How Do You Calculate Calories in Dog Food?

We use them to calculate how much energy we consume each day and how much we need to burn off through exercise to maintain a healthy weight. But did you know that your dog also has a daily calorie requirement? 

In this blog post, KwikPets will explain how you can calculate the calories in your dog's food to ensure they get the right amount of energy each day.

How Many Calories Does Your Dog Need?

The first step in calculating the number of calories in your dog's food is determining how many calories they need per day. This will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, size, and activity level. For example, a small breed puppy who is very active will need more calories than an adult Labrador who spends most of its time sleeping. 

Adult Dog: 30-35 Calories per Kg body weight per day

Puppies and very active dogs may require up to twice as many calories.

Once you've determined how many calories your dog needs per day, you can calculate the number of calories in its food. Most commercial dog foods will have a calorie content of 100g or per cup listed on the packaging. For example, if food has 388 kcal/100g, there are 388 calories in every 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of that food. 

To calculate the number of calories in a portion of food, multiply the calorie content per 100g by the weight or volume of the amount you're feeding. For example, if you're providing your dog 200g (7 ounces) of food from this particular range, they would consume 776 calories. 

How Many Calories Should Your Dog Eat Each Day?

If you're unsure how much food your dog should eat daily, it's best to ask your veterinarian for guidance. They will be able to recommend an appropriate daily calorie intake based on your dog's individual needs. 

Conclusion: 

Calculating the calories in your dog's food is essential for ensuring they're getting the right amount of energy each day. The number of calories your dog needs will depend on age, breed, and activity level. Most commercial dog foods will list the calorie content per 100g or cup on the packaging. 

To calculate the number of calories in a portion of food, multiply the calorie content per 100g by the weight or volume of the amount you're feeding. 

FAQ

How much are 200 calories in dog food?

Assuming that the dog food is in the form of kibble, it would be about 1/4 cup.

How many calories should a dog eat a day?

Depending on the size and dog breed, anywhere from 300-600 calories per day is a good estimation. Remember that all dogs are different, and some may need more or less than this amount, so it's best to consult with your veterinarian to figure out what is best for your pup.

How do you find the calories in dog food?

There are a few ways to find the calorie content of dog food. One way is to look at the label on the food packaging. The calories will be listed near the top of the nutrition facts table. 

Do calories matter in dog food?

Calories do matter in dog food, but not in the way that they count for humans. Dogs differ from humans because they have a very high activity level relative to their size. So, a dog needs more calories than a human to maintain the same activity level.

That said, not all calories are created equal. The quality of the calories matters just as much as the quantity. 

What is the highest-calorie food for dogs?

Cheese is the highest-calorie food for dogs. One ounce of cheddar cheese contains 113 calories, so giving your dog a small piece as a special treat is best. Other high-calorie foods for dogs include bacon (32 calories per slice), ham (30 calories per slice), and peanut butter (95 calories per tablespoon).

Remember that these treats should be given sparingly, as part of a balanced diet, not as a substitute for regular meals. 

Do dogs need fewer calories with fresh food?

Yes. Dogs need fewer calories than fresh food because the food is more nutrient dense and easier to digest.

When you switch your dog to a new diet, its calorie needs may decrease by as much as 30-40%. This is because fresh foods are more nutrient dense than processed foods, so dogs require less to get the same amount of nutrients. 

Fresh foods are also easier to digest, which means that dogs will absorb more of the nutrients in them. This leads to fewer calories being wasted in the form of waste products and results in a leaner dog.