Pet Food Cost Calculator
Compare the real cost of different pet foods by calories rather than by bag price.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Compare the entered prices and calorie densities by cost per 1,000 kcal. The result does not account for feeding recommendations, nutrient adequacy, waste, or a pet’s medical diet; follow the package guidance and veterinary advice.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Bag price 45 $ · Bag weight 24 lb · Calorie density 3,600 kcal/kg · Amount fed per day 250 g · Number of pets 1 · Comparison bag price 70 $ · Comparison bag weight 24 lb · Comparison calorie density 4,200 kcal/kg Cost per kilogram 4.13 $/kg · Cost per 1,000 calories 1.148 $ · Daily cost 1.033 $ · Monthly cost for all pets 31.46 $ · Comparison daily cost 1.608 $ · Better value per calorie Your current food · Yearly saving 209.55 $
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
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
C_kg = P ÷ (w × 0.45359237); C_day = g ÷ 1000 × C_kg × n
- C_kg
- Price per kg
- P
- Bag price
- w
- Bag weight (lb)
- g
- Daily grams
- n
- Number of pets
- C_day
- Daily feeding cost
Cost per kg = bag price / bag mass in kg; cost per 1,000 kcal = cost per kg / kcal per kg × 1,000. Daily and yearly comparisons use the same entered grams per day and pet count for both foods; this does not determine a suitable feeding amount.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cost comparison show which food is best for my pet?
No. It compares the entered prices per 1,000 kcal using the same daily grams for both foods. It does not assess nutrient adequacy or the right feeding amount; follow each product’s feeding directions and your veterinarian’s advice.
Why does the calculator compare cost per 1,000 calories instead of per bag?
Bags differ in both weight and calorie density, so comparing sticker price misleads. The tool converts bag price to dollars per kilogram, divides by the kcal-per-kg density, and reports cost per 1,000 calories. At the defaults a 24 lb bag at 3,600 kcal/kg and $45 costs about $1.15 per 1,000 kcal, while the comparison bag at 4,200 kcal/kg and $70 costs about $1.53. The denser but pricier bag is therefore worse value per calorie.