Estimate Your Pet’s Daily Calories
Use these tools to add up what your pet eats each day, estimate their calorie needs, and make informed feeding adjustments that support long-term health.
Estimate Your Pet’s Daily Calories
Start by calculating how many calories your pet eats in a typical day (Step 1), then compare that number to an estimate of how many calories they need (Step 2).
Step 1: Calculate how many calories your pet eats each day
Add up calories from meals, treats, and snacks to see what your pet is actually eating. This number is your starting point.
Step 2: Estimate how many calories your pet needs per day
Use the dog or cat calculator below to estimate daily calorie needs, then compare to Step 1.
Dog Daily Feeding Estimate
Estimate calorie needs and compare to intake.
Cat Daily Feeding Estimate
Estimate calorie needs and compare to intake.
What to do with your results
If intake is higher than needs, gradual weight gain is likely over time. If intake is lower, your pet may lose weight or seem less energetic. Adjust slowly and reassess in 2–4 weeks. Use body condition, not just the scale, to judge progress.
Make Every Meal Count: Measuring and Feeding Tips
Getting the calorie numbers right is only part of the equation. How you measure and serve food every day can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s weight and overall health.
Use a gram scale when possible.
It’s the most accurate way to measure food and avoid overfeeding.
Avoid heaping scoops and free feeding.
A “cup” can vary widely. Small extras add up over time.
Split dailydaily food into smaller meals.
More frequent meals help pets feel satisfied and keep energy steady.
Food puzzles and slow feeders add enrichment.
Count treats and table food.
These calories are easy to overlook and often drive gradual weight gain.
Quick rule of thumb
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
Learn more: Tools and Resources
Use these APOP tools to check your pet’s body condition, learn typical breed ranges, and build a safe, sustainable weight plan.