Calorie Calculator for Dogs

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Dog Calorie Calculator

Kilograms (kg) Pounds (lbs)
Neutered Adult (Typical Activity) Intact Adult (Typical Activity) Sedentary / Prone to Weight Gain Weight Loss (Current Target) Weight Gain (Underweight Dog) Active / Working Dog Puppy (Under 4 Months) Puppy (4 to 12 Months)

Estimated Daily Needs

Resting Energy Requirement (RER): kcal/day

Daily Maintenance Calories (MER): kcal/day

*These are estimates. Every dog's metabolism is unique. Please consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary plans.

function calculateDogCalories() { var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dogWeight').value); var unit = document.getElementById('weightUnit').value; var multiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById('activityLevel').value); var resultArea = document.getElementById('dogResultArea'); if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid weight for your dog."); return; } var weightInKg = weight; if (unit === 'lbs') { weightInKg = weight / 2.20462; } // RER Formula: 70 * (body weight in kg)^0.75 var rer = 70 * Math.pow(weightInKg, 0.75); var mer = rer * multiplier; document.getElementById('rerValue').innerText = Math.round(rer); document.getElementById('merValue').innerText = Math.round(mer); resultArea.style.display = 'block'; }

How Many Calories Does My Dog Need?

Determining the correct amount of food for your dog is critical for preventing obesity, which is one of the most common health issues in canines today. Our calculator uses the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula, which is the standard method used by veterinary professionals to determine the energy expenditure of an animal at rest in a thermoneutral environment.

Understanding RER vs. MER

While RER represents the calories needed for basic life functions (breathing, heart function, digestion), your dog needs more than just the basics to move, play, and grow. This is where Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) comes in.

  • RER: Base metabolism.
  • MER: RER multiplied by a factor that accounts for life stage (puppy vs. adult) and activity level (lazy couch potato vs. working sheepdog).

Factors Influencing Caloric Intake

Not every 20kg dog needs the same amount of food. Several variables shift the needle:

  • Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered dogs generally have a slower metabolism and require about 20% fewer calories than intact dogs.
  • Age: Growing puppies require significantly more calories per pound of body weight to support bone and tissue development.
  • Activity Level: A dog that walks 5 miles a day has vastly different needs than one that stays in the backyard.
  • Environment: Dogs living in very cold climates may use more energy to maintain body temperature.

Real-World Examples

Dog Type Weight Daily Calories
Neutered Adult Beagle 15 kg (33 lbs) ~850 kcal
Active Golden Retriever 30 kg (66 lbs) ~1,450 – 2,200 kcal
Sedentary Pug 8 kg (18 lbs) ~400 kcal

How to Use This Information

Once you have your dog's daily calorie target, look at your dog food bag. It should list "kcal/kg" or "kcal/cup." Divide your dog's total daily calories by the calories per cup to find the exact serving size. Remember to include treats in your total daily count—treats should never exceed 10% of a dog's total daily caloric intake!

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