Estimate your dog’s daily calories. This free dog calorie calculator uses the vet RER/MER formula with weight and life-stage/activity to give a daily feeding target and per-meal amount.
This gives a general daily calorie estimate for a healthy adult dog using standard veterinary formulas. Individual needs vary with breed, age, health and activity. For weight loss, growth, pregnancy or any medical condition, follow your veterinarian’s guidance.
Your dog
kg
Enter your dog’s weight and pick the option that fits. The estimate uses the resting energy requirement (RER) scaled by a life-stage and activity factor.
Daily calories
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Enter your dog’s weight
Resting need (RER)
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Daily need (MER)
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Activity factor
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Per meal (×2/day)
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Formula: RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, then daily calories (MER) = RER × activity factor. A 20 kg neutered adult dog needs roughly 1,060 kcal a day. Always check your food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice.
Use this free dog calorie calculator to estimate how many calories your dog needs each day. Enter their weight and activity level to get a daily feeding target.
What this dog calorie calculator does
A dog calorie calculator estimates daily energy needs using the standard veterinary RER and MER formulas, adjusted for your dog’s life stage and activity.
So a 20 kg neutered adult dog needs roughly 1,060 calories a day, while a very active dog of the same size needs more.
Activity factors
Dog
Factor (× RER)
Weight loss
1.0
Older / inactive
1.4
Neutered adult
1.6
Intact adult
1.8
Very active / working
2.0–5.0
Puppy
2.0–3.0
Turning calories into food
Check the kcal per cup or per gram on your dog food’s label, then divide the daily calorie target by that to get the amount to feed. Split it across meals and adjust based on your dog’s body condition.
How to use the dog calorie calculator
Enter your dog’s weight in kg or lb.
Choose life stage / activity.
Read the daily calories and per-meal amount.
Dog Calorie FAQ
How many calories does my dog need?
Multiply resting needs by an activity factor: RER = 70 × kg^0.75, then × 1.6 for a typical neutered adult. A 20 kg dog needs about 1,060 calories a day.
How do I work out how much to feed?
Divide the daily calorie target by the kcal per cup or gram listed on your dog food, then split it across meals.
Do puppies need more calories?
Yes. Growing puppies use a higher factor (about 2–3 × RER) because they need extra energy for growth.
How do I help an overweight dog?
A weight-loss factor of about 1.0 × RER is a common starting point, but do this under veterinary guidance to keep weight loss safe and gradual.
Why does activity level matter?
Working and very active dogs can need far more calories than a couch companion of the same weight, so the factor adjusts for that.
Is the dog calorie calculator free?
Yes, this dog calorie calculator is completely free, needs no sign-up, and gives instant results in your browser.
