Dog Food Portion Calculator
Calculate the ideal daily food portion for your dog based on weight, life stage and activity.
Knowing exactly how much to feed your dog is one of the most common pet-care questions — and getting it wrong leads to obesity, weight loss or nutrient gaps. This dog food portion calculator uses your dog's weight, life stage, activity level and the calorie density of their food to recommend a daily feeding amount in grams, cups and kilocalories. The same formula works for puppies, adult dogs and seniors.
How this calculator works
The calculator first estimates your dog's Resting Energy Requirement (RER) using the standard veterinary formula:
RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75
Then it multiplies the RER by a life-stage and activity factor to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) — the calories your dog needs each day. For example, an active adult dog uses a factor of 3.0× RER, while a senior, neutered dog uses 1.6×. Finally, the daily calories are divided by the food's calorie density (kcal per 100 g) to give the daily portion in grams.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator accurate for puppies?
Yes — puppies under 4 months use a 3.0× RER factor, and 4–12 months use 2.0×, matching veterinary guidance. Fast-growing large-breed puppies should be checked by a vet to avoid overfeeding, which can cause skeletal problems.
Should I split the daily portion into multiple meals?
For adult dogs, two meals a day is ideal. Puppies under 6 months should eat 3–4 small meals. The calculator shows the per-meal amount based on a two-meal schedule.
What if I feed wet food or a mix?
Use the calorie density printed on your food (kcal/100 g). Wet food is usually 80–120 kcal/100 g and dry food 320–400 kcal/100 g. If you mix, calculate each separately.
Why does my dog's food bag recommend a different amount?
Food-bag charts assume a single average activity level and don't account for whether your dog is neutered or their life stage. This calculator uses the same equations vets use, so it's usually more accurate — but always combine it with a body condition check.
Should I include treats in this amount?
No. The portion shown is the main meal. Treats should be capped at 10% of daily calories — see our treat budget calculator.
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