Dog Calorie & RER Calculator
Enter your dog's weight and life stage to instantly calculate resting energy requirement (RER) and recommended daily calorie intake.
Use the Dog Calorie & RER Calculator
Dog Details
MER factor: 1.6× RER
Results
Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
— kcal / day
Formula: 70 × (weight in kg)0.75
Daily Calorie Target (MER)
— kcal / day
RER × — (life-stage factor)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight used | — |
| Life stage | — |
| MER factor | — |
| Meals / day (split equally) | — |
These values are estimates. Adjust based on body condition score (BCS) over 2–4 weeks. Consult your veterinarian for weight-loss or therapeutic diets.
Summary
This calculator uses the standard veterinary formula RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75 to find your dog's resting energy requirement, then applies a life-stage multiplier to estimate daily calorie needs. Life-stage factors follow WSAVA and AAFCO nutritional guidelines. Enter weight in kg or lbs, pick the life stage that fits your dog, and get both RER and daily kcal targets immediately.
How it works
- Enter your dog's body weight in kilograms or pounds.
- Select the unit (kg or lbs) — the calculator converts automatically.
- Choose the life stage that best describes your dog.
- Read the RER (kcal/day) — the baseline metabolic calorie need.
- Read the daily calorie target — RER multiplied by the life-stage factor.
- Divide daily kcal by the kcal density on your food bag to find the amount to feed.
Use cases
- Estimate how many calories an adult dog needs to maintain healthy weight.
- Adjust feeding amounts after a dog is spayed or neutered.
- Plan calorie intake for a puppy during rapid growth.
- Support veterinary weight-loss programs with accurate target kcal.
- Compare calorie needs before and after a life-stage change.
- Cross-check feeding recommendations on commercial pet food labels.