Dog Food Portion Calculator
How many calories and grams your dog needs each day, and what that costs, from the formula vets use.
Starting estimate
- Daily energy
- 927–1059 kcal
- Food per day
- —
- Cost per day
- —
- Cost per 30 days
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Resting energy 662kcal × the life-stage factor for this dog. Weigh portions, check your dog's weight and body condition regularly, and adjust gradually.
How the calculator works
It uses the energy formula in the American Animal Hospital Association's 2021 nutrition guidelines. First it works out your dog's resting energy requirement: 70 × body weight in kg to the power 0.75. It then multiplies that by a life-stage factor to estimate the calories needed each day. Dividing by the food's energy density gives grams; multiplying by the price per kg gives the cost.
| Life stage | Factor |
|---|---|
| Puppy, under 4 months | 3.0 |
| Puppy, 4 months to adult | 2.0 |
| Adult, neutered | 1.4–1.6 |
| Adult, not neutered | 1.6–1.8 |
| Adult, inactive or gains weight easily | 1.0–1.2 |
| Weight loss (agree a target with your vet) | 1.0 |
| Working dog, light work | 1.6–2.0 |
| Working dog, moderate work | 2.0–5.0 |
Use it as a starting point
These factors are averages. AAHA notes that sedentary and indoor pets may need fewer calories than the table suggests, and that portions should be adjusted by monitoring body weight and body condition. Feeding guides on packs are also estimates, so the two may not match exactly. If your dog is losing or gaining weight it shouldn't, has a medical condition, or you are planning weight loss, agree the target with your vet. Treats and chews count towards the daily total too.
Where to find the numbers
The energy figure is usually printed as “metabolisable energy” on the pack or listed on the brand's website, either in kcal per 100 g or kcal per kg. For the cost, divide the bag price by its weight in kg. To compare what different foods cost in practice, see our dog food cost guide, and for choosing a food, our dog food comparison and buying guide.