Feeding by breed and weight / by weight
How much to feed a 80 lb dog
A 80 lb (36.3 kg) dog has a resting energy requirement of 1035 kcal. As a neutered adult with normal activity that becomes 1656 kcal a day, or 4½ cups of a 369 kcal/cup kibble; an intact adult needs 1863 kcal, and a dog that is inactive or gains weight easily 1449 kcal. Puppies that currently weigh 80 lb need far more: 3105 kcal under four months, 2070 kcal after.
80 lb dog feeding table
| Life stage / activity | Factor | kcal/day | Cups at 369 | Cups at 300 | Cups at 450 | Grams (96 g/cup) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutered adult, normal activity | × 1.6 | 1656 | 4½ | 5½ | 3¾ | 432 g |
| Intact adult, normal activity | × 1.8 | 1863 | 5 | 6¼ | 4¼ | 480 g |
| Adult, inactive or prone to weight gain | × 1.4 | 1449 | 4 | 4¾ | 3¼ | 384 g |
| Puppy under 4 months | × 3 | 3105 | 8½ | 10¼ | 7 | 816 g |
| Puppy 4 months to adult size | × 2 | 2070 | 5½ | 7 | 4½ | 528 g |
RER = 70 × 36.30.75 = 1035 kcal. Factors: Merck Veterinary Manual. The 369 kcal/cup column is Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice (adult dry) (369 kcal/cup per Purina's label); the 300 and 450 columns bracket the usual range printed on adult dry foods. Checked 2026-10-20.
Reading the table
Pick the row that describes the dog, then the column that matches the kcal per cup on your bag — it is printed near the guaranteed analysis, usually as "kcal/cup" or "kcal ME/cup". The puppy rows apply to a puppy that weighs 80 lb today; a growing puppy should be re-weighed and the amount recalculated every two weeks, which the breed puppy charts do for you. At this size the gap between the neutered and intact rows is 207 kcal — about 0.6 cups a day — so the right row matters more than the brand of food.
These are maintenance starting points for a healthy dog. Weigh the dog monthly and check body condition — ribs easy to feel, visible waist — and adjust by about 10% if it is drifting. Pregnant or nursing dogs, working dogs and dogs with a diagnosed condition need a vet's number, not a table.
Other sizes for a 80 lb dog
By the manufacturer's weight bands a 80 lb dog takes a 42 in crate (Large, 41.9 × 29.5 × 30.3 in interior; measure the dog's length to confirm), and a Large rectangle bed (43 × 29 in) on Orvis's chart. Harness size depends on chest girth rather than weight — see the harness size chart.
Breeds whose standard weight includes 80 lb
- Labrador Retriever (65–80 lb)
- German Shepherd Dog (66–88 lb)
- Boxer (50–85 lb)
- Bernese Mountain Dog (80–120 lb)
- Weimaraner (66–88 lb)