How much food should I feed my dog?

The amount depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. As a general guideline, adult dogs need about 2-3% of their body weight in food daily. Use our calculator for a precise recommendation based on your dog's specific needs.

How often should I feed my dog?

Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day (morning and evening). Puppies under 6 months may need 3-4 smaller meals. Senior dogs may also benefit from smaller, more frequent meals.

Does my dog's activity level really matter?

Yes, significantly. A highly active working dog may need 30-50% more calories than a low-activity couch companion of the same size. Adjust portions based on your dog's daily exercise routine.

How do I measure dog food accurately?

Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements. One standard measuring cup of dry kibble is approximately 100-110 grams, but this varies by brand and kibble size.

Should puppies eat more than adult dogs?

Per kilogram of body weight, yes. Puppies need about 2-3 times more calories relative to their weight compared to adult dogs because they're growing rapidly. Always use puppy-specific food formulations.

How many times a day should I feed my dog?

Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day. Puppies under 6 months need 3 to 4 smaller meals. Large breed puppies should be fed controlled portions to prevent rapid growth issues.

How do I calculate my dog's daily calorie needs?

Use the Resting Energy Requirement formula: RER = 70 times body weight in kg raised to the power of 0.75. Then multiply by a life stage factor (1.6 for neutered adult, 2.0 for active dogs).

Is raw food better than kibble for dogs?

Both can provide complete nutrition when properly formulated. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalance. Consult your veterinarian before switching.

How much water should my dog drink daily?

Dogs should drink approximately 50 to 60 ml per kilogram of body weight per day. A 20 kg dog needs about 1 to 1.2 litres daily. Dogs eating wet food will drink less.

Should I adjust portions if my dog is overweight?

Yes. Reduce daily calories by 10 to 20 percent and increase exercise. Use the calculator with the weight loss activity level selected. Gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 percent body weight per week is ideal.

Last updated: 29.03.2026

Dog Food Calculator

Calculate how much food your dog needs daily based on weight, age, and activity level. Get precise portions in grams and cups for dry food.

Calculate Daily Food PortionsUpdates instantly

Enter your dog's weight and select their age and activity level for a personalized feeding recommendation.

Example: 25kg adult dog, moderate activity

396g/dayestimated daily food amount

1252 kcal daily~3.6 cups per day

Enter your dog's weight above for a personalized recommendation.

How Dog Food Portions Are Calculated

Vets use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula to estimate a dog's calorie needs. RER equals 70 multiplied by body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75. This gives the base calories your dog needs at rest. The Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) multiplies RER by an activity factor. Low-activity or senior dogs use 1.0 to 1.2. Moderately active adults use 1.4 to 1.6. Very active or working dogs use 1.6 to 2.0. Puppies need 2.0 to 3.0 depending on age. Our calculator applies these formulas and converts calories into grams based on your food type.

Feeding by Life Stage

Puppies grow fast and need more calories per kilogram than adult dogs. From 4 to 12 months, puppies may need 2 to 3 times the adult calorie level for their weight. Most vets suggest feeding puppies 3 to 4 times a day until 6 months old. Then switch to twice daily. Adult dogs (1 to 7 years) do well on two meals per day. Senior dogs often need 10 to 20 percent fewer calories. However, they may benefit from higher protein to keep muscle mass. Always change foods gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid stomach problems.

Dry Food vs. Wet Food vs. Raw Diet

Dry kibble has about 300 to 400 calories per 100 grams. It is the most cost-effective option. Wet canned food has 80 to 120 calories per 100 grams because it is 70 to 80 percent water. Raw diets vary but generally have 150 to 250 calories per 100 grams. You cannot swap equal weights between food types. Our calculator adjusts for caloric density so your dog gets the right energy from any format. Mixed feeding is common. You can split the daily calorie target between dry and wet food.