Behind the calculator

How it works

Learn how we turn your pet's answers into a daily feeding amount.

The simple process

Pet food labels often give wide ranges. The calculator narrows that range by using your pet's details:

Step 1

Start with weight

We convert the weight to kilograms so the feeding math is consistent.

Step 2

Use age range

Puppies and kittens usually need more food for growth. Seniors often need less.

Step 3

Adjust for lifestyle

Activity, body shape, and spay or neuter status can move the amount up or down.

Step 4

Show useful serving details

We show grams, estimated cups, meal splits, and special raw or mixed-food details.

Age changes the amount

Young pets usually need more food for growth. Adult pets usually need a steady amount. Seniors may need a little less:

Dog starting ranges

  • Puppies (Growth Phase):
    • Under 4 months: 9.0% of current weight daily
    • 4 to 6 months: 7.0% of current weight daily
    • 6 to 12 months: 5.0% of current weight daily
  • Adult Dogs (Maintenance): Baseline of 2.5% of body weight daily.
  • Senior Dogs (Metabolic Decline): Baseline of 2.0% of body weight daily.

Cat starting ranges

  • Kittens (Growth Phase):
    • Under 4 months: 10.0% of current weight daily
    • 4 to 6 months: 8.0% of current weight daily
    • 6 to 12 months: 6.0% of current weight daily
  • Adult Cats (Maintenance): Baseline of 3.0% of body weight daily.
  • Senior Cats (Metabolic Decline): Baseline of 2.0% of body weight daily.

Activity changes the amount

A pet that moves more usually needs more food. A mostly resting pet may need less:

Dog activity choices

  • Low Activity (0.90x): For indoor dogs getting under 30 minutes of daily exercise.
  • Normal Activity (1.00x): For active family pets receiving 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise.
  • High Activity (1.15x): For working dogs, sporting breeds, or high intensity runners.

Cat activity choices

  • Low Activity (0.85x): Specifically for spayed/neutered indoor cats with low energy levels.
  • Normal Activity (1.00x): For active cats engaging in indoor play and exploring.
  • High Activity (1.15x): For working farm cats or high energy feline breeds.

DIY raw 80/10/10 split

If you choose DIY raw food, the calculator can split the daily amount into common 80/10/10 parts:

  • 80% Muscle Meat: Supplies primary protein, fat, amino acids, and taurine (vital for obligate feline carnivores).
  • 10% Raw Bone: Supplies essential digestible calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
  • 5% Liver: Functions as the primary natural multivitamin, supplying Vitamin A, copper, and iron.
  • 5% Secreting Organs: Includes kidneys, spleen, or pancreas, supplying vital trace minerals and enzymes.

Mix dry and wet food

Many pets eat both dry and wet food. The calculator shows a simple split so you can plan both parts of the day:

  • Dog mixed food: Dry food uses an estimated 110g per cup. Wet food uses a standard 150g pouch.
  • Cat mixed food: Dry food uses an estimated 90g per cup. Wet food uses a standard 85g pouch.

You can feed dry and wet at the same meal or split them across the day.

Estimate when food runs out

Once you know the daily amount, you can estimate how long a food bag may last:

Lifespan Calculation Equation:

Bag Size in Grams / Daily Intake in Grams = Total Feeding Days

Based on the total feeding days, our calculator maps out the exact calendar date you will need to open your next bag, helping you avoid last minute trips to the store.

Use the calculator