Feeding & Weight
Dog Feeding Calculator
How the calculation works
Vets start from the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) — the calories a dog burns at rest:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75
Then RER is multiplied by a Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) factor for the dog's life stage, activity and neuter status. Typical factors:
| Dog | MER factor (× RER) |
|---|---|
| Neutered adult | 1.6 |
| Intact adult | 1.8 |
| Weight loss / low activity | 1.0–1.2 |
| Active working dog | 2.0–5.0 |
| Puppy, 4 months to adult | 2.0 |
| Puppy, under 4 months | 3.0 |
| Senior | 1.2–1.4 |
Dog calorie chart by weight
A quick reference for a neutered adult dog at maintenance (RER × 1.6). Use it as a sanity check against the calculator; multiply up for active dogs and puppies, down for weight loss.
| Body weight | Approx. RER (kcal) | Neutered adult (kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | 130 | ~210 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 220 | ~350 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 370 | ~590 |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | 500 | ~800 |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 610 | ~980 |
| 50 lb (22.7 kg) | 720 | ~1,150 |
| 70 lb (31.8 kg) | 930 | ~1,490 |
| 90 lb (40.8 kg) | 1,130 | ~1,810 |
Figures rounded. A "cup" here means a standard 8 oz measuring cup, not a random mug or scoop.
Your dog's needs change as they grow
Save this estimate and track your dog's weight over time in Tavi — log meals, watch body condition, and get a gentle nudge when it's time to reweigh and adjust. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does my dog need per day?
Most healthy adult dogs need roughly their resting energy requirement (RER = 70 × body-weight-in-kg0.75) multiplied by 1.2 to 1.8. A neutered 30 lb (13.6 kg) adult needs about 550–700 kcal a day. This is a starting estimate — adjust based on body condition and your vet's advice.
How much should I feed my dog in cups?
Divide your dog's estimated daily calories by the kcal per cup printed on your food's bag. Dry foods commonly run 350–450 kcal per cup, so a 600 kcal-a-day dog needs roughly 1.3 to 1.7 cups. Always use the number on your specific bag, since foods vary widely.
Is this dog feeding calculator accurate?
It gives a reasonable starting estimate using the same RER/MER formulas vets use, but individual dogs vary by 20% or more. Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and any dog that is ill or overweight need a plan from your veterinarian. Weigh your dog monthly and adjust portions to keep a healthy body condition.
How often should I feed my dog?
Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day. Puppies under six months usually need three to four smaller meals. Split the estimated daily amount evenly across those meals rather than free-feeding, which makes it harder to notice appetite changes.
Should I feed based on the bag's chart or a calculator?
Bag charts are generous and assume an average, intact, active dog, so they often overfeed neutered or less-active pets. A calorie estimate tailored to your dog's life stage and activity is usually a better starting point — then fine-tune by monitoring weight and body condition.
Tavi's tools are informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment — when in doubt, contact your vet. Calorie estimates follow the resting- and maintenance-energy formulas used in the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and AAHA nutritional assessment guidelines. Excess weight is common — the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates a majority of dogs are overweight, so err toward the lower end and reassess body condition regularly. Sources: WSAVA, AAHA, APOP.