RER - Resting Energy Requirement

The baseline calories needed to support basic bodily functions at rest—breathing, circulation, digestion, and cell maintenance. Equivalent to your dog lying quietly all day without any activity. This is the foundation for all feeding calculations.

MER - Maintenance Energy Requirement

Total daily calories accounting for activity, life stage, and special circumstances. Calculated by multiplying RER by an activity factor (1.2-5.0). This is your dog's actual daily calorie target for maintaining healthy weight.

RER = 70 × (Body Weight in kg)^0.75

Or simplified for dogs 2-45 kg: RER = (30 × Weight in kg) + 70

Formula Explanation:

This formula uses allometric scaling—the 0.75 power represents the relationship between body mass and metabolic rate discovered by Max Kleiber in 1947. Larger animals have proportionally slower metabolisms than smaller animals of the same species. A 40 kg dog doesn't need twice the calories of a 20 kg dog; it needs only 1.68 times as many calories due to this scaling effect.

Example: 25 kg (55 lb) dog

Using precise formula: RER = 70 × 25^0.75

Calculate: 25^0.75 = 11.18

RER = 70 × 11.18 = 783 calories/day

Using simplified formula: RER = (30 × 25) + 70 = 820 calories/day

Simplified formula slightly overestimates but is easier for quick calculations

MER = RER × Activity Factor

Activity Factor Multipliers:

Complete Example: 25 kg neutered adult dog

Step 1: RER = 70 × 25^0.75 = 783 kcal/day

Step 2: MER = 783 × 1.6 (neutered adult factor)

Step 3: MER = 1,253 calories per day

Daily Cups = Daily Calories ÷ Calories per Cup

Daily Grams = Daily Calories ÷ (Calories per 100g) × 100

Average Calorie Content by Food Type:

• • Dry Kibble: 300-400 kcal/cup (average 350)
• • Wet/Canned Food: 70-100 kcal/100g (average 85)
• • Raw Food Diet: 130-180 kcal/100g (average 150)
• • Semi-Moist Food: 250-350 kcal/cup

Example: 1,253 kcal daily need, dry kibble (350 kcal/cup)

Daily cups = 1,253 ÷ 350 = 3.6 cups per day

Per meal (2x daily) = 3.6 ÷ 2 = 1.8 cups per feeding

💡 Always check YOUR food's packaging for exact calorie content—brands vary significantly!

⚖️ Weight Management

Prevent obesity by feeding precise portions matched to energy expenditure. Critical for breeds prone to weight gain like Labradors, Beagles, and Dachshunds. Calculated feeding reduces obesity risk by 73% compared to free-feeding.

🐾 Puppy Growth

Support optimal development with age-appropriate calorie intake. Underfeeding puppies causes skeletal abnormalities; overfeeding accelerates growth causing hip dysplasia and joint problems in large breeds. Precise portions are critical.

🏃 Performance Dogs

Calculate increased calorie needs for working, sporting, and service dogs. Sled dogs need 5-8x resting calories; police K9s need 3x; agility competitors need 2-3x. Inadequate fuel causes performance decline and injury risk.

👴 Senior Care

Adjust portions for decreased metabolism and activity in aging dogs. Senior dogs need 10-40% fewer calories than young adults to prevent obesity-related diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular problems.

💊 Medical Management

Calculate therapeutic diets for conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, and food allergies. Precise portions ensure consistent nutrient intake critical for disease management and medication effectiveness.

💰 Cost Control

Eliminate food waste from overfeeding and reduce veterinary costs from obesity-related diseases. Studies show obesity treatment costs $1,500-3,000 annually—far exceeding the cost of premium food fed in proper portions.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. How much food should I feed my dog per day?

Daily feeding amount depends on weight, age, activity level, and food calorie density. As a general guide: dogs need approximately 30 calories per pound of body weight for weight maintenance (adjust to 25 for inactive dogs, 40 for very active dogs). For example, a 50-pound neutered adult needs roughly 1,250-1,500 calories daily, which translates to 3.6-4.3 cups of typical dry food (350 kcal/cup). However, individual metabolism varies 25-30%, so these are starting points. Monitor your dog's body condition and adjust portions weekly. Use the calculator above with your specific dog's details for personalized recommendations rather than relying on bag feeding charts, which often overestimate portions.

2. Why can't I just follow the feeding chart on the dog food bag?

Bag feeding charts provide generalized ranges designed for "average" dogs and often err on the high side to account for highly active dogs—and unfortunately, to increase product sales. These charts don't account for: neuter/spay status (20-30% metabolism decrease), actual activity level (most pet dogs are less active than assumed), individual metabolic rate variations, age-related metabolism changes, or body condition (overweight dogs need less). Research from Tufts University shows that feeding per bag guidelines without individualization leads to overfeeding in 67% of cases. The charts are starting points, but calculated feeding based on YOUR dog's specific parameters prevents obesity far more effectively. Always prioritize body condition score over suggested ranges.

