Dog Food Calculator
Work out how much to feed your dog per day — in calories and cups — using the veterinary energy formula, personalized to your dog's weight, life stage and activity, and your food's actual kcal per cup.
Printed on the bag — typically 325–400
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You might also need:Puppy Feeding Calculator·Cat Food Calculator
The veterinary feeding formula
cups = daily kcal ÷ kcal per cup (from your bag)
A 50 lb (22.7 kg) active dog: RER ≈ 730 kcal, × 1.4 = about 1,020 kcal per day — 2.9 cups of a 350 kcal/cup food, split across two meals. The factor is a starting point: adjust ±10% based on the body-condition check and re-weigh monthly.
Daily calories by weight (active adult, ×1.4)
| Dog weight | kcal/day | Cups (350 kcal food) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | ~310 | 0.9 |
| 25 lb | ~610 | 1.7 |
| 50 lb | ~1,020 | 2.9 |
| 75 lb | ~1,380 | 3.9 |
| 100 lb | ~1,720 | 4.9 |
Feeding well
- Use an actual measuring cup: studies show scoop-by-eye overfeeds by up to 80%. A kitchen scale is even better.
- Puppies are different: growing dogs need 2–3× RER and more meals — use the puppy feeding calculator instead.
- Treats count: cap them at 10% of calories and subtract from meals.
- Feeding the other overlord too? The cat food calculator uses the same science.
Frequently asked questions
How much food should I feed my dog per day?+
It depends on their calorie needs: vets calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER = 70 × weight in kg^0.75) and multiply by an activity factor — 1.2–1.4 for typical neutered adults. A 50 lb moderately active dog needs roughly 1,000–1,200 kcal per day, or about 3 cups of typical dry food.
Why does my calculated amount differ from the bag’s feeding chart?+
Bag charts are broad averages that tend to run generous. The calorie method personalizes for your dog’s actual weight and activity — and the kcal-per-cup figure on your specific bag (anywhere from 300 to 450) changes the cup count a lot. Enter your bag’s number for the accurate answer.
How many calories are in a cup of dog food?+
Most dry foods run 325–400 kcal per cup, but the range across brands is 250–550. The exact figure is printed on the bag as "kcal/cup" or kcal/kg in the fine print near the ingredients — never assume, always check.
How can I tell if my dog is at a healthy weight?+
Use the body-condition check: ribs easy to feel under a thin fat layer, a visible waist from above, and a belly tuck from the side. If ribs need a search party, reduce portions 10% and re-check in two weeks — and rule out medical causes with your vet if weight persists.
Do treats count toward the daily amount?+
Absolutely — and they add up fast. Keep treats under 10% of daily calories and subtract them from meals. A single dental chew can be 70+ kcal: that’s a fifth of a small dog’s entire day.