Tools · Feeding calculator
How much should you feed your dog?
Enter a weight and activity level for an estimate of daily calories, then convert to cups using any food’s calorie density. We show the formula, because a number with no math behind it is just a guess with confidence.
Estimate, not prescription
How many calories does your dog need per day?
Enter a weight to see an estimate.
These numbers use the standard Resting/Maintenance Energy Requirement formula (RER = 70 × kg0.75, then a life-stage multiplier). Real needs vary with metabolism, body condition, climate, health conditions, and the dog in front of you. Body-condition score beats any formula: you should be able to feel ribs without pressing and see a waist from above. PetScored does not give medical advice - if your dog is over- or underweight, has a health condition, or is a growing large-breed puppy, work with your veterinarian on the target.
Common questions.
FAQ
Frequently asked
How is the daily calorie number calculated?
We use the standard veterinary formula. First the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), the calories a dog burns at rest: 70 × (body weight in kilograms) raised to the 0.75 power. Then we multiply by a maintenance factor for life stage and activity to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER), the calories an active dog needs in a day. Both numbers and the multiplier are shown under “Show the math.”
Why does the result feel high or low?
Energy needs vary widely between individual dogs - metabolism, climate, exact activity level, and body condition all move the number. The formula is a starting point, not a target. Adjust based on body-condition score over a few weeks: if your dog is gaining unwanted weight, feed less; if losing, feed more.
How do I find my food's calorie density?
Look for the “calorie content” statement on the bag, usually near the guaranteed analysis. It's typically given as kcal/cup for dry food or kcal/can for wet. Enter the kcal/cup figure, or pick one of the dry foods we've scored to pre-fill it.
Can I use this for a puppy?
The puppy options apply the higher growth multipliers, but growth feeding is the situation where individual guidance matters most - especially for large-breed puppies, where over-feeding and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio carry real orthopedic risk. Use the estimate as a sanity check and confirm the plan with your veterinarian.
Does the food's PetScored rating change how much to feed?
No. The rating measures the quality and transparency of the food; the calculator measures your dog's energy needs. They're independent. A higher-scoring food isn't fed in different amounts - feed to the calorie target regardless of score.
Once you know the calories, the next question is the food.
The calculator tells you how much. PetScored tells you what’s in the bag. Browse every dog food we’ve scored at /dog-food/browse, or see curated picks by need at /best-for.