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How Many Calories Does Your Dog Really Need? A Simple Guide for Pet Owners

  • Dr. Zeke Zekoff
  • Apr 3
  • 2 min read
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When it comes to feeding your dog, it’s easy to be swayed by packaging, portion scoops, or even those pleading eyes at dinner time. But giving your dog the right amount of food starts with one critical number: their daily calorie requirement.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has provided helpful guidelines to estimate how many kilocalories (kcal) a healthy adult dog needs each day to maintain ideal body condition. If you’re trying to keep your dog fit and prevent obesity—or manage existing weight issues—these numbers are a great starting point.


What This Guide Is (and Isn’t)

This calorie chart is designed for average, healthy adult dogs in ideal body condition. It is not meant for:

  • Puppies

  • Senior dogs

  • Pregnant or lactating females

  • Dogs with medical conditions

  • Overweight or underweight dogs (they’ll need adjusted recommendations)

Every dog is an individual. Some may need more or fewer calories depending on their breed, lifestyle, activity level, or metabolic rate. Still, these estimates are incredibly helpful for setting a baseline.


Sample Calorie Needs by Weight

Here’s a quick look at how calorie needs increase with weight:

Dog's Weight (kg)

Approx. Weight (lb)

Calories/day

5 kg

11 lbs

280 kcal

10 kg

22 lbs

470 kcal

15 kg

33 lbs

640 kcal

20 kg

44 lbs

790 kcal

25 kg

55 lbs

940 kcal

30 kg

66 lbs

1080 kcal

40 kg

88 lbs

1340 kcal

50 kg

110 lbs

1560 kcal

If your dog is overweight, these values will overestimate their needs. In those cases, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to determine a weight-loss target and feeding plan.


Why These Numbers Matter

Feeding even slightly too much each day can lead to weight gain over time. That extra handful of kibble or the frequent “just one treat” moments add up. Obesity in dogs can lead to:

  • Shortened lifespan

  • Arthritis and joint issues

  • Heart disease

  • Diabetes

  • Reduced quality of life

On the flip side, underfeeding an active or working dog could result in lethargy, poor coat condition, or nutritional deficiencies.

Knowing your dog’s calorie needs helps you choose the right food, measure portions accurately, and keep your pup feeling great for the long haul.


How to Use This Information

  1. Find your dog’s weight in kilograms or pounds.

  2. Match it to the kcal/day recommendation in the chart.

  3. Check your dog food label for calories per cup or per can.

  4. Divide the daily kcal target by calories per serving to determine how much food to feed daily.

  5. Adjust based on results. Monitor your dog’s body condition score, energy level, and appetite. If your dog gains or loses weight, tweak the amount accordingly.


Final Thought

Feeding your dog isn’t just about filling the bowl—it’s about fueling their health. By understanding their calorie needs, you can prevent problems before they start and ensure your dog thrives.

If you’re unsure where your dog stands in terms of body condition or weight goals, schedule a check-up with your vet. They can help tailor the numbers to your individual dog and provide support every step of the way.


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