As dog owners, one of the most common questions dog parents ask is: “How much calories does my dog need?” Whether you have a hyperactive puppy or a snoozy senior, getting your dog’s daily calories right is key to maintaining a healthy weight and supporting their long-term well-being.

In this post, we’ll break down how to calculate your dog’s calorie needs, share a simple dog calorie calculator, and offer nutritionist-approved tips for treats and portion control.

Why Calories Matter for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs need the right amount of calories to fuel their daily activity, maintain organ function, and support a healthy body weight. Overfeeding even with healthy treats can lead to weight gain, joint problems, and long-term health issues. Underfeeding can affect their energy, coat, and immune system.

Dog Calorie Calculator: Find Your Dog’s Daily Needs

Here’s how to work it out:

Step 1: Calculate Your Dog’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER)

Use this simple formula:

RER = 70 × (ideal weight in kg)^0.75

This gives you your dog’s Resting Energy Requirement, the number of calories they need at rest.

Step 2: Adjust for Activity & Goals

Multiply the RER by 1.0 to 1.2 if your dog is on a weight loss plan.
For maintenance or active dogs, the multiplier may be 1.4–1.8.

Example:

• Ideal weight = 10kg

• RER = 70 × (10)^0.75 = ~394 kcal

• Weight loss calories = 394 × 1.0 = ~394 kcal/day

How Much Treats Should Your Dog Eat?

According to our nutritionist:

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

So, for a dog on a 394 kcal/day plan, treats should not exceed ~39 kcal.

Why Some Dog Treats Can Derail Your Weight Goals

One Soopa Dental Stick contains ~79 kcal, which is too high for daily use in smaller or weight-watching dogs. For dogs under 10kg or those on a calorie-restricted plan, it's best to:

• Cut sticks into smaller pieces

• Limit to 1–2 times per week

The Better Option: Soopa Mini Bites

Switch to Soopa Mini Bites our nutritionist's top tip!

They’re:

• 🍠 Low-calorie and portion-controlled

• 🌱 Made with natural superfoods

• 💚 Ideal for training or everyday snacking

• 🚫 Avoid flavors like Peanut Butter & Banana or Coconut & Chia if you're managing calories strictly

Each Mini Bite is designed to be gentle on digestion, delicious, and perfectly sized for calorie control.

Shop Smart: Best Soopa Treats for Calorie-Conscious Dogs

Here are some customer favorites:

Soopa Healthy Bites - Sweet Potato & Apple

• Only a few calories per piece

• Rich in fiber and antioxidants

Soopa Mini Bites - Cranberry & Sweet Potato

• Great for urinary health and low fat

• Ideal for daily training

Soopa Dental Sticks - Carrot & Pumpkin

• Use sparingly or break into small pieces

• Packed with beta carotene and vitamins

Final Tips From Our Nutritionist

• Always use the dog calorie calculator to guide portions.

• If your dog needs to lose weight, reduce treat frequency and size.

• Watch out for high-fat treats or those with added sugars.

• Keep a daily food log if needed, awareness makes a big difference!