This page documents the data and formulas behind PetFeedCalc's feeding calculator. Everything here is based on published veterinary and nutritional science.
We use the National Research Council's resting energy requirement formula:
RER = 70 x (body weight in kg) ^ 0.75
Daily calorie needs (maintenance energy requirement, or MER) are then calculated by multiplying RER by a life-stage and activity factor:
| Life stage | Low activity | Moderate | Active | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 4 mo) | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Puppy (4-12 mo) | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| Adult (1-7 yr) | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.5 |
| Senior (7+ yr) | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
Source: National Research Council, "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats," 2006.
| Food type | Approx. kcal per unit | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | 375 | per cup (8 oz measuring cup) |
| Wet / canned | 250 | per 13 oz can |
| Raw diet | 30 | per ounce |
| Mixed | 375 | per cup equivalent |
These are averages. Actual calorie density varies by brand. Check your food's label for the kcal/cup or kcal/can figure.
| Breed | Typical weight (lbs) | Est. daily kcal* |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 3-6 | 200 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4-7 | 220 |
| Pomeranian | 3-7 | 240 |
| Dachshund | 11-32 | 450 |
| French Bulldog | 16-28 | 550 |
| Beagle | 20-30 | 650 |
| Cocker Spaniel | 20-30 | 670 |
| Border Collie | 30-45 | 900 |
| Australian Shepherd | 40-65 | 1,050 |
| Labrador Retriever | 55-80 | 1,200 |
| Golden Retriever | 55-75 | 1,150 |
| German Shepherd | 50-90 | 1,300 |
| Boxer | 50-80 | 1,200 |
| Siberian Husky | 35-60 | 1,050 |
| Rottweiler | 80-135 | 1,600 |
| Great Dane | 110-175 | 2,200 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 70-115 | 1,500 |
| Saint Bernard | 120-180 | 2,300 |
*Moderate activity, neutered adult. Calculated using the RER formula with a 1.6x multiplier at the midpoint of each breed's weight range. Individual needs vary.