How much should I feed my dog per day?

A dog's daily calorie need is based on its resting energy requirement (70 × bodyweight in kg^0.75) multiplied by an activity factor — typically 1.6 for a neutered adult. Divide the result by your food's calories per cup to get the number of cups.

How many times a day should I feed my dog?

Most adult dogs do well with two meals a day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals because of their higher energy needs.

Why does neutering change food needs?

Spayed and neutered dogs have a lower metabolic rate, so they need fewer calories and can gain weight easily if fed like an intact dog.

Dog Food Calculator

How much should you feed your dog each day? Get a calorie and cup estimate based on vet energy formulas.

Quick answer Most adult dogs need roughly 25–30 calories per pound of body weight per day. A typical 30 lb (13.6 kg) dog needs about 700–900 kcal/day. The vet formula is RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75, multiplied by an activity factor (about 1.6 for a neutered adult, up to 2.0 for very active dogs). That usually works out to 1.5–2.5 cups of dry food a day, split into two meals.

Dog's weight

Life stage & activity

Food calories per cup — check the bag; ~350 if unsure

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kcal per day

How the dog food calculator works

Vets size a dog's daily food in two steps. First, the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) — the calories needed at rest — is calculated as:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75

Then RER is multiplied by an activity factor (MER) reflecting life stage and lifestyle. A neutered adult uses about 1.6×; a working dog can need 3× or more; a puppy needs 2–3× for growth. Dividing the result by your food's calories per cup gives the daily cups to serve.

Typical daily calorie needs

Dog weight	Neutered adult (kcal/day)

Tips for getting it right

Split the daily amount into two meals for adults, three to four for puppies.
Account for treats — they should be no more than ~10% of daily calories.
Re-check the math after weight changes, neutering, or as your dog ages.
Use a body-condition score: you should be able to feel (not see) the ribs.

⚠️ This is a starting estimate. Your dog's ideal intake depends on metabolism, health conditions, and body condition. Confirm with your veterinarian, especially for weight-loss plans.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups of food does my dog need?

Divide the daily calorie estimate above by the calories per cup printed on your dog food bag. The calculator does this for you when you enter the kcal/cup value.

Should I feed once or twice a day?

Twice a day suits most adult dogs and helps keep energy and blood sugar steady. Puppies need three to four smaller meals.

My dog is gaining weight — what do I change?

Switch the activity setting to "needs to lose weight," cut treats, and recheck the estimate. Aim for gradual loss and confirm the target with your vet.