How many cups of food should I feed my dog per day?

It depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and the caloric density of your specific food. A 30 lb adult dog eating food with 380 kcal/cup (about average) typically needs around 1.5–2 cups per day. Check the nutrition label on your food bag for "kcal/cup" and enter it in our calculator for accurate results.

Should I feed my dog once or twice a day?

Most adult dogs should eat twice a day (morning and evening). Puppies under 6 months should eat 3 times a day. Senior dogs often do better with smaller, more frequent meals.

Dog Food Calculator

How many cups of food does your dog need per day? Enter their weight, age, and activity level to get a personalized daily feeding recommendation — in cups and oz.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Dog Weight30 lbs

2 lbs40 lbs90 lbs180 lbs

Life Stage

Activity Level

Spayed / Neutered

Reduces calorie needs by ~15%

Food brand (optional — auto-fills kcal/cup)

Calories per cup (kcal/cup)

240 low-cal380 avg600 dense

Using average (380 kcal/cup). For accurate results, find "kcal/cup" on your food bag's nutrition label and enter it above.
Common brands: Purina ONE ~346 · Blue Buffalo ~388 · Hill's Science Diet ~370 · Royal Canin ~385

Daily Feeding Recommendation

Food per day

2.09

cups / day

2× per day · 1.04 cups per meal

Daily calories

794 kcal

10% treat budget

79 kcal

Starting estimates only. Adjust based on body condition — if you can feel ribs without pressing, portions are correct. Always consult your vet for personalized advice.

How long will a bag last?

Bag size

Price per bag (optional)

Select a bag size above to see how long it will last and how many bags you need.

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RER = 70 × kg^0.75 · National Research Council (NRC) · AAFCO guidelines

The RER formula is the veterinary nutrition standard for calculating a dog's baseline energy needs. Life-stage and activity multipliers follow AAFCO-aligned guidelines used in clinical practice.

Veterinary note: Results are estimates based on veterinary RER formulas. Individual needs vary — consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet or portion sizes.

How Dog Food Portions Are Calculated

Our calculator uses Resting Energy Requirements (RER) — the gold standard formula used by veterinary nutritionists:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75

This is then multiplied by a life factor based on age and activity level, and adjusted for neutered/spayed status. The result is then divided by the caloric density of your specific food (calories per cup).

Quick Feeding Reference by Weight

Dog Weight	Daily Calories	Cups/Day*	oz/Day*
5 lbs	210 kcal	0.6	2.5 oz
10 lbs	353 kcal	0.9	4.1 oz
20 lbs	593 kcal	1.6	6.7 oz
30 lbs	803 kcal	2.1	9.2 oz
50 lbs	1180 kcal	3.1	13.4 oz
70 lbs	1521 kcal	4.0	17.3 oz
100 lbs	1939 kcal	5.1	22.0 oz

*Normal adult, neutered, average-activity dog. Assumes 380 kcal/cup — actual portion depends on your food's caloric density (check the label).

Tips for Measuring Dog Food Accurately

✓ Use a digital kitchen scale
Measuring by weight (oz) is 30% more accurate than measuring by volume (cups). A 'cup' of food varies widely by kibble size and density.
✓ Check your food bag for caloric content
Look for "kcal/cup" or "kcal/kg" on the label. Enter this value in our calculator for precise results.
✓ Adjust every 2 months
Your dog's needs change with season, age, and health. If you can feel the ribs easily without pressing, the amount is correct.
✓ Count treats as calories
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Reduce meal portions on heavy treat days.

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