How to calculate calories for your pet

• Posted on 9 October 2012
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in Calorie counter, cats, dogs, gain, healthy, lose, management, nutrition, pets, weight
• 0

How much should I feed be feeding my pet? We get that question all the time. So here is a great formula to figure it all out.

How much should I feed be feeding my pet?

We get that question all the time. So here is a great formula to figure it all out.

Dog example:

Let’s say your dog is 50 pounds. Now let’s calculate how many calories she needs to stay at her current weight using this formula:

Daily calories (canine) = Body Weight (kg) x 30 + 70

In order to use this calculation, first we have to convert her weight from pounds to kilograms.

One kilogram = 2.2 pounds, so divide her weight in pounds by 2.2. 50/2.2 = 22.7. Your dog’s weight is 22.7 kilograms.

Now our formula looks like this: Daily calories = 22.7 x 30 + 70

And finally, it looks like this: Daily calories = 751

If your dog eats about 750 calories a day, she’ll stay at her current weight. In order for her to lose weight, she must eat fewer calories.

Let’s say you and Jill or your vet agree your dog should be 45 pounds at her ideal weight. All you need to do is apply the above formula using 45 instead of 50: 45 pounds in kilograms is 45/2.2 = 20.4; 20.4 x 30 + 70 = 682 daily calories.

Cat Example:

Why are they different? The formula for kitties has a slight variation to account for the ultra-sedentary lifestyle of most house cats.

Daily calories (feline) = Body Weight (kg) x 30 + 70 x 0.8

Next you must determine how many calories are in the food you’re feeding and the treats you provide, and adjust the amount downward as necessary. If you feed prepared pet food, do NOT always follow the label guidelines for how much to feed. Find out how many calories are in a can or cup – this will vary by brand and flavor. You may need to find the product website or call the toll-free number on the label to get the information you need.

You must determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day to achieve her ideal weight and feed it in portions – usually half in a morning meal and the remainder in her evening meal. And again, don’t forget to factor treats into the equation.

One great tip for helping keep your pet at their ideal levels is to use a measuring cup/spoon and an appropriate size bowl. We tend to overfill larger bowls.

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