Dog Calorie Calculator NRC Method

UK Pet Food's dog calorie calculator uses the NRC method under FEDIAF guidelines. Use this calculator as a starting point for creating a healthy dog diet for your pup.

Currently, our dog calorie calculator is being updated (complicated tech!) but it will be back online soon. In the meantime, do email us at [email protected] and we can keep you informed.

When the calculators are available it is important to note:

This online dog calorie calculator uses the Predictive Equations of NRC 2006 (the 4-step method) to estimate the Metabolisable Energy (ME) of prepared foods for cats and dogs in accordance with FEDIAF Guidelines. Please refer to these guidelines for more detail.

1. Calculate GE (Gross Energy)
2. Calculate energy digestibility (%)
3. Calculate digestible energy
4. Convert into metabolizable energy

Any analysis of the food provided by the manufacturer will be the most accurate for that specific product. However, if the calorie content is not provided on the label or the website of the manufacturer, you can use this calculator for a good estimate of the energy content of the product.

Some brands of pet food have lower feeding amounts due to the formulation of their diets and different levels of digestibility. Please contact the manufacturer for the most accurate calorie content of their product and feeding guides.

Using this information as a starting point, each individual dog should be fed to their ideal weight and body condition score. Regular weighing of the animal and adjusting their food to their need based on weight gain/loss, by a veterinary professional, is also critical.

On this page, the term ‘calorie’ refers to kilocalorie unit of energy (symbol: kcal).

For more information and how the formulas are used in this calculator please refer to our Calorie Fact Sheet.