Dog calorie calculator
See how many calories your dog needs a day, based on their weight, life stage, desexed status and activity level. This uses the same resting-energy formula vets use, no email or sign-up needed.
Resting energy (RER) is 70 × weight0.75 kcal a day, the standard veterinary starting point. To maintain weight, RER is multiplied by 1.2 to 2.0 depending on activity, and by a little more for dogs that are not desexed. Seniors typically need about 10% less. Puppies get roughly twice their resting energy as a growth allowance while they are developing.
This calculator gives a maintenance estimate from weight alone. For a weight-loss or weight-gain target based on your dog's actual body condition, portions in grams for their food, and a 7-day activity plan built around their breed, try the free 60-second check.
Take the free check →How many calories does a dog need per day?
Most adult dogs need their resting energy (70 × weight in kg^0.75) multiplied by 1.2 to 2.0 depending on activity, and a little more if they are not desexed. A typical 20 kg, moderately active, desexed dog needs roughly 900 to 1,000 kcal a day.
How many calories should a puppy eat?
Puppies need about twice their resting energy while growing, but their needs change every few weeks and giant breeds need a controlled growth diet, so this calculator gives a starting point only, not a fixed daily number. Ask your vet for a growth chart suited to your puppy's breed and age.
Do neutered or spayed dogs need fewer calories?
Yes, typically 10 to 30% fewer than an entire (not desexed) dog of the same size and activity level, which is why this calculator asks.
How accurate is a dog calorie calculator?
Published equations for calorie needs can be out by as much as 50% for an individual dog, so treat any number, including this one, as a starting point. Weigh your dog every couple of weeks and adjust the amount fed based on what actually happens.
See also: healthy weight by breed · is my dog overweight?
This is an estimate, not a diagnosis. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or exercise. How we work this out