Dog Feeding Calculator
Change only weight, age, or food kcal/kg to see daily grams and per-meal portions immediately.
Start with these 3 inputs
Calculated from defaultsBistro Oven Roasted Beef Spring Vegetable & Apple
3,140 kcal/kg
Accuracy adjustments
The calculator works from middle defaults. Change these only when your dog differs.
Result
Maintenance Feeding Amount
Daily amount
Based on Bistro Oven Roasted Beef Spring Vegetable & Apple
Calculation basis
The 630kcal daily need is converted using the selected food's disclosed 3,140kcal/kg.
Per meal · 2 meals/day
101g
About 1.2 cups per meal · 86g cup basis
Cup weight can vary by kibble density, so grams are more reliable.
Next steps after the calculation
Once daily grams are clear, compare each food's calories and label using the same basis, then track weight changes.
Calculation Basis
RER = 70 × weight^0.75
The baseline resting calorie estimate from current body weight. Every portion calculation starts here.
MER = RER × profile adjustment
Age, neuter status, activity, and body condition adjust the estimate into daily kcal need.
Food g = daily kcal ÷ kcal/kg × 1000
Higher-calorie foods need fewer grams per day. Lower-calorie foods need more grams.
Treat kcal is subtracted first
Treats, chews, and toppers count inside the daily calorie budget, so they reduce the food amount.
Food Candidates for This Profile
For this profile, we first check balanced adult foods that are easier to match to maintenance calories.
These candidates match the weight, age, body condition, and activity you entered. Review each label together with the daily grams calculated here before choosing.
Calculate daily food grams, then compare food candidates
A dog feeding amount should not come from body weight alone. Use weight, age, body condition, and activity to estimate daily calories, convert food kcal/kg into grams, then account for treats and compare foods that fit the same profile.
Convert daily calories into food grams
RER
70 x body weight(kg)^0.75
Resting energy requirement is the calorie starting point, not the final feeding amount for every dog.
MER
RER x activity and life-stage factor
Neuter status, activity, growth, weight loss, and body condition can move the daily calorie target.
Grams
daily kcal / (kcal/kg / 1,000)
Energy-dense foods require fewer grams. Lower-density foods require larger daily portions.
Treats
subtract treat calories first
Treats, chews, toppers, and training rewards count inside the daily calorie budget.
What to check after calculating portions
Dog Feeding Calculator FAQ
How many grams of food should a dog eat per day?
It depends on weight, age, activity, neuter status, target weight, and the food kcal/kg. Calculate daily calories first, then convert kcal/kg into grams.
Where do I find kcal/kg on dog food?
Look for calorie content on the bag or the manufacturer product page. Kcal/kg is more useful for gram-based feeding than kcal per cup.
Can I measure dog food with a cup?
A cup can work as a rough guide, but grams are more reliable. Kibble size and density can make the same cup volume weigh differently.
Should I use current weight or target weight for weight loss?
Start from the current weight and use the target weight to set a gradual plan. Rapid weight loss can affect appetite, lean mass, and overall health.
Why are grams important for small dog feeding amounts?
For small dogs, a 5g difference can be a meaningful share of daily calories. A scale is more reliable than cups when weight control matters.
Should senior dog food portions simply be reduced?
Not always. Senior dogs may need fewer calories, but lean mass, appetite, protein structure, and digestive tolerance still need to be checked together.
Are puppy feeding amounts different from adult calculations?
Yes. Puppies can change calorie needs quickly as they grow. Use the calculated amount as a starting point and watch weight gain, stool quality, and transition response.
How should I adjust food amounts for dog weight loss?
Start with treat calories, target weight, and weekly weight trend before cutting food grams aggressively. Reducing too quickly can affect appetite and lean mass.
Does dog age affect the feeding calculation?
Yes. Age helps separate puppy, adult, and senior context, but human-year conversion is not enough. Use weight, BCS, activity, and neuter status together.