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Daily dog calorie needs
Estimate Resting Energy Requirement (RER), then adjust with a life-stage factor. Use the result as a starting point and confirm feeding changes with your veterinarian.
Current answer: calorie needs change with weight, age, activity, body condition, reproductive status, and medical history. The right number is the one that keeps body condition healthy over time.
Step 1 — Resting Energy Requirement
A common educational formula is RER = 70 × body weight in kilograms to the 0.75 power. Real feeding targets still need adjustment for the individual dog.
| Weight (lb) | Estimated RER (kcal/day) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 129 |
| 10 | 218 |
| 20 | 366 |
| 30 | 496 |
| 40 | 615 |
| 50 | 727 |
| 65 | 886 |
| 80 | 1035 |
| 100 | 1223 |
| 130 | 1490 |
Step 2 — Apply a life-stage factor
- · Puppy 0-4 months: RER × 3.0
- · Puppy 4-12 months: RER × 2.0
- · Active adult, intact: RER × 1.8
- · Active adult, neutered: RER × 1.6
- · Lower-activity adult: RER × 1.4
- · Weight-loss program: ask your vet for a safe target-weight plan
- · Senior dog: needs vary; monitor body condition and muscle
Frequently asked questions
Can I change food based only on this number?
Use it as a starting point. Change slowly and confirm major calorie changes with your veterinarian, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical issues.
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