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🐾 How to Use the Dog Food Calculator: Perfect Portions in 5 Steps

Step 1: Enter Your Dog’s Weight

• Use the slider or type in their weight (lbs/kg).
• Tip: Weigh your dog monthly for accuracy.

Step 2: Select Activity Level

• 🛋️ Sedentary (little exercise)
• 🐕 Active (1–2 walks/day)
• ⚡ Highly Active (working dogs, agility training)

Step 3: Pick Life Stage

• 🐶 Puppy (growth phase)
• 🐕 Adult (1–7 years)
• 🐩 Senior (7+ years)

Step 4: Choose Food Type

• 🥣 Dry Kibble | 🥫 Wet Food | 🥩 Raw Diet

Step 5: Get Your Results!

• The calculator shows daily portion size (cups/grams) and calorie needs.

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📌 Pro Tips for Best Results

✔️ Adjust Gradually: Transition new portions over 7–10 days.
✔️ Monitor Weight: Recalculate if your dog gains/loses 10% of their weight.
✔️ Ask Your Vet: Ideal for dogs with health conditions (e.g., diabetes).

🐾 How This Calculator Works

Q: How do you determine the right portion size for my dog?
A: Our algorithm considers 4 key factors:

1. Weight (lbs/kg)
2. Activity level (couch potato vs. athlete)
3. Life stage (puppy/adult/senior)
4. Food type (kibble/wet/raw)
   Example: A 30lb active adult dog on kibble needs ~2 cups daily.

🍽️ Portion Precision

Q: Why does my 50lb dog need less food than my friend’s 50lb dog?
A: Just like humans, dogs have individual needs! Differences in:

• Metabolism
• Breed (e.g., Huskies burn more calories than Bulldogs)
• Spay/neuter status (can decrease calorie needs by 20%)

Q: The calculator gave me 1.5 cups – but my dog’s bag says 2 cups. Why?
A: Food brands often suggest generous portions to sell more product. We calculate based on your dog’s actual needs, not marketing.

🔄 Adjusting Over Time

Q: How often should I recalculate?

When to Recalculate	Why
Every 3-6 months	Normal weight fluctuations
After 10% weight change	Prevents obesity/malnutrition
Lifestyle changes (e.g., less walks)	Activity = calorie needs

⚠️ Special Cases

Q: What if my dog is…

• Pregnant/nursing? → Needs 2-4x more calories (ask your vet)
• Diabetic? → Requires strict meal timing (use calculator as baseline only)
• A picky eater? → Try warming food or topping with bone broth

📊 Pro Tips for Best Results

• Transition slowly: Mix new portions with old food over 7-10 days
• Use a kitchen scale: Cups vary by kibble shape/size
• Watch body condition: You should feel (but not see) ribs easily

💬 Still unsure? Bookmark this page and consult your vet during regular check-ups!