How to Calculate How Many Steps Your Dog Needs Each Day 

Every dog moves differently — some are built for long hikes and endless fetch sessions, while others are happiest with a steady neighbourhood stroll and a good sniff break. That’s why there’s no single “perfect” step count for every dog.

In fact, research shows there is no universal step-count recommendation for dogs — activity needs vary widely based on breed, age, health, and lifestyle. But step tracking can still be a useful way to gauge whether your dog is getting enough daily movement. Here’s how to find the right number for yours.

Step 1: Start with Time, Not Numbers

Veterinary guidance in Canada and internationally is usually based on exercise time, not steps.

Most adult dogs need:

• 30–60 minutes of daily activity (minimum)
• Active or working breeds: up to 1–2 hours daily 

That can include walking, running, hiking, sniffing, or structured play. Once you know the time target, step counts become a useful translation tool rather than the goal itself.

Step 2: Convert Activity into Steps (A Practical Estimate)

While stride length varies, here’s a general way to estimate:

• 1 km walk ≈ 1,500–2,000 steps for many dogs
• A 30-minute walk ≈ 2,000–4,000 steps
• A 60-minute active walk ≈ 5,000–8,000+ steps

From there, you can build a personalized daily target that makes sense for your dog:

General Daily Step Ranges (Guideline Only)

• Small or senior dogs: 3,000–8,000 steps
• Average adult dogs: 6,000–12,000 steps
• High-energy or working breeds: 12,000–20,000+ steps

Some very active dogs will easily exceed these numbers — especially on hike days or at daycare. Keep in mind: a leisurely sniff-walk and a brisk run produce similar step counts but feel very different to your dog.

The Bigger Picture: Movement, Nutrition & Wellness

Daily movement is just one piece of the puzzle. What your dog eats plays an equally important role in how well they move, recover, and feel day to day.

That’s where Nutrience SubZero kibble fits into a performance-focused routine. Formulated with high-quality proteins and freeze-dried raw inclusions, it’s designed to support energy levels for active dogs — whether they’re on neighbourhood walks or all-day adventures.

Join the Nutrience SubZero Strava Challenge

To celebrate getting active with your dog, Nutrience is launching the SubZero Strava Challenge from May 1st to May 31st. Dog owners across Canada are invited to log their walks, runs, and outdoor adventures on Strava — whether that’s a quick neighbourhood loop or a full weekend hike. Every outing counts toward building consistency, encouraging daily movement, and celebrating an active life with your dog. Climb the leaderboard for a chance to win one year’s worth of Nutrience SubZero dog food!

Sources: https://vcacanada.com/sitecore/content/vca/home/know-your-pet/the-benefits-of-walking-your-dog

https://www.petscare.com/en-ca/news/faq/how-long-should-a-dog-walk-a-day?.com

https://www.petsmart.ca/learning-center/dog-care/how-much-exercise-does-my-dog-need.com