How to use the pet food price per 1,000 kcal calculator
- Enter price, bag size and kcal per kg for food A.
- Enter the same for food B.
- Press Calculate.
Worked example
Food A: US$60 for 15 kg at 3,600 kcal/kg. Food B: US$40 for 10 kg at 3,200 kcal/kg.
- Currency
- US dollar
- Food A: price of the bag
- 60
- Food A: bag size
- 15 kg
- Food A: kcal per kg
- 3600
- Food B: price of the bag
- 40
- Food B: bag size
- 10 kg
- Food B: kcal per kg
- 3200
- Food A per 1,000 kcal
- $1.11
- Food B per 1,000 kcal
- $1.25
This compares cost only, not quality or suitability for your pet.
Example values are illustrative; this result is produced by the same calculator above.
How we calculate it
Sources: Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant)
Understanding your result
A bag's price tells you little because foods differ in calories per kilogram. This calculator divides each bag's price by its total energy in thousands of kilocalories, giving the price per 1,000 kcal.
A US$60 15 kg bag at 3,600 kcal/kg holds 54,000 kcal and costs US$1.11 per 1,000 kcal. A US$40 10 kg bag at 3,200 kcal/kg holds 32,000 kcal and costs US$1.25, so the cheaper bag is more expensive per calorie.
The result compares cost only. It says nothing about ingredients, suitability or quality, so ask your vet when choosing a diet.
Common mistakes
- Comparing the price per bag when bag sizes differ.
- Using different units for the two bags.
- Entering kcal per 100 g as kcal per kilogram.
- Choosing on price alone.
- Forgetting to include delivery or discounts that change the price.
Good to know
- The Pet Food Energy Converter turns any label unit into kcal per kg.
- Use the Dog Food Cost Calculator to see the daily cost for your dog.
- Watch for changes in bag size at the same price.
Why price per 1,000 kcal is the fair comparison
Price per kilogram ignores how much energy is in the food. Two bags can cost the same per kilogram and still differ in what they cost to feed, because a calorie-dense food needs fewer grams. Price per 1,000 kcal removes that difference.
For example, Food A at 60 for 15 kg with 3,600 kcal per kg holds 54,000 kcal, so it costs about 1.11 per 1,000 kcal. Food B at 48 for 12 kg with 3,400 kcal per kg holds 40,800 kcal and costs about 1.18. Both cost 4 per kilogram, but A is cheaper to feed.
Cost is only one part of the choice. A food must be complete and balanced for your pet's life stage, and your vet may recommend a particular diet for health reasons. Use this tool to compare foods that already meet that standard.
Frequently asked questions
Why compare price per 1,000 kcal?
Foods have different energy densities, so a cheaper bag can cost more per calorie. Price per 1,000 kcal compares like with like.
Does a lower price per calorie mean a better food?
Not necessarily. It only compares cost. Quality, ingredients and your pet's needs matter too, so ask your vet if unsure.
Can I compare wet and dry food?
Yes, as long as you enter each food's own price, pack size and kcal per kg.
Where do I find kcal per kg?
On the label, or use the Pet Food Energy Converter if it is given per 100 g or per pound.
Can I compare wet and dry food?
Yes, if you enter each food's own price, pack size and kcal per kg.
Does the cheaper food have to be worse?
No. Cost is only one factor; ask your vet which food suits your pet.
Sources
- Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant)
Guides about this
- Why Wet Food Looks Low in Protein on the LabelWhy wet pet food shows low protein on the label: water dilutes every percentage. See the conversion, side-by-side examples and how to compare fairly.
- Wet vs Dry Puppy Food: Calories, Cost and RoutineWet and dry puppy food compared on calories per gram, moisture, cost per 1,000 kcal and convenience, with worked examples for a 5 kg puppy and mixing advice.
- Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Calories, Water and CostWet and dry cat food compared on water, calories per gram, grams needed, cost per 1,000 kcal and storage, with a worked example and a mixed-feeding plan.
- How to Calculate Protein on a Dry Matter BasisStep-by-step protein on a dry matter basis for dog and cat food: the formula, a conversion table for common moisture levels and worked examples.
Related calculators
- Dog Food Cost CalculatorSee what it costs per day, month and year to feed your dog, from its calorie need and the price of the bag.
- Pet Food Energy ConverterConvert pet food energy between kcal per kg, per 100 g, per pound and per ounce.
- Pet Food Bag Duration CalculatorFind out how many days a bag of pet food will last at the amount you feed.
- Dog Food CalculatorTurn your dog's daily calorie need into grams and cups of the food you actually feed, using the energy value printed on the bag.
Estimates only. Every pet is different — confirm with your veterinarian.