated: November 2026