Nutrition Calculator

Dog Food Portion Calculator

Calculate exactly how much to feed your dog based on weight, age, activity level, and your food's calorie content. Science-based formula from AAHA veterinary guidelines.

Find this on your food bag under "Calorie Content" (required by AAFCO since 2014)

kcal/cup

How We Calculate Your Dog's Food Portions

This calculator uses the same formulas recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and veterinary nutritionists worldwide. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER)

RER represents the calories your dog needs just to maintain basic body functions at rest—breathing, circulation, digestion, and metabolism. The formula is:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75

Step 2: Apply Life Stage & Activity Multiplier

Your dog's Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) accounts for activity level, life stage, and whether they're spayed/neutered:

ConditionMultiplier
Weight loss needed1.0 × RER
Inactive/overweight-prone1.2-1.4 × RER
Neutered adult (typical)1.6 × RER
Intact adult1.8 × RER
Active/working dog2.0-3.0 × RER
Puppy (growth)2.0-3.0 × RER
Pregnant/nursing1.6-6.0 × RER

Source: Pet Nutrition Alliance / AAHA Guidelines

Step 3: Convert Calories to Cups

Once we know your dog's daily calorie needs, we divide by your food's calorie density (kcal/cup) to get the exact portion size. This is why entering your specific food's calorie content is so important—different foods can vary from 250 to 500+ kcal per cup!

Why Proper Portions Matter

Overfeeding Risks

  • • Obesity (affects 56% of US dogs)
  • • Joint problems & arthritis
  • • Diabetes
  • • Heart disease
  • • Shortened lifespan (up to 2 years)

Underfeeding Risks

  • • Nutritional deficiencies
  • • Muscle loss
  • • Weakened immune system
  • • Poor coat condition
  • • Low energy & lethargy

Did you know? A 2019 study found that dogs fed proper portions lived an average of 2.5 years longer than their overfed counterparts. Getting portion sizes right is one of the most impactful things you can do for your dog's health!

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses veterinary-standard formulas (RER/MER) from AAHA guidelines. However, individual dogs can vary by up to 50% from calculated values due to metabolism differences, breed variations, and activity patterns. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your dog's weight changes over 2-4 weeks.
How do I find my dog food's calorie content?
Since 2014, AAFCO requires all US pet foods to display calorie content. Look for "Calorie Content" on your bag—it will show both kcal/kg and kcal per familiar unit (cup for dry food, can for wet). Most dry foods range from 300-450 kcal/cup. If you can't find it, check the brand's website or call their customer service.
Should I feed once or twice a day?
Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day—breakfast and dinner. Puppies under 6 months need 3-4 meals daily. Senior dogs and those prone to bloat (deep-chested breeds) may benefit from 2-3 smaller meals. The total daily amount stays the same; you're just splitting it differently.
Do I need to adjust for treats?
Yes! Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. If you give frequent treats, reduce meal portions accordingly. For example, if your dog needs 800 kcal/day and you give 80 kcal in treats, reduce their food by about 1/4 cup (assuming ~350 kcal/cup).
Why does the bag recommendation differ from this calculator?
Bag feeding guides are often generous estimates based on active, intact dogs. They also don't account for your specific dog's activity level, age, or spay/neuter status. Our calculator uses AAHA's more precise formulas with your dog's individual factors. Most vets recommend using calculated portions rather than bag guidelines.
My dog always seems hungry. Should I feed more?
Not necessarily! Many dogs will eat as much as you offer regardless of need—it's an evolutionary trait. If your dog is maintaining a healthy weight, ignore the begging. If they're actually losing weight, then increase portions. Consider slow-feeder bowls or adding low-calorie volume (green beans, pumpkin) to help them feel fuller.

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