Estimate daily calories and food portions for your dog or cat based on weight, life stage, and activity level.
Proper nutrition is the foundation of your pet's health. Just like humans, pets need the right balance of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to thrive. This calculator helps estimate daily calorie needs based on scientifically-backed formulas used by veterinary nutritionists.
Too few calories leads to weight loss, muscle wasting, and nutritional deficiencies. Too many calories leads to obesity—which affects over 50% of pets in developed countries and significantly shortens lifespan.
Veterinary nutritionists use a two-step process:
RER is the energy needed to maintain basic body functions at rest. The formula is:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
MER adjusts RER based on life stage, activity, and other factors. We multiply RER by a factor:
Your pet's actual needs may differ from calculator estimates:
To use this calculator effectively, you need to know your food's calorie content:
If your food shows kcal/cup, you can approximate:
Numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Learn to assess your pet's BCS:
Ask your vet to teach you proper BCS assessment at your next visit.
No. This calculator provides generic estimates only. Your vet may adjust calories based on breed, medical issues, ideal target weight, metabolic rate, and lab results. Use this as a starting point, not a replacement for professional guidance.
Weight-loss or weight-gain plans should be set with a veterinarian. Safe weight loss is typically 1-2% body weight per week. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet, specific calorie targets, and regular weigh-ins to monitor progress safely.
Monthly for adult pets maintaining weight; weekly for puppies/kittens, pregnant/nursing pets, or pets on weight-loss programs. Use the same scale at the same time of day for consistency.
Yes! Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. A single large treat for a small dog can be a significant portion of their daily needs. Factor treats into total intake, or reduce meal portions on high-treat days.
Most adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day. Cats often prefer multiple small meals. Puppies and kittens need 3-4 meals daily. Senior pets or those with medical conditions may need modified schedules—ask your vet.
Both can be nutritionally complete. Wet food provides more moisture (good for cats and pets with kidney issues) but is more expensive per calorie. Dry food is convenient and may help dental health. Many owners successfully combine both.
Some pets are naturally food-motivated. Others may have underlying conditions (diabetes, thyroid disease, intestinal parasites). If your pet seems excessively hungry despite adequate calories, consult your vet to rule out medical causes.
Transition gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset. Start with 25% new food/75% old food, then 50/50, then 75/25, then 100% new food. Slower transitions (2-3 weeks) may be needed for sensitive pets.