Dog food and calorie calculator
A healthy adult dog needs about its resting energy, 70 x body weight in kg to the power 0.75, multiplied by a life-stage factor. That factor is 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult and 3.0 for a puppy under 4 months. Weigh food in grams and recheck body condition every few weeks.
Sources checked 30 September 2026. How we check facts
Recommended food portion
Feeding tips
- Treats count toward the total: Treats, chews and table scraps should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.
- Use a kitchen scale: Kibble density varies a lot. Weighing dry food in grams is far more precise than measuring cups.
- Monitor body condition: Every dog is different. Use the 9-point body condition score to adjust portions up or down by about 10% every 2 to 4 weeks.
How dog calorie requirements are calculated
Veterinary nutritionists work out canine energy needs in two stages:
1. Resting energy requirement (RER)
RER (kcal/day) = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75
RER is the baseline energy for vital organs (heart, lungs, brain, kidneys) at rest. Metabolic rate scales with body surface rather than simple mass, so a power curve is the standard approach in the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.
2. Daily energy requirement (DER)
DER (kcal/day) = RER × life stage factor
DER adjusts resting energy for age, neuter status and goals. These are the same factors the Maggie app uses:
- Puppy under 4 months: 3 × RER
- Puppy 4 to 12 months: 2 × RER
- Neutered adult: 1.6 × RER
- Intact adult: 1.8 × RER
- Senior: 1.4 × RER
- Weight loss: 1 × RER
- Weight gain: 1.7 × RER
Weight loss plans should be based on the target weight and agreed with your vet. These factors are a starting point. Your dog's real needs vary, so check body condition every few weeks.
Feeding questions
How many calories should my dog eat per day?
Start from the resting energy requirement, RER = 70 x weight in kg to the power 0.75. Multiply it by a life-stage factor: 1.0 for weight loss, 1.4 for a senior, 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult, 2.0 for a puppy from 4 to 12 months and 3.0 for a puppy under 4 months.
What is the difference between RER and DER?
RER, the resting energy requirement, is the energy a dog uses at rest. DER, the daily energy requirement, adjusts RER for life stage and goals such as growth or weight loss.
How do I feed a dog that needs to lose weight?
Base the calories on the target weight, not the current weight, with a factor of 1.0. Agree the target weight with your vet and weigh your dog every 2 to 4 weeks.
Why is weighing dog food in grams better than using cups?
A cup of kibble can vary by 20 percent or more with kibble shape and how full the scoop is. A kitchen scale gives the same amount every day.
How often should I check my dog's feeding amount?
Check weight and body condition score every 2 to 4 weeks. If your dog gains or loses weight you did not plan, change daily calories by about 10 percent and talk to your vet.
Sources
- Global Nutrition Guidelines. WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 30 September 2026.
Guides
-
How much should my dog weigh?
Breed weight ranges are a starting point, not a verdict. Combine the scale, a body condition check and a monthly trend to know if your dog's weight is healthy.
-
Reading your pet's body condition score
The 1 to 9 body condition score explained: how to check your dog or cat at home in a minute, what the ideal 4 to 5 looks like, and why the trend matters most.
-
Keeping a pet diary: a simple routine for daily observations
What to write in a dog diary, a simple daily routine, an example entry, and how dated notes on toilet habits, water, meals and walks become a clear vet history.
More from Maggie: Pet diary in Maggie. Trust and safety: How we check facts.
Leo is an AI companion, not a veterinarian. For medical concerns, always consult your vet.
