How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat? Chart by Weight
Published by MaunaPet. Editorial policy and sources.
There is no single number for every dog. Calorie needs depend on weight, age, neuter status and activity. Vets work them out in two steps, and you can do the same at home.
The two-step formula
- Resting energy requirement (RER): RER = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75. This is the energy the body uses at rest.
- Daily energy requirement (DER): DER = RER × a factor for life stage and activity.
Dog calorie chart by weight
| Weight | RER | Senior or inactive (× 1.2) | Neutered adult (× 1.6) | Intact adult (× 1.8) | Active (× 2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg (4 lb) | 118 kcal | 142 kcal | 189 kcal | 212 kcal | 236 kcal |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | 234 kcal | 281 kcal | 374 kcal | 421 kcal | 468 kcal |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 394 kcal | 473 kcal | 630 kcal | 709 kcal | 788 kcal |
| 15 kg (33 lb) | 534 kcal | 641 kcal | 854 kcal | 961 kcal | 1068 kcal |
| 20 kg (44 lb) | 662 kcal | 794 kcal | 1059 kcal | 1192 kcal | 1324 kcal |
| 25 kg (55 lb) | 783 kcal | 940 kcal | 1253 kcal | 1409 kcal | 1566 kcal |
| 30 kg (66 lb) | 897 kcal | 1076 kcal | 1435 kcal | 1615 kcal | 1794 kcal |
| 40 kg (88 lb) | 1113 kcal | 1336 kcal | 1781 kcal | 2003 kcal | 2226 kcal |
| 50 kg (110 lb) | 1316 kcal | 1579 kcal | 2106 kcal | 2369 kcal | 2632 kcal |
Treat the chart as a starting point. Two dogs of the same weight can have clearly different needs. Adjust portions to body condition, not only to the table.
Factors for other situations
- Weight loss: 1.0 × RER, ideally calculated from the target weight and agreed with your vet.
- Puppies under 4 months: 3.0 × RER.
- Puppies from 4 to 12 months: 2.0 × RER.
- Working and performance dogs: 2.5 × RER or more.
- Nursing mothers: about 3.0 × RER; needs rise with litter size.
Does breed change the answer?
Mostly through adult size and activity. A 30 kg Labrador and a 30 kg working sighthound start from the same RER, but the factor differs with how much they move and how easily they gain weight. Use your dog's actual weight and lifestyle rather than a breed average, and for puppies estimate adult size with the puppy weight calculator.
From calories to grams of food
Find the energy content on the bag, in kcal per 100 g or per kg. Then: grams per day = daily calories ÷ (kcal per 100 g) × 100.
Example: a 20 kg (44 lb) neutered adult needs about 1059 kcal a day. With dry food at 360 kcal per 100 g, that is about 295 g a day, split into two meals. Weigh food on a kitchen scale; measuring cups give large errors.
Treats count too
Treats and table scraps should stay at 10% of daily calories or less. For a dog on 1059 kcal, that is at most 106 kcal from treats.
How to know the portion is right
Check weight and body condition score once a month. If your dog is gaining, cut the portion by about 10% and reassess after 2–4 weeks. If your dog is losing weight without a plan, see your vet before feeding more. See also how to tell if your dog is overweight.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a 10 kg dog need per day?
A neutered adult dog of 10 kg (22 lb) needs about 630 kcal a day, and a senior or inactive dog about 473 kcal. The figure is RER = 70 × (weight in kg) to the power of 0.75, multiplied by an activity factor.
How many calories does a puppy need?
Puppies need more energy per kilogram than adults: about 3 × RER under 4 months and 2 × RER from 4 to 12 months. A 5 kg puppy under 4 months needs about 702 kcal a day.
How many calories should a dog eat to lose weight?
The usual starting point is 1.0 × RER, ideally calculated from the target weight. A safe rate is 1–2% of body weight lost per week. Ask your vet to confirm the plan before cutting food.
How do I convert calories into grams of dog food?
Divide the daily calories by the food's energy content in kcal per 100 g, then multiply by 100. For example, 1059 kcal from a food with 360 kcal per 100 g is about 295 g a day.
Sources and further reading
- WSAVA — Global Nutrition Guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
- Pet Nutrition Alliance — Calorie Calculator
Links checked on November 12, 2026. These sources support the topic; they do not certify this entire article. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.