Dog Calorie Calculator
Daily Calorie Needs
Formula
RER = 70 x (weight_kg)^0.75. Daily Calories = RER x life stage factor (puppy young 3.0, puppy older 2.0, adult 1.6, senior 1.2) x activity factor (inactive 0.8, light 0.95, moderate 1.0, high 1.3) x neutered factor (0.9 if neutered, 1.0 if intact).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does my dog need per day?
Daily calorie needs depend on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and whether they're spayed/neutered. A typical 50-lb adult dog needs about 1,000-1,200 calories per day. The formula starts with the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75, then adjusts for life stage and activity.
Do neutered dogs need fewer calories?
Yes. Spaying or neutering can reduce a dog's metabolic rate by about 20-30%. Neutered dogs generally need 10-20% fewer calories than intact dogs of the same size and activity level to maintain a healthy weight.
How many treats can I give my dog?
Veterinarians recommend the 10% rule: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food. For a dog needing 1,000 calories, that's only 100 calories in treats.
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