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Max Velichko
Updated on:
Reviewed & fact-checked by
DVM (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
As a concerned owner, you want to ensure your dog is getting the right calories to meet all its needs. You can contact your dog food manufacturer for the calorie count per 100 grams (g); some packs of food have this information on them. However, if you want to know how to work out this information yourself, we’ve got you covered!
Read our helpful step-by-step guide for calculating the calories in your dog’s food.
| Element | Persentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24.0% |
| Fat | 14.0% |
| Fiber | 5.0% |
| Moisture | 10.0% |
| Ash | 5.2% |
The 5 Simple Steps to Calculate Calories in Dog Food
The 5 Simple Steps to Calculate Calories in Dog Food
Look for the “Guaranteed Analysis” section that lists the percentages of protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and ash on your packet, tray, or can of dog food. For our purposes, consider on a nutrition label with the following Guaranteed Analysis:
- 1 gram of protein = ~3.5 calories (Kcals)
- 1 gram of fat = ~8.5 calories (Kcals)
- 1 gram of carbohydrate = ~3.5 calories (Kcals)
We know from the label that the protein level is 24%, fat is 14%, and carbohydrates are 41.8%. This means that in 100g of pet food, there is 24g of protein, 14g of fat, and 41.8g of carbohydrates.
To get the total calories you have to multiply the figures by the number of calories each gram provides (so, the same number in step 3.)
How Many Calories Does My Dog Need per Day?
You have this number, but what do you do with it? Using a calorie counter, you can determine how many calories your dog should be getting each day.
You’ll need an up-to-date, accurate weight for your dog and a target weight from your veterinarian. Your goal is to get your pup to maintain a healthy weight.
An imbalance between your dog’s energy intake and usage can result in either obesity or malnourishment. Obesity in dogs can lead to risks like arthritis and can shave years off their lives. Surprisingly, malnourished dogs can be overweight or underweight when they don’t receive the appropriate nutrition. Underweight dogs can suffer from hair loss, pressure sores, skin problems, lethargy, and permanent organ damage.
