Dog Food Portion Calculator
Calculate how much to feed your dog each day based on their weight, activity level, and your specific food's calorie density.
Finding your food's calorie density
Calorie density varies significantly between dog food brands and formulas — check the bag or can for a 'calories per cup' or 'kcal/kg' figure, usually found in the guaranteed analysis or feeding guidelines section. If it's not listed, many manufacturers provide this information on their website or by request.
Getting this number right matters a lot for accuracy, since a calorie-dense food and a lower-density food can require very different cup measurements to deliver the same actual calorie intake for your dog.
Why this is a starting point, not a fixed rule
This calculator uses a standard veterinary formula (resting energy requirement, adjusted for activity level) as a reasonable starting estimate, but individual dogs vary — breed, metabolism, spay/neuter status, and age all affect actual calorie needs beyond what this formula captures.
Monitor your dog's body condition over a few weeks after starting a new feeding amount, and adjust up or down as needed — your veterinarian can help you assess whether your dog is at a healthy weight and refine the recommendation for their specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my dog food's calorie density?
Check the bag or can for a 'calories per cup' or similar figure, often in the guaranteed analysis or feeding guidelines section — if it's not listed, the manufacturer's website or customer service can usually provide it.
Should I adjust the amount based on how my dog looks?
Yes — this is a starting estimate. Monitor your dog's body condition over a few weeks and adjust the portion up or down as needed, ideally with input from your veterinarian.