Pet Food Calculator
Know exactly how much to feed your dog or cat — every single day.
What is it?
A pet food calculator is a tool that takes the guesswork out of feeding your dog or cat. Every animal has unique caloric needs that depend on their species, body weight, life stage, neutered status, activity level, and the type of food you serve. Overfeeding leads to obesity — a condition affecting nearly 60 % of dogs and cats in the US — while underfeeding can cause malnutrition, lethargy, and long-term health problems. Our dog food calculator and cat food calculator use established veterinary energy formulas (Resting Energy Requirement × life-stage multiplier) to compute your pet's ideal daily calorie intake. From that number the tool converts to grams per day based on the caloric density of dry kibble, wet food, or raw food, then divides into per-meal portions based on recommended meal frequency. Whether you are asking "how much to feed my dog" after a vet visit, switching food brands, managing a pet's weight, or caring for a new puppy or kitten, this free calculator gives you a clear, personalised feeding plan you can print and stick to the fridge.
How to use it
- choose Dog or Cat.
- type the number and toggle between kg and lbs.
- Puppy / Kitten, Adult, or Senior.
- neutered pets have a slightly lower metabolic rate.
- Low (mostly indoor/sedentary), Moderate (daily walks), Active (regular exercise), or Very Active (working/sport dogs).
- Dry Kibble, Wet Food, or Raw.
- instantly see daily kcal, total grams per day, recommended meals per day, and grams per meal.
- hit "Download Feeding Guide" to save a printable PNG summary you can share with a pet-sitter or post at home.
Why use this tool
**Precision nutrition, not guesswork.** Feeding guidelines printed on pet food bags are notoriously broad — they are designed for an "average" unneutered, moderately active adult animal. If your dog is a neutered senior with low activity, following the bag's recommendation could mean overfeeding by 30 % or more every single day. Our pet calorie calculator uses the correct multipliers for your pet's exact profile, so you get a number that actually fits your animal. **Supports healthy weight management.** Whether your goal is weight loss, maintenance, or healthy growth for a puppy, precise portion control is the single most effective tool available. Studies show that dogs maintained at a healthy body weight live on average 1.8 years longer than overweight counterparts. **Works for every food type.** Dry kibble, wet food, and raw diets all have very different caloric densities — raw meat typically delivers around 1.0–1.5 kcal/g while standard dry kibble sits at 3.5–4.0 kcal/g and wet food around 0.8–1.2 kcal/g. Switching between types without recalculating portions is one of the most common feeding mistakes. This calculator handles the conversion automatically. **Free, private, and instant.** No sign-up, no email, no app download required. Your pet's data never leaves your device. Results appear in under a second. **Printable feeding guide.** The one-click PNG export creates a clean, shareable feeding schedule — ideal for households with multiple caregivers, boarding kennels, or pet-sitters who need clear instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog per day?
It depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and whether they are neutered. As a starting point, most adult dogs need roughly 25–30 kcal per pound of body weight per day, but this varies widely. Use this dog food calculator to get a personalised number, then adjust over 2–4 weeks based on whether your dog is gaining, losing, or maintaining weight.
How much wet food should I feed my cat?
A typical adult cat at healthy weight (around 4 kg / 9 lbs) needs approximately 200–250 kcal per day. Most standard 85 g wet food pouches contain 70–100 kcal, meaning your cat may need 2–3 pouches daily. Enter your cat's specific details into the cat food calculator above for an exact gram-per-day recommendation split across meals.
Does neutering affect how much I should feed my pet?
Yes. Neutered cats and dogs have a metabolic rate roughly 20–30 % lower than intact animals of the same weight and age. Feeding an unneutered amount to a neutered pet is one of the leading causes of feline and canine obesity. This calculator applies the appropriate reduction automatically when you select "Neutered: Yes".
How many meals a day should I feed my dog or cat?
Puppies and kittens (under 6 months) generally need 3–4 small meals per day to support rapid growth and maintain blood sugar. Adult dogs do well on 2 meals per day, while adult cats can be fed 2–3 times daily or have measured portions available throughout the day. Senior pets often benefit from 2–3 smaller meals. The calculator outputs a per-meal portion based on these standard frequencies.
Can I use this calculator for raw or homemade food?
Yes. Select "Raw" as the food type and the calculator uses a caloric density typical of raw meat-based diets (approximately 1.2 kcal/g). Keep in mind that homemade raw diets vary significantly in fat content and therefore calories — the output is a reliable starting estimate, but weigh your raw portions accurately and consult a veterinary nutritionist if feeding raw long-term.