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Updated Sep 02, 2025

Calculate dog calories and convert to cups or grams.

What is Body condition (1–5) and how do I choose?

10-second home check:

  • Ribs (touch) – feel easily with light pressure = ideal; hard to feel = overweight; very sharp/visible = too thin.
  • Waist (top view) – visible “hourglass” = ideal; little/no waist = overweight.
  • Tummy tuck (side view) – slight upward tuck = ideal; flat/sagging = overweight.

Pick a score: 1 = very thin • 2 = underweight • 3 = ideal • 4 = overweight • 5 = obese.

How we use it: adjusts daily calories by about 1→+20%, 2→+10%, 3→0%, 4→−10%, 5→−20%.

Unsure? Choose 3 (Ideal), weigh weekly, then update the score.

Calculate Your Dog's Daily Calorie Needs

Dog calorie calculator: enter weight, life stage, activity and body condition. We compute daily calories (kcal/day) and convert to cups and grams using your food’s kcal/cup or kcal/100g.

How to Use Your Results

Start with the suggested calories. Feed for 7–10 days, then re-check your dog’s body condition and weight. Adjust portions by 5–10% as needed. Keep treats within 10% of daily calories.

Factors Affecting Dog Calorie Requirements

Age and life stage

Puppies and lactating dogs need much higher energy per pound than adults. Seniors often need 10–20% fewer calories than mid‑life adults.

Activity level

Working and sporting dogs may need 2–3× the resting energy. Indoor, low‑activity dogs trend lower. Reassess seasonally.

Breed considerations

Metabolism varies by breed and body composition. Sighthounds may need more than similarly sized breeds; stocky breeds may need less.

Health conditions

Conditions like hypothyroidism or joint pain can change needs. Always work with your veterinarian for medical concerns.

Feeding Guidelines by Dog Size

Small dogs (≤20 lb), medium dogs (21–50 lb), large dogs (51–90 lb), and giant breeds (90+ lb) have different portion ranges. Use calories first, then convert to cups/grams based on your kibble.

Converting Calories to Food Portions

Look for kcal per cup or kcal per 100g on your label. Enter those values to convert kcal/day into cups/day and grams/day.

Common Dog Feeding Mistakes

When to Adjust Your Dog's Calories

Monitor weight and body condition every 1–2 weeks. Adjust portions if ribs become hard to feel or the waistline disappears. Recalculate after major lifestyle changes.

Next: Puppy Calorie CalculatorSenior Pet CalculatorHow Many Calories Should My Dog Eat?