How Much Should I Feed My Dog per Day?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

Start with your dog's daily calorie need: veterinarians calculate the resting energy requirement (70 × body weight in kg to the 0.75 power) and multiply it by about 1.6 for a typical spayed or neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult, 2 for puppies 4 to 12 months and 3 for puppies under 4 months. Divide by the calories per cup on your food's label to get cups per day.

The feeding guide on the bag gives a range by weight, but dogs of the same weight can need very different amounts depending on age, activity and whether they're spayed or neutered. The calorie method below is what veterinarians use as a starting point.

Step 1: Calculate resting energy (RER)

RER = 70 × (ideal body weight in kg)^0.75

To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2. PetHealthMD suggests typing ((weight in pounds / 2.2)^0.75) × 70 into a calculator or search engine.

Step 2: Multiply by a life-stage factor

Dog Multiplier
Spayed or neutered adult × 1.6
Intact adult × 1.8
Inactive or obesity-prone adult × 1.2–1.3
Puppy 4–12 months × 2
Puppy under 4 months × 3
Very active or working dog higher; up to several times RER

Source: PetHealthMD (PetMeds).

Daily calories by weight (spayed/neutered adult)

Ideal weight RER (approx.) Daily calories (× 1.6)
10 lb (4.5 kg) 218 about 350
20 lb (9.1 kg) 366 about 585
30 lb (13.6 kg) 497 about 795
50 lb (22.7 kg) 729 about 1,165
70 lb (31.8 kg) 938 about 1,500
90 lb (40.9 kg) 1,132 about 1,810

Calculated with the formula above and rounded. These are starting points; adjust by body condition.

Step 3: Convert calories to cups

Divide the daily calories by the food's kcal per cup (printed on the bag). PetHealthMD's example: a 30-pound obesity-prone dog needing about 595 calories a day would eat about 2 cups of a food with roughly 300 calories per cup.

Adjust based on your dog

  • Ribs: you should feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above.
  • Weigh monthly. If weight creeps up, cut the portion by about 10% and recheck in a few weeks.
  • Count treats in the daily total.
  • Seasons and activity matter: PetHealthMD notes dogs spending time outdoors in winter may need more calories.
  • Senior dogs often need fewer calories; AAHA's life stage guide recommends adjusting diet for metabolic changes in mature and senior dogs.

How many times a day should a dog eat?

Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day; puppies usually eat three or more small meals. Splitting meals also helps some large, deep-chested breeds that are prone to bloat; ask your vet. See should you walk your dog after eating.

When to ask your vet

If your dog is overweight, underweight, pregnant, has a medical condition or is on a prescription diet, ask your vet for a target calorie number before changing portions.

Find pet stores and veterinarians near you.

Sources

  1. PetHealthMD (PetMeds): How many calories does my dog need per day? (2026)
  2. FDA: Proper storage of pet food and treats
  3. AAHA: How Often Should My Dog Go to the Vet? A Dog Life Stage Guide (2025)

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