"How much food should I give my dog daily?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions to veterinarians and pet food brands. The answer is more personal than you might think: even two dogs of the same weight can have very different caloric needs depending on their age, activity level, spay/neuter status, and body composition. The general tables on the back of dog food packages cannot capture these differences; the result is often unnoticed weight gain or insufficient nutrition.
At Kito, to solve this problem, we have developed a free Nutrition Plan Creator Tool. With a short survey that takes just a few minutes to complete, we calculate your dog's (or cat's) daily caloric needs and provide three alternative feeding plans, measured in grams. In this article, we explain step-by-step how the tool works and how to interpret the results.
Why a Personalized Nutrition Plan?
Dogs' energy needs are calculated in veterinary nutrition science using the "resting energy requirement" (RER) and additional coefficients for life stage, activity, and physiological status. A spayed or neutered dog's metabolism slows down, and the same amount of food can lead to weight gain. A puppy needs nearly twice as much energy relative to its weight as an adult dog. The needs of a very active dog that trains regularly are also not the same as a dog that spends its day at home.
The Kito Nutrition Plan tool performs a calculation based on scientific data by asking about all these variables individually. The goal is simple: measurement instead of guesswork, and precision in grams instead of "by eye."
How the Nutrition Plan Tool Works Step-by-Step
1. Choose Your Companion: Cat or Dog?
The tool uses separate calculation models for cats and dogs. In this article, we describe the dog flow; you can start for your cat by selecting "For My Cat" on the same page.
2. Profile: Life Stage, Size, and Spay/Neuter Status
In the first step, you specify your dog's name (if you wish), life stage, and size:
- Puppy: 0–12 months — growth period, highest energy needs
- Adult: 1–7 years — balanced, maintenance-focused nutrition
- Senior: 7+ years — nutrition suitable for a slowing metabolism, supporting joint and organ health
Then you indicate your dog's size (Mini, Medium, Large) and whether they are spayed or neutered. Spay/neuter status is considered an important factor in the calculation that reduces energy needs.
3. Physique: Weight, Body Condition, and Activity Level
In the second step, you enter your dog's current weight and select their body condition from three visual options: Thin, Ideal, or Overweight. This selection is important because for an overweight dog, the goal is not to maintain the current weight but to gradually reach an ideal weight — the tool adjusts the calculation accordingly.
There are also three options for activity level:
- Sedentary: Basic needs and indoor activities
- Active: 1–2 hours of daily walking
- Very Active: Regular training, high-paced life
4. Health: Allergies and Diseases
In the third step, you can indicate if your dog has any known food allergies. Common protein sources such as chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, and sea bass can be selected individually; you can also manually add allergens not on the list. This way, the suggested recipes automatically exclude options containing allergens.
If there is a chronic illness, you can also note it. This step is optional; however, for conditions requiring special care, we always recommend evaluating the plan with your veterinarian.
5. Results: Daily Caloric Needs and Three Alternative Plans
Once the survey is complete, your dog's daily caloric needs (kcal/day) will appear on the screen. For example, for a spayed/neutered, active adult dog weighing around 5 kg, this value might be calculated as approximately 442 kcal per day. In addition to calories, the grammage of fresh food and dry food required to meet this energy is also shown separately — for example, 149 g of fresh food or 76 g of dry food per day.
Then three different feeding plans appear:
100% Fresh Feeding (Premium): Your dog is fed entirely with Kito Fresh. Human-grade, minimally processed, 100% fresh ingredients. The most comprehensive option for healthy stomachs, hearts, and intestines. You can choose from chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and turkey recipes, or even opt for the "Fresh Variety" plan, which rotates two different recipes.
Balanced Mix (Popular): Combines the practicality of dry food with the nutritional benefits of fresh food. A portion of the daily calories comes from Kito Fresh, and a portion from Kito Dry Food containing fresh lamb. This is the most preferred plan by pet parents seeking a balance between budget and nutritional quality.
Practical Feeding (Economical): A balanced and economical feeding routine with quality dry food containing fresh meat. Ideal for those looking for practicality in a busy schedule.
Each plan clearly shows daily and monthly consumption amounts (in grams, packages, and kg) and monthly costs. This way, you get a clear answer to the question "will fresh food fit my budget?" — no surprises, no guesswork.
How Should You Interpret the Results?
The nutrition plan is calculated based on your dog's current physical characteristics. You need to renew the calculation when their weight, activity, or health status changes. We recommend updating the plan especially in the following situations:
- As your puppy grows (needs change every month for puppies)
- When you notice weight gain or loss
- When the activity routine changes (e.g., increased walks in summer)
- After spay/neuter surgery
For puppies and situations requiring special care, consulting your veterinarian is always the best approach. The plan offered by the tool is a strong starting point; you can fine-tune it with your veterinarian.
How Should I Decide Between Fresh Food and Dry Food?
There is no single right answer to this question — the right answer depends on your lifestyle and your dog's needs. As a general framework:
Fresh feeding, thanks to its minimally processed ingredients, is the strongest option for digestive health, coat quality, and overall vitality; it can make a significant difference for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky eaters. Dry food offers practicality and economy; balanced nutrition is also possible with high-quality dry food containing fresh meat. The Balanced Mix combines the advantages of both worlds and is a sustainable middle ground for most dogs. If you are undecided, you can try a small sample with Dog Trial Packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the nutrition plan creator tool free?
Yes, it is completely free. You can learn your dog's daily caloric needs and recommended food amounts without any purchase obligation.
How are my dog's daily caloric needs calculated?
The calculation is based on scientific nutrition formulas that consider variables such as your dog's weight, life stage (puppy/adult/senior), size, spay/neuter status, body condition, and activity level.
Can I create a plan for dogs with allergies?
Yes. You can select common allergens such as chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, and sea bass, or manually add a different allergen. Recommendations will be limited to recipes that do not contain allergens.
How much can I trust the grammage results?
The grammage is determined based on the energy density of each product to meet the calculated daily calories. However, every dog is an individual; we recommend monitoring their weight in the first few weeks and renewing the calculation if necessary.
Can I create a nutrition plan for cats too?
Yes. You can start by selecting "For My Cat" on the same page to create a special plan for your cat. For details, you can refer to our guide prepared for cats.
What should I do after creating the plan?
You can save your report by leaving your email address, choose the most suitable plan from the recommended ones and order directly, or consult our Nutrition Consultant.
Try it Now
It takes 2 minutes to learn your dog's true needs. Go to the Nutrition Plan Creator Tool, answer a few questions, and see your personalized, gram-by-gram calculated nutrition plan. The foundation of a healthy, long, and happy life is laid with proper nutrition — at Kito, we are with you on this journey.
