Enter your dog's weight, life stage and the calories per cup on your food's label to get a daily starting amount in cups, based on the AAHA 2021 formula. Free, no account.

Source: https://petlifemanager.com/dog-food-calculator/ · updated 2026-11-04

# Dog Food Calculator: How Many Cups of Your Food per Day

Enter your dog's weight, life stage and the calories per cup printed on your food's label to get a daily starting amount in cups. The calculation uses the AAHA 2021 formula: resting energy (70 × weight in kg0.75) times a life-stage factor.

Sources: AAHA 2021, WSAVA, AAFCO · Last reviewed November 4, 2026

## Calculate cups per day

The calculator needs JavaScript. The reference table below works without it.

## How many calories does a dog need per day?

A spayed or neutered adult dog of 50 lb needs about 1,020 to 1,160 kcal a day by the AAHA 2021 formula; the table gives the range for other weights.

**Daily calories for adult dogs by weight (AAHA 2021 formula)**

| Weight | Resting energy | Spayed or neutered adult | Intact adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 218 kcal | 305–348 kcal | 348–392 kcal |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 366 kcal | 512–585 kcal | 585–659 kcal |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | 496 kcal | 694–794 kcal | 794–893 kcal |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 615 kcal | 862–985 kcal | 985–1,108 kcal |
| 50 lb (22.7 kg) | 727 kcal | 1,018–1,164 kcal | 1,164–1,309 kcal |
| 60 lb (27.2 kg) | 834 kcal | 1,168–1,335 kcal | 1,335–1,501 kcal |
| 70 lb (31.8 kg) | 936 kcal | 1,311–1,498 kcal | 1,498–1,685 kcal |
| 80 lb (36.3 kg) | 1,035 kcal | 1,449–1,656 kcal | 1,656–1,863 kcal |
| 90 lb (40.8 kg) | 1,131 kcal | 1,583–1,809 kcal | 1,809–2,035 kcal |
| 100 lb (45.4 kg) | 1,223 kcal | 1,713–1,958 kcal | 1,958–2,202 kcal |

Resting energy = 70 × weight in kg0.75; spayed or neutered adult × 1.4–1.6; intact adult × 1.6–1.8 (AAHA 2021 Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines, Box 1). Values rounded to the nearest kcal.

## How many cups of food should a 50 lb dog eat a day?

It depends on the calories in your food: with a dry food of 350 kcal per cup, a spayed or neutered 50 lb adult needs about 2.9 to 3.3 cups a day as a starting point.

Foods range widely in calories per cup, so the same dog can need very different amounts of two brands. Always use the number printed on your bag.

## Where do I find the calories per cup?

Look for "Calorie Content" on the bag: AAFCO's model rule asks for kcal per kg and per familiar measure, such as a cup or a can.

If the label gives only kcal per kg, weigh one level cup of the food on a kitchen scale and enter both numbers in the calculator.

## Why is the result only a starting point?

Formulas estimate an average; WSAVA notes that a dog's real needs can vary by about 30% either way, so the amount is adjusted by watching weight and body condition.

Weight loss, pregnancy, nursing and hard work need a plan from your veterinarian, so this calculator does not cover them.

## Next document for this dog

- [Pet sitter instructions](https://petlifemanager.com/pet-sitter-instructions/): put the amount and feeding times in the sitter's sheet.
- [Pet health record](https://petlifemanager.com/pet-health-record/): log the weight with its date.

Pet Life Manager does not give veterinary advice. For weight loss, illness, pregnancy or a puppy of a large breed, ask your veterinarian for a feeding plan.

---

contact@petlifemanager.com