What a 30 kg dog eats
Each day
1,218–1,666 kcal
Guidelines suggest treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories (AAHA 2021). This does not change the $1,214 food line in the cost calculator.
Add the kcal per kilogram from the bag if you want grams. No food energy density is assumed.
This is a general starting estimate from published WSAVA and AAHA formulas, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, body condition, health and food. Ask your vet, especially for puppies, large breeds, and dogs that are overweight or unwell.
How this figure is worked out
WSAVA July 2020 chart for a healthy adult dog: inactive 95 × kg^0.75, active 130 × kg^0.75. Typical is that range, not a blended midpoint.
A second cited method, shown beside the figure and not blended with it: AAHA's neutered-adult factor is 1.4–1.6 × RER, about 1,256–1,436 kcal a day at this weight.
How we calculate
A 30 kg adult dog, close to the Labrador Retriever weight midpoint used on this site (30.62 kg), at typical activity needs1,218–1,666 kcal a day on the WSAVA chart. Treats should stay at or under 10 percent of that, 122–167 kcal. The AAHA neutered-adult comparison at the same weight is 1,256–1,436 kcal. The two methods are shown side by side and are not averaged.
Moneysmart does not publish food dollars by weight, so this page stays in kilocalories unless you type the energy density from the bag.
- Calorie needs for healthy adult dogs · World Small Animal Veterinary Association · Updated Jul 2020. Checked 27 Oct 2026. Maintenance energy for a healthy adult dog: inactive 95 × kg^0.75, active 130 × kg^0.75 kcal per day. The chart cites National Research Council 2006. It is not an Australian dollar cost.
- 2021 AAHA nutrition and weight management guidelines, Box 1 · American Animal Hospital Association · Updated 2021. Checked 27 Oct 2026. Resting energy requirement 70 × kg^0.75. Puppies under 4 months about 3 × RER. Puppies 4 months and older about 2 × RER. Neutered adult about 1.4 to 1.6 × RER. Treats should stay at or under 10% of daily calories. Shown beside the WSAVA chart, not blended with it.