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Dog Food Calculator
How much should you feed your dog each day? Enter their weight, age and the calories printed on your food, and get a starting daily amount and meal schedule.
How This Calculator Works
It uses the method in the Merck Veterinary Manual. First it works out your dog's resting energy: 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. Then it multiplies by a life stage factor: 3 for puppies under 4 months, 2 for puppies from 4 months until fully grown, 1.8 for intact adults, 1.6 for spayed or neutered adults, and 1.4 for adults that gain weight easily. Finally it divides by the calories in your own food.
Merck calls this a starting point: individual dogs can need up to 30% more or less. Weigh your dog every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the amount up or down to keep a healthy body shape, with your ribs easy to feel and a visible waist.
Where to Find the Calories on Your Food
Look for a line called "Calorie content" on the bag, can or box. In the US, AAFCO rules require it in kcal per kg and per cup or can, for example "4037 kcal/kg; 445 kcal/cup". Most foods sold in Canada show it too, but we could not confirm that Canadian rules require it. If your food doesn't list it, check the maker's website or ask them.
Calories vary from food to food, which is why this calculator uses your food's own figure instead of an average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs do well on two meals per day (morning and evening). Puppies under 6 months should eat 3 times per day because their blood sugar can drop on longer fasts and their stomachs are smaller. Senior dogs generally stay on the two-meal schedule. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) works for some dogs but makes weight management harder and can lead to obesity.
Is dry kibble or wet food better for dogs?
Neither is universally better -- it depends on your dog's age, health, and your budget. Dry kibble is calorie-dense, shelf-stable, and generally cheaper per serving. Wet food is more palatable, higher moisture content (good for hydration and urinary health), and often preferred by picky eaters. Many owners feed a combination. For dental health, dry food has a slight edge, but regular brushing matters more than food type.
How do I switch my dog to a new food?
Transition over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with 75% old food / 25% new food for 3 days, then 50/50 for 3 days, then 25% old / 75% new for 3 days, then 100% new food. If your dog develops loose stools, slow the transition down. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs need a 2-3 week transition.
Is raw feeding safe for dogs?
Veterinary bodies advise against it: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee recommends raw meat diets not be fed, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says the health risks outweigh any claimed benefits. The main risks are bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria) that can affect both the dog and humans handling the food, and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. If feeding raw, source from reputable suppliers, follow safe food handling, and have a veterinary nutritionist or vet confirm the diet is complete and balanced.
My dog is eating the right amount but still gaining weight. Why?
Several possibilities: the calorie figure you entered doesn't match your current food (check the label), your dog needs less than the starting estimate (Merck notes up to 30% either way), treats and scraps are adding significant calories, or your dog has a metabolic condition like hypothyroidism. Track treats as part of total daily calories (they should be no more than 10% of daily intake). If weight gain persists despite controlled feeding, have your vet check thyroid function.
