Puppy Feeding Calculator
Short answer
A puppy’s daily calories are its resting energy requirement (RER = 70 × kg^0.75) times a growth factor: about 3× under 4 months of age and 2× from 4 months until it reaches adult size. A 10 lb (4.5 kg) puppy under 4 months needs roughly 620 kcal a day. Split the ration across three to four small meals.
Your puppy needs about 653 calories a day.
Daily calories
653
Cups per day
1.9
Growth factor
3×
RER × 3 growth factor. Split across three to four meals a day for a puppy, and re-check as it grows. Confirm with your veterinarian.
Consult your vet
These figures are planning estimates from the standard RER/MER formula and are not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your dog’s real needs depend on breed, body condition, health, and the specific food. Confirm the right amount with your veterinarian and adjust based on your dog’s body condition over time.
Puppy growth factor by age
| Age | Calorie factor (× RER) |
|---|---|
| Under 4 months | 3× |
| 4 months to adult | 2× |
Related
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a puppy need?
A puppy's daily calories are its resting energy requirement (RER = 70 × kg^0.75) multiplied by a growth factor: about 3× under 4 months of age and about 2× from 4 months until it reaches adult size. A 10 kg puppy under 4 months needs roughly 394 × 3 ≈ 1,180 kcal a day.
How often should I feed a puppy?
Feed puppies three to four small meals a day until about 6 months of age, then you can move to twice daily. Splitting the ration keeps blood sugar steady and is easier on a small stomach. The calculator shows calories and cups per meal for the number of meals you choose.
When do puppies switch to adult food amounts?
The growth multiplier steps down from about 3× to 2× at around 4 months, and a dog reaches its adult maintenance amount once it stops growing — roughly 12 months for small breeds and up to 18–24 months for large and giant breeds. Switch to the adult calculator once your dog is fully grown.