How to Read Cat Food Calories on the Label
Cat food labels list calories as kcal per kg, per cup or per can. Learn to find and convert them for accurate portions.
Where to find calories
Look for the calorie statement, shown as kcal ME (metabolizable energy). Most US labels list kcal per kilogram, and per cup or can. It is usually near the feeding guide.
Convert kcal per kg
Divide by 1,000 to get calories per gram. A food with 3,800 kcal/kg has 3.8 calories per gram. If your cat needs 260 calories, that is about 68 grams. A kitchen scale makes this exact.
Ignore the bag chart at first
Feeding charts are broad and often high. Calculate a target for your cat and use the chart only as a cross-check.
Compare foods fairly
Compare calories per gram, not cup size. Cup weights differ between brands. When you switch foods, recalculate the portion and change over seven to ten days.
Sources and further reading: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines; NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. This article is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.