Dog Food Calorie Calculator
Calculate your dog's Daily Metabolic Energy Requirement (MER)
Recommended Daily Intake:
How to Use the Dog Food Calorie Calculator
Determining exactly how much to feed your dog is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. Overfeeding leads to obesity and joint issues, while underfeeding can result in nutritional deficiencies. This calculator uses the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula, which is the standard used by veterinarians to determine baseline metabolic needs.
The Science: RER vs. MER
Our calculator performs a two-step scientific calculation:
- RER (Resting Energy Requirement): This is the energy used by a dog at rest in a thermoneutral environment. The formula is: RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75.
- MER (Metabolic Energy Requirement): This is the RER multiplied by a factor that accounts for the dog's life stage, reproductive status, and activity level.
Example Scenarios
To give you an idea of how calorie needs change, consider these realistic examples:
- A 50lb Neutered Golden Retriever: Typically requires approximately 1,230 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight.
- A 10lb Active Jack Russell Terrier: Despite being smaller, their high metabolism and activity might require around 450 calories per day.
- A 60lb Pregnant Dog (Last Trimester): Needs significantly more energy, roughly 2,100 calories per day, to support litter growth.
Important Factors to Consider
While this tool provides a highly accurate estimate, remember that treat intake should never exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calories. If you give high-calorie treats, you must subtract those calories from their main meals to prevent weight gain.