Dog Calorie Calculator
Your dog's daily calorie need is a range, not one number — it starts from Resting Energy Requirement (RER = 70 × weight in kg0.75) and is scaled up by a factor for neuter status and activity level. There's no separate factor for "senior" — AAHA's own guidelines put less-active dogs of any age in the same lower band. Enter your dog's numbers below.
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Where these numbers come from
RER and the MER (Maintenance Energy Requirement) multipliers are from theAAHA 2021 Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, checked 2026-08-15. Factors: neutered adult 1.4-1.6, intact adult 1.6-1.8, inactive/obesity-prone 1.0-1.2. AAHA states there is no distinct senior multiplier — a senior dog with reduced activity is assessed the same way as any other less-active adult. This is a starting point, not a prescription: adjust based on your dog's actual weight trend, and check with your vet if your dog has a medical condition that affects energy needs.
Related tools
- Weight loss calculator — if your dog needs to lose weight
- Food portion calculator — turn this kcal number into cups per day
- Treat calorie budget — how many treats fit inside this number
Tools for measuring portions accurately
A kitchen scale that reads in grams is more accurate than any cup measurement — kibble volume varies by shape and size, weight doesn't.
Digital kitchen scale (grams) on AmazonIf you're measuring by cup instead, a scoop with clear fill lines keeps portions consistent between feedings.
Pet food scoop / measuring cup on Amazon