Dog food calculator

What is a dog food calculator?

A dog food calculator is a convenient tool that allows pet owners to determine their dog’s daily caloric needs based on its weight and activity level. By taking these factors into account, owners can ensure that their pets receive proper and balanced nutrition. By entering the calorie content of the food, you can also determine the exact amount of dry food needed to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Why consider caloric intake in dog nutrition?

Balanced nutrition is key to your pet’s health and longevity. Maintaining a balance between calories consumed and expended helps prevent both underweight and overweight conditions, which can lead to numerous health issues. Different foods can have different calorie counts per 100 grams, which should also be considered to ensure the pet receives enough energy without excess calories leading to obesity.

Age and activity level

Dogs require different amounts of food at different stages of life and with different activity levels. Age, growth, health status, and breed significantly influence daily caloric requirements. For example, puppies and young dogs require more calories per kilogram of weight. Activity levels are often related to age and can be classified as follows:

• Low activity (apartments, low activity level) — 1.2
• Normal activity (regular walks) — 1.5
• Increased activity (running, playing) — 1.8
• High activity (working or sporting dogs) — 2.0 and above

Formula for calculation

The following formula is used:

$$\text{Calories} = 70 \times \text{Weight in kg}^{0.75} \times \text{Activity level}$$

The formula is based on the estimated metabolic equivalent for resting metabolism. Using the weight raised to the power of 0.75 for caloric needs calculations is a common approach in veterinary and zoology fields.

Examples of using the calculator

Example for a dog with normal activity:

• Type: Adult dog
• Weight: 20 kg
• Activity level: Normal (1.5)

$$\text{Calories} = 70 \times 20^{0.75} \times 1.5 \approx 993 \text{ calories}$$

Example for a senior dog:

• Type: Senior dog
• Weight: 20 kg
• Activity level: Low (1.2)

$$\text{Calories} = 70 \times 20^{0.75} \times 1.2 \approx 794 \text{ calories}$$

Important notes

• Each dog requires an individual calorie norm, which may vary due to many factors, including genetic makeup.
• It is recommended to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the amount of food as needed based on its health condition.
• Regularly check your dog’s condition: it should have vibrant behavior and a healthy coat.
• We also recommend using our dog size calculator to help determine the potential adult size based on puppy data.

Frequently asked questions

How to calculate daily calories for a dog weighing 25 kg?

When determining calorie needs, the activity level must be considered. Suppose the dog has normal activity:

$$70 \times 25^{0.75} \times 1.5 \approx 1174 \text{ calories}$$

How much dry food is needed for a dog weighing 22 kg with a normal activity level?

Suppose the food has a calorie content of 360 kcal per 100 grams. The calculation would then be:

Caloric norm: $70 \times 22^{0.75} \times 1.5 \approx 1067 \text{ calories}$

Amount of food: $\frac{1067}{360} \times 100 \approx 296 \text{ grams}$

What is the daily calorie norm for a dog weighing 15 kg with high activity?

For a dog with high activity, the calculation will be:

$$70 \times 15^{0.75} \times 2.0 \approx 1067 \text{ calories}$$

If the food has a calorie content of 365 kcal/100 grams, how many grams of food are needed daily for a dog weighing 7 kg with increased activity?

Calculate the calorie norm:

$$70 \times 7^{0.75} \times 1.8 \approx 542 \text{ calories}$$

Amount of food:

$$\frac{542}{365} \times 100 \approx 148 \text{ grams}$$

This can be easily calculated using our calculator, which will automatically suggest the necessary data.

How to determine my dog’s activity level?

Observing your dog’s behavior will help determine its activity level. For example, low activity is suitable for puppies and less active senior dogs, normal and increased activity applies to most active adult dogs, while high activity is for energetic dogs that require a lot of physical exertion. Consulting a veterinarian is always useful.