Pet Food Portion & Daily Calorie Calculator

Enter your pet's weight, age, and activity level to get their daily calorie needs (RER × MER) and the grams of their specific food to feed per day. Nothing uploaded.

Dogs & cats RER × MER ? Grams per meal FEDIAF guidelines

Pet Details

Daily Feeding

-
maintenance calories/day
Resting energy (RER)-
Activity factor-

These are estimates based on average metabolic rates. Monitor body condition and adjust amounts if the pet gains or loses weight. Consult a vet for medical conditions.

Learn more: pet nutrition and daily calorie requirements

How body weight and activity level determine daily calories

Daily caloric need depends on weight and activity level. A 20kg moderately active dog needs 800-1000 kcal/day; sedentary 20kg dog needs roughly 700 kcal/day. REE formula adjusted by activity multiplier: 1.2 sedentary, 1.5 moderate, 1.8 very active. Senior or neutered pets need less; puppies and pregnant females need more.

Converting caloric needs to food portion size

Pet food labels list calories per cup or per 100g. If your dog needs 900 kcal/day and food has 400 kcal/cup: 900 / 400 = 2.25 cups. Some foods are denser (500+ kcal/cup), so portions vary. The calculator handles this automatically - enter weight, activity level, and food brand for daily portion.

Why weight and age matter more than breed

A 25kg mixed breed might need different portions than a 25kg purebred due to metabolism. The calculator focuses on weight and age (puppies, adults, seniors metabolize differently). Individual pets vary - monitor body condition and adjust if weight changes despite correct portions.

FAQ

How often should I feed my dog?

Adult dogs typically eat once or twice daily. Puppies need 3-4 meals. Senior dogs can eat once daily but twice is easier on digestion. The calculator shows daily amount; divide by meals as you prefer.

Should I adjust portions for training or exercise?

Yes. Dogs with high activity levels need 10-20% more calories. Sedentary or neutered dogs may need 10-15% less. Monitor your pet's body condition and adjust accordingly.

What if my pet is overweight?

Reduce portions by 10-20% and increase exercise. Weight loss should be gradual - about 1-2% of body weight per week. Consult a vet before making major dietary changes.

Last reviewed: June 4, 2026