Free Dog Calorie Intake calculator with clear step-by-step results.
Canine energy requirements scale with metabolic weight, so a 30 kg dog needs far less than twice what a 15 kg dog needs. The resting requirement uses the 70 x kg^0.75 relationship, an activity factor converts it to a maintenance figure, and treats are carved out of the total rather than added to it.
Resting energy requirement
RER = 70 x (body weight kg)^0.75
Meal calories
Per meal = (RER x activity factor - treat allowance) / meals per day
General guidance only. Requirements vary with breed, coat, climate, health status and medication. Any weight-loss plan for a dog should be supervised by a veterinarian.
Treats are calories. Adding them on top of a full ration is the most common cause of gradual weight gain in otherwise well-fed dogs.
Sustained hard work such as sledding or herding can push requirements to three or four times resting. Occasional weekend activity is closer to the standard adult factor.