Pets

Pet Food Calculator

Calculate how much food your dog or cat needs daily based on weight, age, and activity level. Get calorie targets and cup measurements.

Quick Answer

A typical 30 lb adult dog needs 700-900 calories/day (about 2 cups of dry food). A 10 lb adult cat needs 200-300 calories/day (about 2/3 cup). Puppies and kittens need 1.5x more calories per pound than adults. Senior pets need about 15% fewer calories.

lbs

Daily Feeding Guide

Daily Calories
694
kcal / day
Dry Food
1.8
cups / day
Per Meal
0.9
cups x 2 meals

Feeding Schedule

Two meals per day (morning and evening)

Based on ~380 kcal/cup (avg dry food). Check your food's label for exact calorie content.

Calculation Breakdown

Weight: 13.6 kg
Resting Energy (RER): 70 x 13.6^0.75 = 496 kcal
Activity multiplier: x1.4
Age multiplier: x1
Daily Energy: 694 kcal

About This Tool

The Pet Food Calculator estimates daily calorie requirements for dogs and cats using the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula recommended by veterinary nutritionists. It accounts for pet type, weight, age, and activity level to give you a personalized feeding guide.

How Calorie Needs Are Calculated

The Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the number of calories a pet needs just to maintain basic body functions at rest. It is calculated as 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75. This is then multiplied by activity and life-stage factors. Active dogs need 1.6-1.8x their RER, while a sedentary indoor cat may only need 1.0-1.2x.

Puppies, Kittens, and Seniors

Growing pets have significantly higher calorie needs per pound of body weight. Puppies and kittens need roughly 1.5x the adult maintenance calories to fuel growth. Conversely, senior pets (typically 7+ for dogs, 10+ for cats) have slower metabolisms and need about 15% fewer calories. Overfeeding seniors is one of the most common causes of pet obesity.

Adjusting for Your Food

Calorie content varies significantly between pet food brands, ranging from 250-500+ calories per cup. Always check the guaranteed analysis on your food's label for the exact kcal/cup figure and adjust portions accordingly. Wet food typically has 70-120 calories per 5.5 oz can, so you will need more volume compared to dry food.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does my dog need per day?
Daily calorie needs depend on weight, age, and activity level. The base formula is RER = 70 x (weight in kg)^0.75, then multiplied by an activity factor (1.2 for sedentary up to 1.8 for very active dogs). A typical 30 lb adult dog with moderate activity needs about 700-800 calories per day.
How many cups of food should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats weighing 8-10 lbs need about 200-300 calories per day, which equals roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry food (based on ~350 cal/cup average). Wet food has fewer calories per volume, so you will need more. Always check your specific food's calorie content on the label.
Should I feed my pet once or twice a day?
Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day (morning and evening). Adult cats benefit from 2-3 smaller meals. Puppies and kittens under 6 months need 3-4 meals per day. Senior pets may also benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
You should be able to feel (but not see) your pet's ribs easily. When viewed from above, they should have a visible waist. From the side, the belly should tuck up behind the ribs. If ribs are hard to feel under a layer of fat, or there is no waist definition, your pet may be overweight. Consult your veterinarian for a body condition assessment.
Does this calculator account for treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calorie intake. The calculator shows total daily calories needed. If you give treats, reduce the food portion accordingly. A single dog biscuit can be 30-100 calories, so they add up quickly.

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