EVERYDAY CARE / DOG NUTRITION

A starting point
for their daily bowl.

Tell us a little about your dog. Get an estimated daily calorie target and see how we worked it out.

About your dog

No account needed to calculate. Sign in and choose Save to my dogs to keep a target and calculate food portions.

Breed Your dog's weight and body condition guide the target, rather than a breed average.

Current weight (lb)

Birthdate If unknown, enter your best estimate and select Estimated below.

Estimated birthdate

Spay / neuter status

Body condition score (BCS) BCS describes body fat, not size. If you're unsure, ask your veterinary team to assess it.

Veterinarian-provided target weight (lb, optional) Leave blank to estimate a target from current weight and BCS. Puppies use current weight.

My dog is pregnant, nursing, has a medical condition, or is on a prescribed diet.

A LITTLE UNDERSTANDING

The right amount
starts with your dog.

Estimate an appropriate weight.
Calculate resting energy needs.
Apply the factor for growth, maintenance, or weight loss.

For overweight adults, the weight-loss factor replaces the maintenance factor. BCS helps estimate weight; it does not trigger a second calorie reduction.

How this estimate works

For adults at BCS 6–8, estimated target weight = current weight ÷ (1 + 0.10 × (BCS − 5)). A veterinarian-provided target takes priority. BCS 9 needs a veterinarian-provided target; underweight dogs need an individual plan.

Maintenance uses factors of 1.5 (neutered/spayed) or 1.7 (intact). Weight loss uses 1.0 × ideal-weight RER. Growth uses 3.0 before four months and 2.0 from four to twelve months.

These are general estimates for typical pet dogs. Activity, muscle condition, breed maturity, and health affect actual needs.

Based on AAHA energy guidance and AAHA body-condition guidance.

A starting pointfor their daily bowl.

About your dog

A starting point
for their daily bowl.