Dog Nutrition Calculator

Calculate your dog's daily calorie needs and ideal food portions based on Waltham™ guidelines.

Tip: For best results, feed 50% wet and 50% dry food. Adjust portions if feeding treats or giving less exercise.
Please enter a valid weight between 1 and 200.
Please select your dog's life stage.

Comprehensive Dog Nutrition Guide

Why Proper Nutrition Matters

Health & Longevity

Dogs fed balanced diets live up to 2.5 years longer than those fed poor quality food. Proper nutrition supports all bodily functions from immunity to organ health.

Joint & Bone Health

Growing puppies need precise calcium-phosphorus ratios, while seniors benefit from added glucosamine and chondroitin to support aging joints.

Cognitive Function

Foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins E and C) and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) help maintain brain health in aging dogs.

Dental Health

The mechanical action of chewing dry food helps reduce plaque by up to 20% compared to wet food alone.

Life Stage Calorie Needs Key Nutrients Feeding Frequency
Puppy (0-12 months) 2-3x adult maintenance High protein (22-32%), DHA for brain development 3-4 meals/day (weaning to 6 months), then 2-3 meals
Adult (1-7 years) Maintenance levels Balanced protein (18-25%), fiber for digestion 1-2 meals/day
Senior (7+ years) 10-20% less than adult Increased antioxidants, joint supplements 2 smaller meals/day
Pregnant/Nursing Up to 4x maintenance High calcium, calorie-dense formula Free choice or 3-4 meals/day
Pro Tip: Small breed dogs reach senior status earlier (around 7 years) while giant breeds are seniors by 5-6 years.

Wet Food Advantages
  • Higher moisture content (70-80% water) helps with hydration
  • More palatable for picky eaters
  • Easier to chew for dogs with dental issues
  • Lower carbohydrate content than most dry foods
  • Longer shelf life when unopened
Dry Food Advantages
  • Better for dental health - helps scrape plaque
  • More convenient - can be left out for free feeding
  • More calorie-dense - less volume needed
  • Lower cost per serving
  • Variety of shapes/sizes for different breeds
The Best of Both Worlds

The Waltham™ Centre for Pet Nutrition recommends a 50/50 mix of wet and dry food to combine benefits:

  • Improved hydration from wet food
  • Dental benefits from dry kibble
  • Increased mealtime enjoyment
  • Better weight management control
Recommended Products
Pedigree Chopped Ground
Pedigree® Chopped Ground

100% Complete and Balanced For Adult Dogs: Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Dog Food.

Best Seller $17.44
Wet Dog Food
Wet Dog Food

Omega-6s & Vitamin E to promote a healthy coat

Recommended $49.08
View All Recommended Products
Body Condition Guide
Underweight (1-3/9)
  • Ribs, spine clearly visible
  • No palpable fat
  • Severe waist tuck
Ideal (4-5/9)
  • Ribs palpable with slight fat cover
  • Visible waist behind ribs
  • Abdominal tuck present
Overweight (6-9/9)
  • Ribs difficult to feel under fat
  • No visible waist
  • Abdominal distention