About the Dog Calorie Calculator
Dog Calorie Calculator estimates how many calories your dog needs each day. Enter your dog's weight in kilograms or pounds, pick the life stage and activity level (neutered or spayed adult, active adult, inactive or older dog, working dog or puppy), and the page works out the resting energy requirement with the standard formula 70 × weight in kg to the power 0.75, then multiplies it by the factor for your dog. If you type the calories per cup from your dog food's bag, it also shows the cups per day and per meal. It is a starting point for adjusting your dog's food, not a diet plan.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Dog Calorie Calculator
- 1Enter your dog's weight and choose kilograms or pounds.
- 2Choose the life stage and activity level that fits.
- 3Optionally enter the calories per cup from the food bag.
- 4Choose how many meals a day.
- 5Read the daily calories and the food per meal.
How the estimate works
The resting energy requirement is the energy a dog uses to stay alive at rest. It is calculated from body weight raised to the power 0.75, because energy needs rise more slowly than weight. A life-stage factor then adds the energy for activity, growth or work. The result is a daily figure in kilocalories.
Reading your dog's body
The calculator gives a number, but your dog gives the answer. Check your dog's body condition every few weeks, feel the ribs and look at the waist, and adjust the food a little at a time. A healthy weight lowers the risk of joint trouble and many diseases.
- Ribs easy to feel under a thin layer of fat
- Waist visible from above
- Belly tucked up when seen from the side
- Change the food by 10% at a time
Puppies and special cases
Puppies grow quickly and need more energy per kilo, but the amount depends on the breed and age, so follow the food maker's guide and your vet's advice. Pregnant, nursing, sick and senior dogs also have special needs. This tool is not suitable for them.
Related tools
Guess a puppy's adult size with the Puppy Weight Calculator, work out a dog's age with the Pet Age Calculator and find a pet name with the Pet Name Generator. The Weight Converter changes pounds to kilograms.
Features
- Resting energy requirement (RER) formula
- Factors for adults, working dogs and puppies
- Kilograms or pounds
- Cups per day and per meal from the bag's calories
- Meals per day
- Private: nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a dog need?
A typical neutered adult needs about 1.6 times its resting energy: 70 × weight in kg to the power 0.75. A 20 kg (44 lb) dog needs about 1,060 kcal a day.
Why do dogs of the same weight need different amounts?
Age, activity, breed, neutering and the climate all change energy needs. Use the result as a starting point and watch your dog's body condition.
How do I know the amount is right?
You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. If your dog gains weight, reduce the food by about 10%. If your dog loses weight, add 10%.
Do treats count?
Yes. Keep treats under 10% of the daily calories and reduce the meals a little to match.
How many meals should I feed?
Adult dogs do well with two meals a day. Puppies under six months often need three or four.
Where do I find the calories per cup?
The food's bag or website lists kcal per cup or per kilogram. Cups differ in size, so use a measuring cup.
What about overweight dogs?
Use the weight your dog should be, not the current weight, and the inactive factor, then ask your vet for a weight-loss plan.
Is this veterinary advice?
No. It is a general estimate. Ask your vet if your dog has a health problem, is pregnant or nursing or is very young or very old.