Science-backed guidance for feeding dry kibble—with your pet’s real needs in mind.

Most feeding guidelines printed on kibble bags are broad estimates. They don’t account for your pet’s unique metabolism, activity level, or ideal body weight. This calculator provides a more personalized, accurate starting point for feeding dry food only—based on veterinary nutrition science, not guesswork.

It’s built to help you feed with confidence and intention—not just follow the bag.

Use your pet’s current weight in pounds, or ideal weight if you’re aiming for weight loss. Use decimals for accuracy (e.g., 12.5 lbs). The calculator converts this to kilograms and calculates your pet’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER)—the number of calories they need at rest to maintain basic bodily functions.

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75

This formula is the veterinary gold standard and is supported by:

• NRC (National Research Council)
   
• WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association)
   
• AAFCO
   
• Canine and Feline Nutrition (Case et al.)
   

To determine how many calories your pet needs per day, we apply a multiplier to estimate their Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)—the total daily calories they need based on age, condition, and activity.

Life Stage or ConditionMultiplier (× RER)Neutered Adult Dog or Cat1.6Intact Adult Dog1.8Intact Adult Cat1.4Inactive / Obese-Prone1.1–1.2Senior Dog or Cat1.4Active or Working Dog2.0–5.0Puppy (0–4 months)3.0Puppy (4–12 months)2.0Giant Breed Puppy (>25kg adult)1.8Kitten (Under 4 Months)2.5Juvenile Cat (4 Months–Adult)2.0Weight Loss (Use Ideal Weight)1.0 

Not sure which to choose? “Neutered Adult” is a safe default for most pets. Ask for help if you’re unsure.
 

This tool calculates how much dry food to feed per day in cups, grams, and ounces based on your kibble’s energy content. You can enter either:

Look on the label for “Calories per Cup.” Most kibbles range between 350–450 kcal/cup.

If the label lists kcal per kilogram, divide by 1000 to get kcal per gram. For example:
4078 kcal/kg ÷ 1000 = 4.078 kcal/g

Can’t find this info? Bring the bag to the store—I’ll help you decode it.
 

After entering your pet’s weight, life stage, and food data, you’ll receive:

• Total daily calorie needs (MER)
   
• How many cups, grams, or ounces to feed per day
   
• A recommended meal frequency
   
• A clear treat limit based on your pet’s calculated needs
   

This calculator uses the same formulas taught in veterinary nutrition programs and applied by clinical nutritionists worldwide.

Calories from treats, chews, table scraps, toppers, supplements, and dental sticks all count toward your pet’s daily total. Even “healthy” extras can throw off balance and contribute to weight gain or nutrient dilution.

General rule:

• Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calories
   
• Example: If your dog needs 400 kcal/day, limit treats to 40 kcal max
   
• For cats or small dogs, even one biscuit can exceed this allowance
   

Want help finding high-protein, low-calorie treats that match your feeding goals? I’ll help you make smart choices.

If your pet’s daily calorie needs are calculated under 200 kcal/day, meeting essential nutrient requirements using standard dry food becomes very difficult.

• Most kibble is formulated to meet nutritional targets per 1000 kcal
   
• Feeding too little means your pet may not receive adequate protein, taurine, amino acids, vitamins, or minerals
   
• This risk increases in small pets or those on weight-loss plans
   

If this applies to your pet:

• Always use their ideal weight when calculating
   
• Focus on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets
   
• Watch body condition closely—not just the scale
   
• Consult a veterinary nutritionist—or ask me for help with a safer approach
   

This tool is intended for:

• Healthy adult dogs and cats
   
• Eating dry kibble only
   
• With normal activity levels
   

It is not appropriate for:

• Pets eating raw, canned, freeze-dried, or home-cooked diets
   
• Animals with medical conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney/liver disease)
   
• Pregnant or nursing pets
   
• Puppies or kittens needing detailed phase-based feeding plans
   
• Pets on prescription food or therapeutic diets
   

This calculator is built on formulas taught in professional veterinary education and used in clinical nutrition settings.

• RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75
   
• MER = RER × Life Stage Multiplier
   

Primary references include:

• Canine and Feline Nutrition (Case et al.)
   
• NRC Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats
   
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Toolkit
   
• AAFCO Nutritional Guidelines
   
• Peer-reviewed veterinary nutrition sources
   

This tool was created by Purrs McBarkin’, LLC, an independent pet nutrition store in Hartsville, South Carolina.

I’m Dave Zanoni, a Certified Canine and Feline Nutritionist. My mission is to give pet parents science-backed, honest guidance that puts their animal’s health first—not corporate marketing.

Need help reading your bag’s label or adjusting your plan? I’m here to help.

This calculator is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Nutritional needs vary based on genetics, environment, medical conditions, and individual metabolism.

Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet—especially if your pet is ill, underweight, overweight, or on a prescription food plan.

Use of this tool is at your own discretion and risk.

This tool and all related content are the exclusive property of Purrs McBarkin’, LLC.
Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without written permission is strictly prohibited.

© 2025 Purrs McBarkin’, LLC. All rights reserved.