Pet Food Calculator
Feeding the right amount is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's health. This calculator uses the veterinary Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula to determine your dog or cat's daily calorie needs, then converts that to practical portions of dry or wet food.
The calculation starts with the Resting Energy Requirement (RER), the standard veterinary formula:
- RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75
- Daily calories = RER x activity factor (1.2 to 3.0 depending on age, species, and activity)
Activity factors vary by life stage and energy level. Puppies and kittens require 2.5-3x RER for growth. Active working dogs may need 2x RER, while senior indoor cats may only need 1.1x RER. Neutered or spayed pets may need slightly less than intact animals.
Standard dry dog and cat food provides approximately 350-400 calories per cup, though this varies significantly by brand and formula. Always check the specific calorie content on your pet food packaging (listed as kcal/cup or kcal/can) and adjust portions accordingly. A kitchen scale provides the most accurate measurements, since cups can vary depending on kibble size and how full you pack them.