Dog Feeding Calculator
Enter your dog's details and get an instant daily feeding recommendation — tailored to their weight, age, activity level, and body condition.
Run your hands along your dog's ribcage. You should feel ribs without pressing hard, but not see them clearly.
What affects how much your dog needs?
Every dog is different. Here's what the research actually says about the key variables.
Breed & body size
A 5 kg Chihuahua and a 5 kg puppy Golden Retriever have very different caloric needs. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly and can be prone to obesity — their feeding guidelines are often more conservative than you'd expect.
Age matters a lot
Puppies need roughly twice the calories per kilogram of an adult dog to fuel rapid growth and development. Senior dogs (7+) typically need 20% fewer calories as their metabolism slows and activity drops. Adjusting for age is one of the biggest levers you have.
Activity level
A working sheepdog doing 8 hours of active herding needs dramatically more food than a lapdog who strolls around the garden. Activity is the single biggest variable in adult caloric needs — the difference between low and high activity can be a 60–70% swing in daily calories.
Health conditions
Dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, allergies, or thyroid issues often need specific diets prescribed by a vet — not just adjusted portions of regular food. If your dog has any diagnosed condition, always follow your vet's specific feeding plan.
Food quality & type
Caloric density varies enormously between foods. A premium kibble might have 3.8 kcal/g while a budget brand packs 4.2 kcal/g. Wet food is roughly 70% water, so portions look very different. Always cross-reference our estimates with the feeding guide on your specific bag or can.
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