Dog Food Calculator: How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
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A dog’s daily calories are its resting energy, 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, times a factor for its life stage. A 50 lb neutered adult needs about 1,164 calories, or roughly 3.3 cups of a 350 calorie-per-cup food.
A 50 lb dog (adult, neutered or spayed) needs about 1,164 calories a day. At 350 calories per cup that is 3.33 cups, or 1.66 cups for each of 2 meals. A 30 lb bag lasts about 36 days.
Calories at each life stage
| Life stage | Factor | Calories | Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy under 4 months | × 3.0 | 2,182 | 6.24 |
| Puppy 4 months to adult | × 2.0 | 1,455 | 4.16 |
| Adult, neutered or spayed | × 1.6 | 1,164 | 3.33 |
| Adult, not neutered | × 1.8 | 1,309 | 3.74 |
| Adult with light work | × 2.0 | 1,455 | 4.16 |
| Adult with moderate work | × 3.0 | 2,182 | 6.24 |
| Weight loss | × 1.0 | 727 | 2.08 |
| Senior, less active | × 1.4 | 1,018 | 2.91 |
Show the steps
- Weight in kg: 22.68.
- Resting energy = 70 × 22.68^0.75 = 727 kcal.
- Daily calories = 727 × 1.6 = 1,164.
- Cups = 1,164 ÷ 350 = 3.33 cups a day.
Dog calorie needs
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Daily calories = RER × life-stage factor
Cups = daily calories ÷ calories per cup
- This is a starting amount. Adjust by 10% up or down based on your dog’s body condition, and ask your vet, especially for puppies, older dogs or dogs with health problems.
- Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
Estimates for planning and learning, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Check figures with your lender, tax preparer or doctor before you act.
About this calculator
Feeding amounts on dog food bags are a rough guide. A better way is to start from your dog’s energy needs. This calculator uses the standard resting energy requirement formula and multiplies it by a factor for your dog’s age and activity.
Enter the calories per cup from your food label to turn the result into cups, and see how long a bag lasts.
How to use it
- Enter your dog’s weight and choose its life stage and activity.
- Enter the calories per cup from the food label.
- Choose how many meals you feed a day.
- Open the options to see bag life and monthly cost.
Adjusting the amount
These are starting points. If your dog gains weight, cut by about 10%. If it loses weight without trying, increase by 10%. You should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them.
See your vet
Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, seniors and dogs with health problems may need very different amounts.
Sources
Quick check: test yourself
What do the letters RER stand for?
Correct answer: Resting energy requirement. It is the calories a dog needs at rest.
A neutered adult dog needs about how many times its resting energy?
Correct answer: 1.6. The factor for neutered adults is about 1.6.
Treats should be no more than what share of daily calories?
Correct answer: 10%. Keep treats to about 10% so the main diet stays balanced.
Pick an answer for each question.
Common questions
How much should I feed my dog?
Calculate its daily calories from weight and life stage, then divide by the calories per cup of your food.
How many times a day should I feed a dog?
Adults usually do well on two meals a day. Puppies need three or four.
How do I know if I am feeding enough?
Your dog should keep a healthy weight, and you should feel the ribs without a thick fat layer over them.
Do treats count?
Yes. Count them in daily calories and keep them to about 10%.
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