How Much to Feed Your Dog: Calories, Cups, and Daily Food Cost
October 29, 2026
Feeding guidelines on a bag of dog food give wide ranges, and the right amount for your dog depends on weight, age, neuter status, and activity. Veterinarians use a two-step formula: first the resting energy requirement (RER), then a life-stage multiplier. RER in kilocalories per day is 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. A typical neutered adult dog needs about 1.6 times RER.
Take a 50-pound dog, which is 22.7 kg. Its RER is 70 × 22.7^0.75 = 70 × 10.40 = 728 kcal. Multiplied by 1.6, the daily need is about 1,165 kcal. If the kibble has 350 kcal per cup, that is 1,165 ÷ 350 = 3.3 cups a day, split into two meals.
Skip the math and get your answer instantly:
Open the Calorie Calculator →Daily Calories and Cups by Dog Size
The calorie need does not rise in proportion to weight: a 100-pound dog weighs twice as much as a 50-pound dog but needs only about 68% more calories, because the formula uses the 0.75 power. The table assumes a neutered adult at 1.6 × RER and 350 kcal per cup. Cost per day is based on a 30-pound bag containing about 120 cups at $55, or $0.46 per cup.
Treat these numbers as a starting point and adjust every few weeks according to your dog's body condition. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat. Active, working, and young dogs may need 2 to 3 times RER, while inactive, overweight, or senior dogs may need 1.2 to 1.4 times.
| Dog weight | RER (kcal) | Daily need (kcal) | Cups of kibble | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 218 | 348 | 1.0 | $0.46 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 366 | 585 | 1.7 | $0.77 |
| 50 lb (22.7 kg) | 728 | 1,165 | 3.3 | $1.53 |
| 100 lb (45.4 kg) | 1,224 | 1,958 | 5.6 | $2.57 |
Annual Cost and Food Types
For the 50-pound dog, one 120-cup bag lasts 120 ÷ 3.33 = 36 days. The cost is $55 ÷ 36 = $1.53 a day, or about $557 a year. Canned food usually has far fewer calories per dollar: at 400 kcal per can and $2.20 a can, the same 1,165 kcal requires 2.9 cans, costing $6.41 a day or $2,340 a year. Many owners mix, using canned food as a topper and reducing the kibble to keep the total calories the same. Fresh and refrigerated diets are typically the most expensive per calorie. Compare foods by cost per 1,000 kcal, not per pound or per bag.
Treats, Weight Loss, and Adjustments
Treats should be no more than about 10% of daily calories, so for the 50-pound dog, that is about 115 kcal, or only a few small biscuits. Subtract treat calories from the meals. For weight loss, calculate the RER for the target weight and feed about that amount times 1.0 to 1.2: a 60-pound dog that should weigh 50 pounds might be fed 728 × 1.2 = 874 kcal, or about 2.5 cups. Aim to lose 1% to 2% of body weight a week and have your veterinarian check progress.
Measuring Properly
Cups vary: a scoop that is rounded can hold 20% more than a level cup. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy: 1 cup of kibble is about 100 to 120 g. Puppies need more calories per pound, from 2 to 3 times RER, and should be fed on a puppy schedule. Pregnant and nursing dogs also have higher needs. Always check the calorie content on your specific food label, which may be listed as kcal per kg and per cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a dog's daily calories?
Compute RER as 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75 and multiply by 1.6 for a neutered adult.
How many cups does a 50-pound dog need?
About 3.3 cups of 350 kcal per cup kibble.
How much of the diet can be treats?
No more than about 10% of daily calories.
Why don't calorie needs double when weight doubles?
Because metabolic need scales with body weight to the 0.75 power.
How can I compare dog foods fairly?
By cost per 1,000 kcal.