Dog Calorie Calculator
A dog needs energy every day to keep its weight steady. This page estimates that daily need from body weight, using the resting energy formula that vets and researchers use as a starting point.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Resting energy is 70 times body weight in kilograms, raised to the power 0.75. Multiply that by an activity factor to get a daily estimate.
Typical factors start near 1.6 for a neutered adult and go higher for very active dogs. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health needs differ, so ask your vet for their figure.
Worked example
A dog that weighs 50 lb with an activity factor of 1.6 needs about 1,164 calories a day. Resting energy alone is 727.
Questions
Is this the amount on my food bag?
Not always. Food labels list calories per cup or can, and the amount to feed depends on the food. Use this as a starting estimate and check with your vet.
Why does the formula use weight to the 0.75 power?
Energy need grows more slowly than body weight, so a bigger dog needs fewer calories for each kilogram. The 0.75 power captures that pattern.
What if my dog's weight changes?
Update the weight and check again. Watch the dog's shape over time, since the number is only a starting point.
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