Safe weight-loss calories for your dog
Enter current + target weight. We calculate the daily calorie target that produces sustainable 1–2%-per-week weight loss without muscle wasting.
Math: 0.8 × RER for the *target* weight = daily target calories. Standard AAHA approach.
0 to lose · ~0 weeks at a healthy rate.
Weigh weekly; if not losing 0.5–2%/week after 4 weeks, drop the target by another 10%.
The formula
Target kcal/day = 0.8 × (70 × target_weight_kg0.75)
That's the RER (Resting Energy Requirement) for the goal weight, multiplied by 0.8 to build in a modest deficit. AAHA recommends this conservative approach over aggressive 0.6× restriction because it preserves lean muscle mass and avoids triggering metabolic adaptation.
Sources: AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (2014, reaffirmed 2021). NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006).
Frequently asked questions
How fast should my dog lose weight?
Safe rate: 1–2% of body weight per week. Faster than that risks muscle loss and is rarely sustainable. A 30 kg dog losing at 1.5% per week sheds 0.45 kg/week — modest, but it adds up to 23 kg over a year if needed.
Why does this use ideal weight, not current weight?
Because feeding at "0.8 × current weight RER" still over-feeds an overweight dog. The standard veterinary approach (AAHA) is to feed at maintenance for the *target* weight — that builds in the deficit automatically without dipping into starvation territory.
My dog seems hungry on this plan. What should I do?
Two strategies: (1) Switch to higher-protein, higher-fibre food at the same calorie count — both increase satiety. (2) Split the daily ration into 3–4 smaller meals. (3) Replace some kibble with crunchy vegetables (green beans, carrots) for bulk. If your dog is genuinely distressed, the deficit is too aggressive — re-check the target.
How long until I see results?
Visible body-condition improvement at 4–6 weeks for typical cases. Weekly weight measurement (same scale, same time of day) shows the trend. If you're not losing 0.5–2% per week after 4 weeks, the calorie target needs reducing by another 10%.