Our calculator uses the veterinary RER (Resting Energy Requirement) formula to give you accurate daily food portions based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and health status.
RER × Life-stage multiplier · WSAVA standards
🩺 General estimates based on WSAVA nutritional guidelines. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet significantly.
We use the veterinary RER (Resting Energy Requirement) formula, which is the standard used by veterinary nutritionists worldwide. RER represents the energy your dog needs at rest for basic body functions. We then multiply it by a life-stage factor that accounts for age, activity, and sterilization status.
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75, this calculates baseline calorie needs. Then multiplied by a life-stage factor ranging from 1.0 (sedentary senior) to 2.0 (active puppy).
Calorie density varies widely by food type. Dry kibble averages 300-400 kcal/100g. Wet food averages 80-120 kcal/100g. Always check your food's specific calorie label.
The best guide is your dog's body condition score (BCS). You should be able to feel ribs easily but not see them. Adjust portions by 10-15% if your dog gains or loses weight. See our Dog Nutrition Guide.
These calculations give a starting point, individual dogs vary based on metabolism, breed, health conditions, and food quality. Puppies especially need more frequent feeding (3-4x/day) and higher calorie density per kg than adult dogs. Senior dogs often need fewer calories but may benefit from higher protein and joint-supporting nutrients.
This calculator uses resting energy requirement (RER) and maintenance energy requirement (MER) formulas from the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee and NRC guidelines to determine your dog's daily feeding amounts.
It depends on weight, age, and activity. A 15 kg moderately active adult dog needs roughly 800-900 kcal per day, which is about 230-260g of standard dry kibble. Use our calculator above for your specific dog's profile, and always check your food brand's calorie content label.
Most vets recommend two meals per day for adult dogs. This helps maintain stable blood sugar, reduces begging behavior, and lowers the risk of bloat (GDV) in large breeds. Puppies under 6 months should eat 3-4 times per day due to their smaller stomachs and high energy needs.
Yes. Spayed and neutered dogs have lower metabolic rates and a higher tendency toward weight gain, typically needing about 20-30% fewer calories than intact dogs. If your dog was recently sterilized and is gaining weight, this is why. Reduce portions and monitor body condition regularly.
Yes, mixing is fine and can help picky eaters or dogs that need extra hydration. Calculate the total calories from both types and ensure they add up to your dog's daily target. Wet food typically has much lower calorie density than dry, so you need significantly more by volume to hit the same calorie count.
Neutered and spayed dogs typically need 20 to 30 percent fewer calories than intact dogs of the same size. Hormonal changes reduce metabolic rate and can increase appetite simultaneously. Adjust portions downward after the surgery and monitor body condition closely over the following months. Your veterinarian can help determine the right calorie target for your dog's new metabolic baseline.