Dog Food Portion Calculator

Last updated: June 2026

Dog weight

Life stage

Food type

Food calories per 100g

kcal

Optional. Use the food label if available.Food price per kg

GBP

Daily calories

1,059 kcal

Daily food amount

303g

Per meal (2x/day)

151g

Monthly cost

GBP 37

Formula

RER = 70 x weight_kg^0.75. MER = RER x life factor. Daily grams = daily calories / calories per gram.

These are guidelines only. Always check your specific food packaging. Adjust based on body condition. Consult your vet if unsure.

About this calculator

The Dog Food Portion Calculator estimates daily calories, food grams, meal portions, and monthly cost from dog weight, life stage, activity, and food calories. It is useful for planning portions, comparing dry, wet, and raw food, and checking whether packet feeding amounts are in the right range.

Dog food calorie method

The calculator estimates resting energy requirement, multiplies it by a life-stage factor, then converts calories into grams of food.

RER = 70 x weight_kg^0.75
MER = RER x life factor
daily grams = daily kcal / (food kcal per 100g / 100)

How to use the dog food calculator

Enter your dog current weight in kilograms.
Choose the closest life stage or activity level.
Choose dry, wet, or raw food.
Enter calories per 100g from the food label if available.
Review daily grams and per-meal amounts.
Use the monthly cost estimate only as a budgeting guide.

Worked examples

Neutered adult dog

Input: 20kg dog, neutered adult, dry food at 350 kcal/100g

Calculation: RER about 662 kcal. MER = 662 x 1.6 = 1,059 kcal.

Result: About 303g of food per day.

Weight-loss setting

Input: 20kg dog, weight-loss factor

Calculation: RER about 662 kcal. MER = 662 x 1.0.

Result: Lower calorie target before converting to food grams.

Why food labels still matter

Dog foods vary widely in calorie density. Kibble can be much denser than wet food, so grams per day can change dramatically between foods.

Adjusting by body condition

A calculated portion is a starting point. Monitor body condition, weight trend, treats, exercise, and veterinary advice, then adjust gradually.

Veterinary nutrition disclaimer

This calculator is for general feeding guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Puppies, pregnant dogs, lactating dogs, dogs with medical conditions, and dogs needing weight loss should have veterinary guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Should treats be included?

Yes. Treats add calories and should be included in the daily allowance, especially for small dogs.

Why is wet food grams higher than dry food?

Wet food contains much more water and usually has fewer calories per 100g than dry food.

How many meals should my dog have?

Many adult dogs have two meals daily. Puppies often need more frequent meals. Ask your vet for age-specific advice.

Can I use this for weight loss?

Use the weight-loss option only as a planning guide. Safe dog weight loss should be supervised by a vet.

What if my food label gives kcal per kg?

Divide kcal per kg by 10 to get kcal per 100g.

Related calculators

Dog Healthy Weight Calculator
Dog Age Calculator
Pet Medicine Dose Calculator

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.