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Calculator

Dog Food Calculator: Calories & Portions

Enter weight, life stage, activity, and the food label’s kcal value to estimate daily calories and portions by gram, cup, can, or pouch. Free, with no account.

Uses RER formulaAll life stageskg & lb support

DOG FOOD PORTION CALCULATOR

A smarter starting point for mealtime.

Estimate daily energy needs using the standard Resting Energy Requirement formula.

Estimated daily energy854 kcal / day≈ 244 g food / day

Save this to a pet's prep sheet after you create a dog profile.

Meals per day

~427 kcal per meal · ~122 g food per meal

RER: 534 kcal × 1.6 factor = 854 kcal · Portion uses 350 kcal per 100 g

Gentle reminder: Food energy density varies by brand. Always check the label's kcal information and consult your veterinarian before changing portions.

By the PawSprouts Editorial TeamUpdated September 27, 2026Methodology and sources

How it works

The RER Formula Explained

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75. This gives the baseline energy a dog needs at rest. We then multiply by an activity/life-stage factor to get the Daily Energy Requirement (DER). Enter the package’s matching kcal unit to convert that estimate into a product-specific portion.

Worked example

For a 15 kg dog, RER is about 70 × 150.75 = 533 kcal/day. At a 1.6 maintenance factor, the starting estimate is about 853 kcal/day. If the food has 350 kcal per cup, 853 ÷ 350 = about 2.44 cups per day, or 1.22 cups at each of two meals.

This is a maintenance starting point, not a weight-loss prescription. Health conditions, pregnancy, growth, environment, and body condition may require an individualized veterinary nutrition plan.

Activity levels matter

Activity can change energy needs substantially. Choose the closest general level, then monitor body condition and weight.

Life stage adjustments

Growth and adult-maintenance factors are broad starting estimates; individual requirements can fall outside them.

Check the label

Every brand has a different kcal density. Use our estimate as a starting point, then calibrate with your vet.

Help & methodology

Common questions

Is the calorie result a prescription?

No. Energy equations provide a starting estimate, and individual needs can vary. Monitor weight and body condition with your veterinarian.

Why enter kcal per 100 grams?

Food products have different energy densities. The package value lets the calculator translate estimated calories into grams for that specific food.

Do treats count?

Yes. Treats and extras contribute to daily calories, so account for them when using the estimate.

Reference material: Merck Veterinary Manual energy table · WSAVA nutrition guidance