Calculators / Nutrition
Dog Calorie Calculator
Calculate daily energy requirements for dogs using RER (Resting Energy Requirement). This provides a baseline estimate that can be adjusted for maintenance, weight loss, growth, or illness.
Calculate feeding plans, weight loss targets, and hospitalized nutrition.
Use Full Feeding PlannerOverview
Dogs use the same RER formula used in general veterinary nutrition planning, but maintenance needs vary with neuter status, activity, growth, and clinical condition. Daily calorie planning starts with a baseline and then applies practical adjustments.
Formula
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
RER is the baseline metabolic energy requirement used in veterinary nutrition planning. It is the starting point before maintenance or clinical multipliers are applied.
Common maintenance multipliers
- Neutered adult dog: about 1.4 × RER
- Intact adult dog: about 1.6 × RER
- Weight loss: about 1.0 × RER of ideal weight
- Higher activity: adjust upward based on clinical context
Use the full feeding planner for patient-specific adjustments
The feeding planner applies RER to maintenance, weight loss, and hospitalized patients without manual recalculation.
Looking for feline feeding calculations? See our cat calorie calculator.