Limited Time Offer - New Customers Try Free + $4.99 Shipping  Get Started

How to calculate your dog's daily calories.

Understanding your dog's caloric needs is fundamental to their health and longevity. Our science-based approach makes complex nutrition calculations simple and actionable, helping you provide the precise care your companion deserves.

Smiling dog in the mountains

Why proper nutrition matters for your dog's wellness journey.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your dog's health and longevity. According to the 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines, calculating your dog's daily caloric needs requires considering multiple factors including age, activity level, breed characteristics, and current body condition.

For dogs like Foster, our founder's wonderful Chihuahua and Rat Terrier mix, metabolism and caloric needs change significantly with age and activity level, making regular assessment crucial for maintaining optimal health throughout their life journey.

The weight management challenge facing our pets.

Nearly 60% of dogs are overweight or obese, making this one of the most significant yet preventable health risks facing our beloved companions today.

Health Risks of Excess Weight

  • ⚠️ Reduced lifespan by up to 2 years
  • ⚠️ Increased risk of osteoarthritis
  • ⚠️ Higher likelihood of developing diabetes and endocrine diseases
  • ⚠️ Decreased quality of life and mobility issues

Common Calculation Challenges

  • 📊 Reduced energy needs after spaying or neutering
  • 📊 Age-related metabolic changes
  • 📊 Treats and table scraps often overlooked in daily counts
  • 📊 Individual metabolic differences between dogs

Especially Critical for Small Dogs

For small breeds like Chihuahuas and Rat Terriers, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important as they age, since even a few pounds overweight can easily be overlooked. Even a few extra treats each day can gradually push them over their ideal weight as their metabolism slows.

The science behind calorie calculations.

Understanding the method behind calorie calculations helps ensure your dog receives the precise nutrition they need for optimal health and longevity.

The RER Foundation

Resting Energy Requirement (RER) is the amount of energy, measured in kilocalories, that a dog needs to maintain basic physiological functions while at rest.

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75

This formula accounts for the metabolic needs of vital organs, cellular repair, and basic body functions that occur even during rest.

Activity Multipliers

Once RER is calculated, we apply lifestyle factors to determine total daily energy needs:

  • • Weight loss: 0.8-1.0 × RER
  • • Less active/weight management: 1.0-1.2 × RER
  • • Neutered adult: 1.2-1.4 × RER

Foster's daily calorie calculation example.

Here's how we calculate daily calories for Foster, our founder's wonderful 23.1-pound senior mixed breed, demonstrating the step-by-step process for precise nutrition planning.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. 1.
    Convert weight to kilograms:
    23.1 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 10.48 kg
  2. 2.
    Calculate RER:
    70 × (10.48)0.75 = 407.6 calories
  3. 3.
    Apply activity factor (1.0-1.2):
    Low end: 407.6 × 1.0 = 408 calories
    High end: 407.6 × 1.2 = 489 calories
    Average: 448 calories

Final Allocation

448
Total Daily Calories
Balanced food: 426 calories
Treats (5%): 22 calories

Note: This is only an estimate. Monitor body condition, weight regularly, and appetite adjusting as needed based on your dog's individual response.

Calculate your dog's daily calorie needs.

Use our interactive calculator to determine your dog's personalized calorie requirements. Simply adjust the values below to see your dog's estimated daily calorie range.

Enter weight and select life stage to calculate an estimated daily calorie range, according to AAHA 2021 method. Note this is an estimate only, each dog is different so please consult your vet for personalized advice.

Daily Calorie Range

367
Low
408
Average
448
High

Daily Breakdown

Food: 387 calories
Treats (5.0%): 20 calories

Essential practices for optimal weight management.

Best Practices

  • ✓ Measure portions accurately using a kitchen scale when possible
  • ✓ Count all calories including treats, supplements, and table scraps
  • ✓ Monitor and adjust based on weight trends and body condition
  • ✓ Maintain appropriate exercise for your dog's age and ability

Professional Support

While these calculations provide a solid foundation, every dog is unique. Professional guidance ensures optimal results tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Remember: Consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has health conditions or special dietary needs.

Ready to experience precision nutrition?

Our personalized approach eliminates the guesswork from calorie calculations. Every meal is precisely portioned for your dog's unique needs, with ongoing monitoring and expert guidance to ensure optimal results.

Preview Personalized Plans

See how precision nutrition works

Start Wellness Journey

Personalized for your companion