Dog food label cost comparison · Reviewed November 3, 2026
Compare dog food cost per 1,000 kcal
Compare two or three dog foods using package price, net weight and the calorie content stated on each label.
Compare the label-based food cost of two or three dog-food options. Enter each package price, net weight in kilograms, and the label's calorie content in kcal/kg as fed. The tool calculates package calories and price per 1,000 kcal from those entries; it does not recommend a food or feeding amount.
Enter label and price details for at least two options, then compare.
Method: package calories = package weight in kg × label kcal/kg. Cost per 1,000 kcal = package price ÷ package calories × 1,000. Example with fictional values: a 4 kg package at 3,600 kcal/kg contains 14,400 kcal; at $48, its arithmetic cost is $3.33 per 1,000 kcal. This does not include discounts, tax, delivery, waste, or changing prices.
Use the calorie statement for the exact product and recipe, not the guaranteed-analysis percentages. AAFCO says pet-food calorie content is stated as kcal/kg as fed and per a familiar unit; it cautions that moisture differences affect kcal/kg comparisons, and that calorie content should not be the sole food-selection factor. This tool only compares the price represented by your entries. It does not assess nutritional adequacy, moisture-adjusted nutrient levels, suitability, quality, or equivalence and does not calculate a feeding plan. Ask your veterinary team about your dog's individual needs.
For cost based on a daily amount already chosen, see the dog food cost per month calculator. The food budget guide explains label-based estimates, and the nutritional adequacy guide explains label claims.
Source: AAFCO: Calories in pet food (label units and comparison limits).
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How it works
For each option, enter the current package price, net weight in kilograms and label calorie content in kcal/kg as fed. The tool calculates package calories and arithmetic cost per 1,000 kcal.
Good to know
How is cost per 1,000 kcal calculated?
Package calories equal package weight in kilograms multiplied by label kcal/kg. Cost per 1,000 kcal equals package price divided by package calories, multiplied by 1,000.
Does the lowest cost mean a food is best for my dog?
No. This compares entered price and label energy only. It does not assess nutritional adequacy, moisture-adjusted nutrient levels, suitability, quality or equivalence. Ask your veterinary team about your dog's needs.
Can I use kcal per cup or can?
This version requires kcal/kg as fed and package weight in kilograms. AAFCO explains that labels also state calories per familiar unit; do not enter that value in the kcal/kg field.
Formula and attribution
Last updated:
package calories = package net weight in kg × label kcal/kg as fed; cost per 1,000 kcal = package price ÷ package calories × 1,000
- package_price (USD/package): Visitor-entered price for the exact dog-food package.
- package_net_weight (kg/package): Visitor-entered package net weight converted to kilograms.
- label_calorie_content (kcal/kg as fed): Visitor-entered calorie content for the exact food from its label.
Output (USD per 1,000 kcal and kcal/package): Arithmetic comparison for two or three visitor-entered options; does not assess nutrition, suitability or a feeding amount.
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