Tips from a professional pet sitter
Dog Feeding Calculator
Estimate daily food portions and calories for your dog based on weight, age, activity, and body-condition goal. Print or download the feeding schedule and give it to your sitter, walker, or family.
Your dog
Check the bag — most kibble is 300–450 kcal/cup. Default 350.
Estimated daily feeding
Cups per day
3.07
at 350 kcal/cup
Calories/day
1076
MER estimate
Meal plan
2 meals/day
1.54 cups per meal
3 meals/day
1.02 cups per meal
RER 672 kcal — estimates only. Verify against your food label and your veterinarian's guidance. Weight and body condition can shift these numbers by 10–20%.
Real-world advice
These formulas mirror the RER/MER math used across the pet-care industry, tuned by a working pet sitter's experience across hundreds of homes.
Not medical advice
Estimates only. Weight, health conditions, and food density vary. Always confirm with your veterinarian.
Free and printable
Copy or print the results and hand them to any sitter, walker, or family member — no vague notes.
Compare trusted food options
After you have a portion estimate, pick a food that matches your dog's life stage. These are partners many pet owners choose — always check the label and your vet.
Recommendation
Adult, puppy & large-breed dog food
Best for: Everyday feeding for healthy adults, puppies, and large-breed dogs.
Benefits
- Huge selection with AAFCO-complete formulas
- Auto-ship discounts and free shipping over $49
- Easy returns — dog didn't like it, no problem
Considerations
- Compare the label calorie density (kcal/cup) to your calculator result
- Transition slowly — mix old and new food over 7–10 days
Pet sitter's tip
Search by your dog's life stage first, then filter by protein and size. Note the kcal/cup and re-run the calculator if it's far from 350.
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you buy — at no cost to you. This supports the site. Always consult your veterinarian for medical concerns.
Recommendation
Prescription and therapeutic diets
Best for: Dogs on vet-prescribed food for weight, kidney, or GI support.
Benefits
- Prescription diets alongside pharmacy in one place
- Autoship for meds and food together
- Chat with a licensed pharmacist for questions
Considerations
- Requires an active prescription from your vet
- Not a substitute for follow-up appointments
Pet sitter's tip
If your vet has recommended a therapeutic diet, keep the receipts — you may be able to reimburse through pet insurance.
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you buy — at no cost to you. This supports the site. Always consult your veterinarian for medical concerns.
How much should I feed my dog?
The right amount of food depends on four things: your dog's weight, life stage, activity level, and current body condition. This calculator uses the standard veterinary formula for Resting Energy Requirement (RER) then applies a Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) multiplier to give you a realistic daily calorie target and portion estimate.
What should I do next?
- Check the calorie density (kcal/cup) on your food label.
- Re-run the calculator using your food's actual number if it differs.
- Split the total into 2 meals for adults (3–4 for young puppies).
- Re-weigh your dog in 2 weeks and adjust by ~10% if needed.
How can I save money?
Autoship + large-bag buying usually saves 20–35% versus retail. Pair with a strict portion (don't free-feed) and you'll cut both food costs and vet costs over the long run.
Frequently asked questions
How does this dog feeding calculator work?+
It estimates Resting Energy Requirement (RER = 70 × weight_kg^0.75) then multiplies by a life-stage and activity factor to produce Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER, kcal/day). Cups per day are estimated using a typical kibble calorie density (about 350 kcal/cup) which you should confirm against your food's label.
Should I feed puppies the same amount?+
No. Puppies eat 2–3× the maintenance calories of an adult dog. The calculator adjusts automatically when you choose the puppy life stage. Always match feeding to the food label and your vet's guidance.
How many meals per day?+
Adults typically eat 2 meals/day. Puppies under 6 months usually need 3–4 meals/day. Senior dogs often do best with 2 smaller meals.
What if my dog is overweight?+
Choose a lower activity level and select the “weight loss” goal. Cut portions gradually (about 10%) and re-weigh every 2 weeks. Any structured weight loss plan should be reviewed with your vet.
Which food should I actually buy?+
Look for an AAFCO statement matching your dog's life stage, a named animal protein as the first ingredient, and a brand that publishes feeding trials. See our recommendations further down for options many pet owners choose from Chewy and PetMeds.
Related tools & guides
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