Pet Food Portion Calculator – How Much to Feed a Dog or Cat

Enter your pet’s weight, life stage and food calories to estimate daily calories and a starting portion.

For weight loss, enter your pet's ideal weight.
Check the label. It may be listed as kcal/kg: divide by 10.

About this tool

Feeding the right amount is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health. Too much leads to weight gain, which raises the risk of diabetes and joint problems; too little can cause weight loss and low energy. This calculator estimates your pet’s resting energy requirement (RER = 70 × weight in kg to the power 0.75) and multiplies it by a factor for life stage, such as neutered adult, intact adult, weight loss, puppy or kitten, and senior.

Then it divides the daily calories by the calories in your food, which you can find on the bag or can (look for “kcal per cup” or “kcal per kg”). The result is a starting point. Adjust by about 10 percent up or down depending on whether your pet is gaining or losing weight, and count treats as part of the daily total. Split the amount into two or more meals.

Pets with health conditions, pregnant or nursing animals, and very young puppies and kittens have special needs, so check with your vet.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories does a dog need per day?

It depends on weight, age and activity. A neutered 10 kg adult dog needs roughly 450 to 550 kcal a day. This calculator gives a personalized estimate.

Should I follow the bag’s feeding guide?

It is a good starting point but often generous. Compare it with this estimate and adjust by body condition.

How do I know if my pet is a healthy weight?

You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Your vet can score body condition.

How much do treats count?

Keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories and reduce meals to match.

General information only, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.