How to Calculate Your Dog's Daily Calorie Needs

Feeding your dog the right amount of food is important for keeping them healthy and at a good weight. While the instructions on the dog food bag can give you an idea, they don’t always tell you exactly what your dog needs. Every dog is different, and things like their age, size, and how active they are can change how much food they should eat.

It's important to figure out how many calories your dog needs each day and adjust their food to keep them healthy. If your dog starts gaining weight or seems to be losing too much, you may need to change how much you feed them. Always check with your vet before making changes to their diet, so they get the right balance of food and exercise. Below are some important steps that will help you calculate your dog's daily calorie needs.

Gather Your Dog's Basic Information

To calculate the estimated calories your dog needs, you must first gather some basic information about your pup.

1. Puppy Age: You need to know the exact age of your Bernedoodle or any other pup.
2. Weight: It's important to know their accurate weight, either in kilograms or pounds.
3. Activity Level: Have a good understanding of your dog’s activity level. This can vary based on their life stage, such as puppies (under 1 year), adults (1-7 years), and seniors (over 7 years).

Determine Your Dog’s Body Condition Score

This step could help you determine the body condition of your canine, whether it is overweight or fat or at an ideal weight. Use the body condition scoring system (1 to 9) to rate your dog, with 1 being too thin, 5 being ideal, and 9 being overweight. Below is the graph chart that can clearify your confussion.