Daily Calorie Needs for Your Pet
Calculate your dog or cat's precise daily caloric requirement using the RER (Resting Energy Requirement) formula used by veterinary nutritionists.
Daily Calorie Target
630
kcal / day
How It's Calculated
RER = 70 × weight(kg)0.75 — the standard formula from WSAVA nutritional guidelines.
Approximate Daily Portions
These are starting-point estimates. Actual needs vary with individual metabolism. Adjust based on body condition score every 4–6 weeks. Always verify with your vet for medical conditions.
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Get the Full ExperienceThe Hushku Pet Calorie Calculator uses the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula established in the WSAVA/AAHA Nutritional Guidelines: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75. This baseline is then multiplied by a life-stage factor — ranging from 1.0 for weight-loss programmes to 3.0 for puppies under 4 months — to produce a daily caloric target. Over 60% of dogs and 56% of cats in the US are currently overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). Incorrect calorie intake — usually from guessing portions or not accounting for treats — is the primary cause. This calculator is a starting point. For therapeutic diets, post-surgery recovery, or pets with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, always confirm targets with your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories should my dog eat per day?
A healthy adult neutered dog needs approximately 1.6 × RER calories per day, where RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75. A 10 kg neutered adult dog needs roughly 70 × 10^0.75 × 1.6 ≈ 700 kcal/day. Puppies under 4 months need 3× RER. Active or working dogs need 2–2.5× RER. These are maintenance targets — always adjust based on body condition score, not just weight.
How many calories should my cat eat per day?
An average adult indoor neutered cat weighing 4 kg needs approximately 180–220 kcal/day. The RER for a 4 kg cat is 70 × 4^0.75 ≈ 235 kcal, multiplied by a factor of 0.8–1.0 for inactive indoor cats. Wet food typically provides 70–100 kcal per 85g serving; dry food provides 300–400 kcal per 100g. Measuring both is critical — most owners underestimate by 20–30%.
Do treats count toward my pet's daily calorie intake?
Yes — treats should account for no more than 10% of your pet's total daily calorie intake, according to WSAVA guidelines. A single medium dog biscuit can be 40–60 kcal. For a 10 kg dog on 700 kcal/day, the 10% limit is 70 kcal — roughly one or two small treats. This is a commonly overlooked cause of gradual weight gain.
What is RER and why does it matter?
RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the energy a pet needs while at complete rest to maintain normal physiological functions — breathing, circulation, digestion, temperature regulation. It is the baseline from which all other caloric targets are calculated using life-stage multipliers. The formula 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75 is derived from metabolic scaling research and is the standard used by WSAVA, AAHA, and the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN).
How do I know if my dog or cat is overweight?
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is more informative than weight alone. On the 1–9 scale used by WSAVA, a score of 4–5 is ideal. Signs of healthy weight: you can feel but not see the ribs, there is a visible waist when viewed from above, and the abdomen tucks up when viewed from the side. If ribs are hard to feel, the waist is not visible, or there is obvious abdominal rounding, the animal is likely overweight. Our Pet BMI & Body Condition Checker provides a structured assessment.