Reference price bands (US, dry food)
| Band | Calorie density | Typical shelf price |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | ≈3,200–3,500 kcal/kg | $1–2 / lb |
| Mid-range | ≈3,500–3,800 kcal/kg | $2–4 / lb |
| Premium | 3,800+ kcal/kg | $4+ / lb |
2026 US reference prices — check actual shelf prices.
Compare cost per day, not price per bag
The sticker price hides the variable that matters: calorie density. A denser food feeds smaller portions, so an expensive-looking bag can cost less per feeding day than the budget one beside it. That's why this calculator works from the label's kcal/kg line — the one number US bags must print — and turns everything into dollars per day. Run your current bag and a candidate side by side and the comparison settles itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to feed a dog per month?
It's a three-number problem: your dog's daily calories, the bag's price, and the bag's calorie density (kcal/kg, printed on every US label under AAFCO rules). A 700 kcal/day dog on a $50, 30 lb bag at 3,600 kcal/kg costs about $0.71 a day — roughly $22 a month. Bigger dogs and denser-priced foods scale that up fast.
Where do I find kcal/kg on a dog food bag?
Look for the 'calorie content' statement near the guaranteed analysis — US labels must state metabolizable energy as kcal/kg, and most also print kcal per cup. This calculator prefers kcal/kg because cup sizes and scoop habits vary; the kcal/cup field is there as a cross-check.
Is expensive dog food worth it?
Price per pound is a poor lens — calorie-dense foods feed smaller portions, so cost per feeding day is the honest comparison, and it's exactly what this calculator outputs. Two bags with a $15 price gap can land within cents of each other per day once density is counted.