Dog Food Calculator
Calculate your dog's daily calorie needs and feeding portions based on weight and activity level
Calculate Daily Food Requirements
Adult weight for accurate calculation
Select the category that best describes your dog
Check your dog food packaging for exact calories per cup (typically 300-400 cal/cup)
Daily Calorie Requirements
Dog Weight: 0 kg (0.0 kg)
Activity Factor: 1.6
Activity Type: Neutered/Spayed (Normal activity)
Formula: RER = 70 × weight^0.75, MER = RER × factor
Feeding Recommendations
Feed twice daily for optimal digestion
Maintain consistent feeding schedule
Monitor body condition score regularly
Example Calculation
Boscoe - 4-year-old Intact Male (25 kg)
Dog: 25 kg, intact male, normal activity
Step 1 - RER: 70 × (25)^0.75 = 70 × 11.18 = 783 calories/day
Step 2 - MER: 783 × 1.8 (intact factor) = 1,409 calories/day
Step 3 - Food amount: 1,409 ÷ 280 cal/cup = 5.0 cups/day
Working Dog Example (30 kg, Heavy Work)
RER: 70 × (30)^0.75 = 70 × 12.65 = 886 calories/day
MER: 886 × 4.0 (heavy work factor) = 3,544 calories/day
Result: Requires 4x more calories than resting!
Activity Level Guide
Inactive
Rarely runs around
Factor: 1.2
Normal
30 min daily exercise
Factor: 1.6-1.8
Active
45 min walks 2x daily
Factor: 2.0
Working
Several hours exercise
Factor: 2.0-4.0
Feeding Tips
Divide daily food into 2-3 meals
Feed at consistent times daily
Adjust portions based on body condition
Monitor weight regularly
Provide fresh water always
Consult vet for dietary changes
Understanding Dog Nutrition Requirements
Energy Requirements
Dogs need energy for basic body functions (metabolism, digestion, heart beating, respiration) and physical activity. The total daily energy need varies significantly based on age, size, activity level, and health status.
RER vs MER
- •RER: Resting Energy Requirement - basic metabolic needs
- •MER: Maintenance Energy Requirement - includes activity
- •MER is RER multiplied by an activity factor
- •Working dogs need 2-4x more calories than sedentary dogs
Calculation Formulas
RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75
MER = RER × Activity Factor
Activity Factors
- Puppy (0-4 months): 3.0
- Puppy (4 months-adult): 2.0
- Inactive/Obese: 1.2
- Neutered (normal): 1.6
- Intact (normal): 1.8
- Working (heavy): 4.0
- Senior: 1.4
Important: These are estimates. Individual dogs may need 25-50% more or less food. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.