Price per bag tells you very little about what a pet food really costs. A bag that looks cheap can cost more to feed every day because the food is less calorie-dense, and a pricey bag can be the better value because a smaller scoop meets your pet’s energy needs. This free calculator compares up to six dog or cat foods by cost per 1,000 calories, then shows what each one costs per day, per month and per year for your pet.
How we make money: some links below open an Amazon search and are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Results are always ordered by cost per 1,000 kcal, never by commission.
1. Your pet
2. Foods to compare (up to 6)
Find calories on the bag or can, often listed as “kcal/kg”, “kcal/cup” or “kcal/can” under Calorie Content. Keep the package size and calorie units matching (pounds or kilograms with kcal per kg, per lb, per oz or per g; cups with kcal per cup; cans with kcal per can).
3. Results
Enter your pet’s weight and at least one food to see results.
How the pet food cost calculator works
First it estimates how many calories your pet needs each day. It uses the standard resting energy requirement formula, 70 × (body weight in kilograms) to the power of 0.75, and multiplies it by a factor for life stage and neuter status. For example, a neutered adult dog uses a factor of 1.6 and a neutered adult cat uses 1.2. Then it works out how many calories are in each package, divides the price by those calories, and scales the result to your pet’s daily need.
Because every food is converted to the same unit, a 30 lb bag of kibble, a 24-pack of cans and a box of freeze-dried food can be compared fairly. The table is sorted from lowest to highest cost per 1,000 kcal.
Why compare cost per calorie instead of cost per pound?
Dry food is typically several times more calorie-dense than wet food, so a pound of kibble feeds a pet far longer than a pound of canned food. Comparing price per pound across formats is misleading, and even two kibbles can differ meaningfully in calories per cup. Cost per 1,000 kcal removes that distortion.
Where do I find the calories in my pet’s food?
Look for the “Calorie Content” or “Metabolizable Energy” statement near the guaranteed analysis on the package, or on the manufacturer’s website. It is usually given in kcal per kilogram, per cup or per can. Most US dog and cat food labels are required to state it. Enter the number exactly as printed and pick the matching unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the daily calorie estimate exact?
No. It is a well-established starting estimate, but real needs vary with breed, age, activity, spay or neuter status and health. Your veterinarian can tell you whether your pet should eat more or less, especially for weight loss, puppies and kittens, seniors and pets with medical conditions.
Does lowest cost mean best food?
No. This tool compares price per calorie only. It says nothing about ingredient quality, nutritional adequacy, your pet’s tolerance or veterinary recommendations. Look for a complete-and-balanced statement for your pet’s life stage, and talk to your vet before changing foods.
Does it include treats, toppers and mixed feeding?
Not directly. If you feed a mix, enter each food separately and remember that treats should usually stay under about 10 percent of daily calories. Subtract treat calories from the daily need before choosing portions.
Is my information saved?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or stored. We count anonymous usage, such as whether the tool was used, with Google Analytics.
This calculator provides general estimates for information only and is not veterinary advice. Prices and calories are whatever you enter. We are not responsible for pet feeding decisions made from these results.