Dog Food Calculator
Calculate how much dry or wet food to feed a dog each day by weight and measuring cup.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This is a planning estimate using resting energy requirement (RER) and editable life-stage multipliers, then converting calories with the food density you enter. Actual needs vary with body condition, activity, health, and food; follow the package as a starting point and ask a veterinarian before weight-loss or therapeutic diets.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Body weight 45 lb · Life stage Neutered adult · Food energy density 3,600 kcal/kg · Cups per kilogram of food 8 cups/kg · Meals per day 2 Daily calories 1,076 kcal/day · Food per day 299 g/day · Food per day 2.39 cups/day · Food per meal 1.20 cups · Food per day 10.5 oz/day
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators offer general guidance and do not replace veterinary advice. Individual animals vary with breed, weight, health status and medication. Suspected poisoning from chocolate, medication, plants or chemicals is an emergency — contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service immediately rather than relying on a calculator.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
K = 70 × (0.45359237 × W)^0.75 × f; G = K ÷ d × 1000; Cp = e × G ÷ 1000
- W
- dog weight, lb
- f
- life-stage factor
- d
- food energy density, kcal/kg
- e
- cups per kg
- G
- food per day, g
- Cp
- cups per day
f = 2.5 puppy, 1.8 intact, 1.6 neutered, 1 weight loss, 1.4 senior, 3 working. Per meal = Cp ÷ meals; ounces per day = G ÷ 28.3495.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about this estimate?
This is a planning estimate using resting energy requirement (RER) and editable life-stage multipliers, then converting calories with the food density you enter. Actual needs vary with body condition, activity, health, and food; follow the package as a starting point and ask a veterinarian before weight-loss or therapeutic diets.