Science-based daily calorie and portion recommendations
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Get a quote from Lemonade| Breed | Weight (lbs) | Adult calories/day* |
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*Moderate activity, neutered adult. Individual needs vary. Source: NRC RER formula, AKC breed standards.
It depends on weight, age, activity level, and your food's calorie density. A general starting point: calculate resting energy requirement (RER) using 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75, then multiply by an activity factor between 1.4 and 2.5 for adults. A moderately active 50-lb adult dog typically needs 1,000-1,100 kcal per day, roughly 2.5-3 cups of average dry kibble. Check your food's label for the actual kcal/cup figure, since it varies a lot between brands.
Most adult dogs do well with two meals, morning and evening. Puppies under 4 months need 3-4 meals daily because their stomachs are small. From 4-12 months, three meals works well. After the first birthday, two meals is standard. Some senior dogs or dogs with certain health conditions benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. Your vet can help figure out what works for your specific dog.
When a dog food label says it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for a specific life stage, it means the food contains the required minimum (and stays below maximum) levels of nutrients that AAFCO has defined. Look for the statement on the bag: "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage]." It's the closest thing to a regulatory nutritional standard for pet food in the United States.
Bag guidelines tend to overestimate. Manufacturers have an incentive to suggest larger portions. Calorie-based calculators give a more tailored estimate because they account for your dog's activity level and life stage. That said, both are starting points. The best approach is to start with a calculated amount, weigh your dog every 2-4 weeks, and adjust based on whether they're gaining or losing weight. A vet can teach you to assess body condition score, which is more useful than weight alone.
Vets use a body condition score (BCS) system. For a healthy weight: you should feel the ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently, there should be a visible waist from above, and you should see a tummy tuck from the side. If you can't feel ribs at all, your dog is probably carrying extra weight. If ribs and hip bones are clearly visible, your dog may be underweight. Track weight over time rather than reacting to a single number.