How much food does your dog or cat need each day?
clear numbers, no fuss
From weight, age and lifestyle, this calculator applies the vets’ reference formula (RER × life factor) and converts the energy need into grams of dry food, using the figure printed on your bag. Weight in kilograms or pounds. Everything is calculated on your device.
A starting point, not a prescription: your pet’s weight curve and body condition are the real guide, to be fine-tuned with your vet. Fresh water should always be available.
The formula we use
The calculation follows the approach recommended by international veterinary guidelines (WSAVA, FEDIAF):
- Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (weight in kg)0.75 kcal a day.
- Maintenance energy requirement (MER) = RER × life factor: from 1.0 (indoor cat) to 3.0 (growing puppy), depending on age, neutering and activity.
- Conversion to grams = MER ÷ energy density of the food (kcal per 100 g) × 100.
The result is shown as a ±10% range, because real needs vary from one animal to another. If you mix wet and dry food, subtract the calories of the wet food before converting the rest into dry food.
Food portions: straight answers
How do you work out how much to feed a dog?
Start from the resting energy requirement: 70 × (weight in kg) to the power 0.75, multiplied by a factor from 1.0 to 3.0 depending on age and lifestyle. Then convert the kcal into grams using the energy density printed on the bag.
How much should a 10 kg dog eat a day?
About 150 to 180 g of dry food for a neutered adult, with food at 380 kcal per 100 g — around 630 kcal a day. An active or working dog needs noticeably more.
How much dry food for a neutered 4 kg cat?
About 55 to 70 g a day with food at 380 kcal per 100 g, for an energy need of roughly 215 to 260 kcal. Always check the manufacturer’s table and your cat’s weight curve.
Should the daily portion be split into several meals?
Yes for cats, which naturally eat 10 to 16 small meals a day. Two meals a day for dogs, especially for large, deep-chested breeds prone to bloat.
Does this replace my vet’s advice?
No: it is a starting point. Excess weight, illness, pregnancy or fast growth call for a feeding plan agreed with your vet.
Keep exploring
- The app
A pet feeding tracker: no more double dinners
See how it works - The app
A pet weight tracker with a clear curve
See how it works - Calculator
Your pet’s age in human years
Convert the age - Calculator
The yearly cost of a pet
Estimate the budget
Sources and benchmarks
Portion agreed, feeding shared
With MyArk, every meal given is visible to the whole household: no more double portions. Free on iPhone, no account needed.