🦴 Dog Food Calculator (How Much to Feed)
Enter your dog's weight and life stage to get its daily calorie needs, and roughly how many cups of your food that is.
Daily calories (MER)
854 kcal
RER 534 × 1.6
≈ Cups per day
2.37
Per meal (2×/day)
1.19
Resting energy (RER) = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75; daily need (MER) = RER × a life-stage factor. Cups use the calories printed on your food's label (kcal/cup varies a lot). A guideline, your vet's advice and your pet's body condition come first. 🔒 In your browser.
How the dog food calculator (how much to feed) works
Vets estimate energy needs in two steps. The Resting Energy Requirement is RER = 70 × (body-weight-kg)^0.75, the calories needed at rest. That's multiplied by a life-stage factor to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (daily need): about 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 intact, 2.0+ for working dogs, 3.0 for a young puppy, and 1.0 for weight loss. Dividing by the calories per cup on your food's label gives the cups per day.
This is a starting estimate, real needs vary by up to ±50% with metabolism, activity and neuter status. The best guide is your dog's body condition: you should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a waist. Always use the kcal/cup from your specific food, and check with your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog?
Estimate daily calories: RER = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75, then multiply by a life-stage factor (≈ 1.6 for a neutered adult). Divide by your food's calories-per-cup to get cups per day. A 15 kg neutered adult needs roughly 600-650 kcal a day.
What is RER and MER for dogs?
RER (resting energy requirement) is the calories a dog needs at rest: 70 × weight(kg)^0.75. MER (maintenance energy requirement) is RER times a factor for life stage and activity, that's the daily amount to feed.
How many cups of food does my dog need?
Divide the daily calories by the kcal-per-cup printed on the bag (it varies widely, often 300-450 kcal/cup). The tool does this once you enter your food's figure, never rely on cups alone without the calorie content.
Should I feed my puppy more than an adult dog?
Yes, growing puppies need far more energy per kilo, with a factor around 3.0 (0-4 months) or 2.0 (4 months to adult) versus about 1.6 for a neutered adult. Choose the puppy option for the higher estimate.
How do I know if I'm feeding the right amount?
Watch body condition, not just the number: you should feel the ribs without pressing hard and see a waist from above. Adjust up or down over weeks and weigh regularly; your vet can score body condition.