How many calories does my dog need?
Enter your dog’s weight, age and lifestyle to see their daily calories, plus the protein, fat, fibre, meals and water that go with them.
985
calories a day
- Resting energy: 70 × 18.1 kg0.75 = 615 kcal
- Multiplier for a neutered adult: × 1.6
- Daily calories: 985 kcal, rounded to the nearest 5
A starting point, not a prescription. Weigh your dog every few weeks and adjust.
How it’s worked out
Resting energy
Every dog starts from the standard resting-energy equation: 70 × body weight in kg0.75.
The multiplier
Resting energy is multiplied by a factor for life stage, neuter status, activity and goal, following WSAVA and NRC guidance: 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult, 1.4 for a senior, 2.0 to 3.0 for puppies and working dogs, and 1.0 for weight loss.
The nutrients
Protein is set per 1,000 calories and raised for puppies, seniors, working dogs and weight loss. Fat is 30% of calories, or 25% on a diet. Fibre is about 1 g for every 85 calories.
Questions
Why is this different from the bag?
Feeding guides on packaging are written for an average dog of a given weight. This uses your dog’s own life stage, neuter status, activity and goal.
Is this how the Pako app works it out?
Yes. It uses the same equations as the app. In the app, a puppy’s target can also use their breed’s expected adult weight, which makes growth targets more precise.
Should I change my dog’s food based on this?
Use it as a starting point. If your dog has a health condition, is pregnant or nursing, or needs to lose a lot of weight, ask your vet first.
