Dog Nutrition Calculator
Calculate macronutrients and daily targets for your dog
Dog Weight (lbs)
Life Stage
Dog Nutrition 101: What Dogs Need
Dogs are omnivores with specific nutritional requirements defined by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). A complete dog diet requires protein (essential amino acids), fat (essential fatty acids), carbohydrates (energy), vitamins, minerals, and water. Our dog nutrition calculator gives you daily macronutrient targets based on your dog’s weight and life stage.
AAFCO Nutritional Requirements for Dogs
| Nutrient | Adult Min (DM) | Puppy Min (DM) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 18% | 22.5% |
| Fat | 5.5% | 8.5% |
| Calcium | 0.5% | 1.2% |
| Omega-6 FA | 1.1% | 1.1% |
FAQs
How much protein does a dog need per day?
For a 50 lb active adult dog, approximately 60-70g of protein per day from a balanced diet. This translates to roughly 25-30% of total calories from protein. Working dogs and puppies need significantly more.
Do dogs need carbohydrates?
Dogs can digest carbohydrates and convert them to energy efficiently. While not strictly essential (unlike protein and fat), carbohydrates are a cost-effective energy source in commercial diets. Grain-free doesn’t mean carb-free — most grain-free foods substitute legumes or potatoes.
Conclusion
Our dog nutrition calculator gives you daily calorie and macronutrient targets for your dog. For portion guidance, use our dog food calculator. For weight management, use our weight calculator.