How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat? Expert Guide with Dog Calorie Calculator and Feeding Chart

Published: 23 Apr 2025

How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat?

A dog’s daily calorie needs depend on weight, age, and activity level. Puppies need about 55–60 kcal per pound per day for healthy growth. Adult dogs need 30–35 kcal per pound to maintain a healthy weight. Senior dogs require only 25–30 kcal per pound due to their slower metabolism.

Table of Content

How Many Calories Should My Dog Eat?
1. Daily Calorie Intake Chart for Dogs By Weight, Age, and Activity Level
How to Calculate Calories Intake for a Dog?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Daily Calorie Intake Chart for Dogs By Weight, Age, and Activity Level

Dog’s Weight (lbs)	Puppy (0–4 months)	Puppy (4–12 months)	Adult (1–6 years, Neutered)	Adult Active (1–6 years)	Senior (7+ years)
5 lbs	390 kcal	260 kcal	210 kcal	280 kcal	170 kcal
10 lbs	660 kcal	440 kcal	360 kcal	470 kcal	300 kcal
15 lbs	890 kcal	590 kcal	480 kcal	630 kcal	400 kcal
20 lbs	1100 kcal	730 kcal	600 kcal	780 kcal	500 kcal
25 lbs	1290 kcal	860 kcal	710 kcal	930 kcal	590 kcal
30 lbs	1470 kcal	980 kcal	820 kcal	1070 kcal	680 kcal
40 lbs	1800 kcal	1200 kcal	1000 kcal	1300 kcal	830 kcal
50 lbs	2100 kcal	1400 kcal	1160 kcal	1510 kcal	970 kcal
60 lbs	2400 kcal	1600 kcal	1320 kcal	1710 kcal	1100 kcal
70 lbs	2700 kcal	1800 kcal	1480 kcal	1910 kcal	1240 kcal
80 lbs	2950 kcal	1970 kcal	1620 kcal	2100 kcal	1350 kcal
90 lbs	3200 kcal	2140 kcal	1750 kcal	2270 kcal	1460 kcal
100 lbs	3450 kcal	2300 kcal	1880 kcal	2440 kcal	1570 kcal

Now that you know how many calories a dog needs each day, you would also like to know:

How to Calculate Calories Intake for a Dog?

Knowing how many calories your dog needs starts with a simple vet-approved formula called Resting Energy Requirement (RER). It’s the base number of calories your dog needs while resting, just to keep their body functioning.

Step 1: Calculate Your Dog’s RER (Resting Energy Requirement)

Use this formula:

RER = 70 × (Body weight in kg)⁰·⁷⁵

If you’re using pounds, convert your dog’s weight to kg first:

1 pound = 0.45 kg

Example: Let’s say your dog weighs 22 pounds (10 kg).

RER = 70 × (10 kg)⁰·⁷⁵ = 394 kcal/day

That’s the number of calories your dog would need at rest.

Step 2: Multiply RER by the Right Life Stage & Activity Factor

This is where puppies, seniors, and active dogs differ. Use the table below:

Dog Type	Multiply RER by
Neutered adult	1.6
Intact (non-neutered) adult	1.8
Active/working dog	2.0 – 5.0
Puppy (0–4 months)	3.0
Puppy (4–12 months)	2.0
Adult dog (general average)	1.6 – 1.8
Senior dog (low activity)	1.2 – 1.4
Overweight dog (on a diet)	1.0 – 1.2

Example: If your dog is a neutered adult:

394 kcal × 1.6 = 630 kcal/day

That’s how many calories your dog should eat per day to stay healthy.

Want a Faster Way? Use Our Free Dog Calorie Calculator

Skip the math and use our tool instead! Just enter your dog’s weight, age, and activity level, and we’ll instantly tell you results adjusted for puppies, adults, and seniors.

Free Dog Calorie Calculator!

Calculate Now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my dog is getting the right number of calories?

Watch your dog’s body condition, energy levels, and weight. If your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, you may need to adjust the calorie intake. Our calorie calculator and feeding chart can guide you based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

How many calories does a puppy need per day?

Puppies need 55–60 kcal per pound of body weight daily to support healthy growth and development. Younger pups (under 4 months) need even more than older ones.

How many calories should a senior dog eat?

Senior dogs (aged 7+ years) typically need fewer calories—around 25–30 kcal per pound—because of their slower metabolism and lower activity. However, calorie needs can vary with health status, so always adjust based on condition and vet advice.

Do active dogs need more calories than regular dogs?

Yes! Active or working dogs burn more energy and often need 2 to 3 times the calories of a neutered sedentary dog.

Example: A 20-pound sedentary dog needs approximately 400-500 calories per day. A 20-pound active dog may need 600-800 calories per day.

How often should I recalculate my dog’s calorie needs?

Recheck your dog’s calorie needs every few months or when their activity level, weight, or health status changes. Puppies grow rapidly, while seniors slow down, and changes in routine, such as weather or exercise, also affect calorie burn.

Is calorie counting better than feeding by eye or cup?

Yes—feeding by calories is more accurate than using cups alone. Different foods have different calorie densities, so measuring in kcal ensures your dog gets what they actually need, not just volume.

How many calories should a dog eat if it’s overweight?

If your dog is overweight, reduce its calorie intake to help it lose weight safely. A good rule is to feed 80–90% of its maintenance calories. You can also multiply your dog’s RER (Resting Energy Requirement) by 1.0 to 1.2 instead of the usual 1.6 (for neutered adults).

Example: If your dog’s RER is 400 kcal/day, feed:
400 × 1.0 = 400 kcal/day (for weight loss)
400 × 1.2 = 480 kcal/day (if mildly overweight)

Always monitor weight weekly and talk to your vet to adjust the feeding plan safely.