Estimate how many calories your dog needs each day, based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Editorially ReviewedThis is a starting estimate based on your dog's weight, life stage, and activity. Split the total across 2–3 meals per day. Adjust based on their body condition score (BCS) and your vet's guidance.
One email per week with new calculators, seasonal reminders, and editorially reviewed care guides.
Understand the formula behind your dog's daily calories.
Weight, age, activity, neutering & breed all matter.
Key signs to watch for in weight or appetite.
More dog calculators to make daily life easier.
We use the standard formula used by veterinarians worldwide, based on the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Nutritional Guidelines and Merck Veterinary Manual.
The calculation runs in two steps: first we determine your dog's Resting Energy Requirement (RER), then we multiply it by an activity factor to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) — the actual daily calorie target.
| Dog Weight | Neutered Adult (cal/day) | Active Adult (cal/day) | Approx. Cups of Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 260 | 290 | ¾ cup |
| 20 lb | 440 | 480 | 1¼ cups |
| 30 lb | 590 | 650 | 1½ cups |
| 50 lb | 860 | 950 | 2¼ cups |
| 70 lb | 1,110 | 1,220 | 3 cups |
| 90 lb | 1,340 | 1,470 | 3¾ cups |
| 120 lb | 1,670 | 1,830 | 4½ cups |
RER is the calories your dog burns at rest, just to keep their body running. The formula is:
RER = 70 × (weight in kg) 0.75
MER multiplies the RER by an activity factor based on your dog's life stage and lifestyle:
This calculator gives you a strong starting point, but several real-world things change actual calorie needs:
Always work with your veterinarian on your dog's diet plan. Reach out to them if you notice:
A dog's daily calorie needs depend on weight, age, and activity level. As a general guide: a 10 lb adult dog needs around 290 calories per day, a 30 lb adult dog needs around 700 calories, a 60 lb adult dog needs around 1,180 calories, and a 90 lb adult dog needs around 1,600 calories.
Puppies, working dogs, and intact (un-neutered) dogs need more. Senior and sedentary dogs need less. Use the calculator above for a personalized target.
MyNubs uses the standard veterinary formula. First we calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER) using 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. Then we multiply that by an activity factor that ranges from 1.0 (weight loss) to 3.0 (very young puppy) to get the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) — your dog's actual daily calorie target.
Bag instructions are generic ranges meant for an average dog at that weight. This calculator personalizes for your dog's age, activity, and reproductive status, so it usually gives a more accurate target.
Use it as a starting point, then adjust based on body condition score — if your dog is gaining weight, feed less; if losing, feed more.
Most adult dogs do best with 2 meals per day, spaced about 8-12 hours apart. Puppies under 6 months should be fed 3-4 times per day.
Some breeds prone to bloat (Great Danes, Standard Poodles, large deep-chested dogs) benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. Split your dog's daily calorie target across however many meals you choose.
Constant hunger can be normal for some breeds (especially labradors, beagles, and other food-motivated breeds), but it can also signal medical issues like diabetes, Cushing's disease, or thyroid problems.
If your dog is begging more than usual, losing weight despite eating, drinking more water, or showing other changes, ask your vet to run baseline bloodwork.
Yes — and most owners underestimate them. Treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily calories. For a 60 lb dog needing 1,180 calories per day, that's roughly 118 calories from treats.
A single dental chew is often 70-150 calories on its own, so it adds up fast. Track them or use lower-calorie alternatives like baby carrots or green beans.