How much should you actually feed your dog? This free dog food portion calculator estimates your dog’s daily calorie needs from weight and activity level, then converts that into cups per day based on your food’s calorie density.
Check your food bag for calories per cup – it varies significantly between brands.
This is a general estimate. Puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, and dogs with health conditions have different needs – check with your veterinarian.
What This Dog Food Portion Calculator Shows You
A dog food portion calculator estimates your dog’s daily energy requirement (DER) from its weight and activity level, then converts that into a practical cups-per-day amount based on your specific food’s calorie density.
How Daily Energy Requirement Is Calculated
RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75
This Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula is the standard veterinary starting point, then multiplied by an activity factor (roughly 1.4-1.8 for typical adult dogs) to get the Daily Energy Requirement (DER) used for feeding.
Why Calories Per Cup Varies So Much
Dog food calorie density can range from around 300 to over 500 kcal per cup depending on the brand and formula. Using the generic “recommended cups” printed on a different food’s bag can significantly over- or under-feed your dog – always check your specific product.
Signs You May Need to Adjust the Amount
- Ribs that are difficult to feel usually indicate overfeeding.
- Ribs, spine or hip bones clearly visible usually indicate underfeeding.
- An ideal weight dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above.
Track your dog’s calorie burn too with our Dog Calorie Calculator, or check your cat’s needs with our Cat Calorie Calculator.