Short answer: Daily kcal = roughly 30 × body weight in kg + 70 for resting energy requirement, multiplied by 1.4-1.6 for an average adult, 2.0+ for active dogs, 1.0-1.2 for weight-loss diet. Divide into 2 meals. Adjust monthly based on body condition score, not the bag’s feeding chart.
What you should actually do
- Resting Energy Requirement (RER): 70 × (body weight kg)^0.75.
- Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER): RER × 1.4-1.6 for neutered adult, × 2.0 for intact young adult, × 2.5+ for high-activity working dogs.
- Puppy formulas use much higher multipliers (3-4 × RER) to fuel growth.
- Bag feeding guides overestimate by 20-30% on average – calibrate to body condition (BCS).
- BCS 5/9 is ideal: ribs easily palpated but not visible, waist seen from above, abdominal tuck from the side.
Weight management is the single most important lifestyle factor for canine longevity. The Lifespan Study of Labradors (Kealy 2002) showed that calorie-restricted Labs lived 1.8 years longer than their littermates fed ad lib.
Adjust portions monthly based on body condition, not the dog’s eagerness to eat – many dogs would happily eat double their requirement.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
