How much to feed your dog

Feeding tables on packaging give a wide and often generous range. A more precise way is to start from your dog's energy needs, worked out from body weight, and divide by the calories of the food you use. This calculator estimates kcal per day, grams of food and grams per meal, leaving some room for treats.

How the calculation works

• Resting energy requirement: 70 × weight in kg to the power of 0.75, a formula widely used in veterinary medicine.
• Maintenance requirement: the resting requirement times a factor that depends on age, activity and neutering.
• Treats: a common rule is to keep them within 10% of daily calories; the calculator takes them out of the portion.
• Grams: the remaining calories divided by the kcal per 100 g shown on the food label.

Which factor to choose

These are indicative values: every dog is different. For puppies, older dogs, pregnant or nursing females and dogs with health problems, ask your vet.

Portion by weight

Neutered adult (factor 1.6), kibble at 370 kcal per 100 g, 10% treats:

Energy needs do not grow in proportion to weight: a 40 kg dog does not eat twice as much as a 20 kg dog, but about 70% more.

The type of food changes the grams

A 20 kg dog with the same energy need:

Wet food contains a lot of water: for the same calories you need three to four times the grams of kibble.

The reading bands

• Factor below 1.2: a weight-loss plan, to agree with your vet.
• 1.2 to 1.5: a less active adult.
• 1.5 to 1.7: a neutered adult with normal activity.
• 1.7 to 2.1: an active or intact adult.
• 2.1 and above: working or very sporty dogs, puppies or nursing females.

Limits of the calculator

This is a starting estimate, not a prescription. Real needs vary from dog to dog by as much as 20-30%: check weight and shape every two or three weeks, making sure you can feel the ribs without seeing them, and adjust the portion. If your dog is overweight, use the ideal weight and get your vet's guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How much should a 20 kg dog eat?

A neutered 20 kg adult needs about 1,060 kcal a day: with kibble at 370 kcal per 100 g and 10% treats, about 258 g a day.

How are a dog's energy needs calculated?

Start from the resting requirement, 70 × weight^0.75, and multiply by a factor that depends on activity, age and neutering.

Where do I find the food's calories?

On the label, usually in kcal per 100 g or per kg. If it is per kg, divide by 10.

How many treats can I give?

A common rule is to keep treats within 10% of daily calories.

How many meals a day?

Often two for an adult; puppies have more. The daily total stays the same.

Do neutered dogs eat less?

Usually yes: neutering lowers energy needs and raises the risk of weight gain.

What if my dog is overweight?

Use the ideal weight, not the current one, and ask your vet for a weight-loss plan.

Does it work for puppies?

Only as a guide: puppies' needs change quickly. Follow your vet and the puppy food's guidance.

Does the calculator replace the vet?

No: it is a starting estimate to check against your dog's weight and shape.