Pet Calorie Calculator
Free • Instant • Veterinary-Approved
Calculate exact daily calories your pet needs in under 60 seconds. Science-based nutrition for healthier, happier pets.
Pet Calorie Calculator
Vet-approved formula · 290+ breeds · Under 60 seconds · Free forever
Results are estimates based on the RER formula used by Ohio State University veterinary school.
Why Pet Calorie Tracking Matters for Your Dog or Cat
Over 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Knowing exactly how many calories your pet needs each day is the single most effective step you can take to keep them at a healthy weight and extend their lifespan.
Accurate Calorie Calculations
Our calculator uses the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula — the same method used by veterinary nutritionists at Ohio State University. Simply enter your pet's weight, breed, age, and activity level to get precise daily calorie needs.
Breed-Specific Nutrition Guides
Every breed has different nutritional requirements. A Labrador Retriever needs very different calories than a Chihuahua. Our database covers 290+ dog and cat breeds with tailored feeding recommendations.
Veterinarian-Approved Formulas
Every calculation is based on peer-reviewed veterinary science. Whether your pet needs to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain their current condition, our tool provides the exact calorie target recommended by veterinary professionals.
How to Calculate Your Pet's Daily Calorie Needs
Select Pet Type
Choose whether you have a dog or cat
Enter Details
Add weight, breed, age, and activity level
Get Results
Receive precise daily calorie requirements
Feed Smart
Follow personalized portion recommendations
Understanding Pet Nutrition: Calories, Portions, and Feeding Guidelines
Proper pet nutrition starts with understanding how many calories your dog or cat actually needs. The calorie requirements for pets depend on several factors including body weight, age, breed, activity level, and whether the animal is spayed or neutered. Puppies and kittens, for example, require significantly more calories per pound of body weight than adult animals because they're still growing.
The standard formula veterinarians use to determine a pet's baseline calorie need is the Resting Energy Requirement (RER): RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75. This baseline is then multiplied by a factor based on life stage and activity level to determine the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) — the total daily calories your pet should consume.
Our free pet calorie calculator automates this entire process. Whether you need to know how much to feed your dog or how many calories your cat needs, simply enter your pet's information above and get an instant, accurate answer backed by veterinary science. For more in-depth guidance, visit our pet feeding guides or browse our nutrition blog.