3. How many times a day should I feed my dog?

Feeding frequency depends on age and health status. Puppies under 3 months: 4 meals daily (prevents hypoglycemia, supports growth). Puppies 3-6 months: 3 meals daily. Puppies 6+ months to adults: 2 meals daily (most recommended). Adult dogs: 2 meals daily is ideal—improves digestion, reduces hunger-driven behavior, prevents bloat risk (especially large/deep-chested breeds), and maintains stable blood sugar. Some owners feed once daily, but this increases risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) in susceptible breeds. Senior dogs or those with medical conditions may benefit from 2-3 smaller meals. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) is NOT recommended—makes portion control impossible, enables obesity, makes behavior training harder, and prevents detection of appetite changes (early illness indicator). Divide calculated daily amount by number of meals.

4. What should I do if my dog is overweight?

For weight loss, calculate calories using ideal/target weight (not current weight) and use factor 1.0 (RER only, no multiplier). Aim for 0.5-2% body weight loss per week—too rapid weight loss causes muscle loss and gallstones. For example, a 70-pound dog should ideally weigh 60 pounds: RER = 70 × (27.2 kg)^0.75 = 70 × 12.7 = 889 kcal/day × 1.0 = 889 kcal daily (2.5 cups if using 350 kcal/cup food). Additional strategies: Switch to weight management formula (lower calorie density), eliminate table scraps and high-calorie treats (use vegetables like carrots/green beans instead), increase exercise gradually (start with 10-minute walks, build to 30-60 minutes daily), feed measured portions 2-3 times daily, and monitor weekly weighing—adjust if not losing 0.5-1 pound weekly. Consult veterinarian before starting weight loss programs, especially for dogs over 30% overweight.

5. Do puppies need more food than adult dogs?

Yes—puppies need 2-3 times MORE calories per pound than adults due to rapid growth and high activity. Young puppies (0-4 months) use factor 3.0 (triple resting energy), older puppies (4+ months) use 2.0. For example, a 3-month-old 10 kg puppy: RER = 70 × 10^0.75 = 394 kcal; MER = 394 × 3.0 = 1,182 kcal/day. Same dog as adult (factor 1.6): 394 × 1.6 = 630 kcal/day—nearly half! Critical: Large/giant breed puppies should NOT be overfed despite high multipliers—excessive calories accelerate growth causing skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis. Feed large breed puppies at lower end of calculated range and use large breed puppy formula (controlled calcium/phosphorus). Switch to adult food at skeletal maturity: small breeds 9-12 months, large breeds 12-18 months, giant breeds 18-24 months. Monitor body condition weekly—puppy should have slight waist and palpable (not visible) ribs.

6. How do I account for treats in daily feeding?

Treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories—this is the "90/10 rule" recommended by veterinary nutritionists. Calculate your dog's daily calorie target, take 10%, and that's your treat budget. For example, if your dog needs 1,000 kcal/day, treats should not exceed 100 kcal daily. Check treat packaging for calorie content—many "small" treats contain 25-40 calories each! Options: Reduce meal portions by treat calories (if giving 100 kcal treats, reduce meal food by 100 kcal worth), use low-calorie treat alternatives (carrots, green beans, ice cubes, small pieces of apple), or use portion of daily kibble as training treats. Hidden calories sabotage weight management—table scraps, bully sticks, dental chews, and "just a bite" add up fast. One slice of cheese (100 kcal) equals 10% of daily intake for a 30-pound dog. Track everything!

7. Does spaying or neutering affect food requirements?

Yes—spaying/neutering reduces metabolic rate by 20-30% due to hormonal changes. Intact dogs (not neutered/spayed) use factor 1.8, while altered dogs use 1.6—that's a 12.5% difference. For a 20 kg dog: Intact dog: RER × 1.8 = 1,060 kcal vs. Spayed/neutered dog: RER × 1.6 = 1,0 kcal—180 fewer calories needed daily! Many dogs gain weight post-surgery because owners don't reduce portions. Prevent post-spay/neuter weight gain by: Reducing portions by 15-20% immediately after surgery, switching to adult/light formula (if still on puppy food), maintaining exercise once healed, monitoring weight weekly, and adjusting portions proactively. The procedure doesn't CAUSE obesity—inappropriate feeding post-surgery does. Recalculate using the neutered/spayed factor and measure portions carefully during the adjustment period (first 3-6 months post-surgery).

8. How do I know if I'm feeding the right amount?

Use Body Condition Score (BCS) assessment—the gold standard for feeding evaluation. Ideal BCS (score 5/9): Ribs palpable with slight pressure but not visible, waist visible when viewed from above (behind ribs), abdominal tuck visible from side (belly slopes up from chest to hindquarters), no fat deposits on spine or tail base. Overweight (BCS 7-9): Ribs difficult to feel, no waist, no abdominal tuck, fat deposits present. Underweight (BCS 1-3): Ribs, spine, hip bones easily visible, severe waist and tuck, no body fat. Assess BCS every 2 weeks. If dog gains weight: reduce portions by 10% and reassess in 2 weeks. If losing weight: increase by 10%. Maintain stable weight once ideal BCS achieved. Your veterinarian can teach hands-on BCS assessment during wellness exams. Photos at different BCS levels are available from Pet Nutrition Alliance and WSAVA.

9. What if my dog acts hungry all the time?

Food-motivated behavior doesn't indicate inadequate feeding—many dogs are opportunistic eaters genetically programmed to eat whenever food is available (survival instinct). If your dog maintains ideal body condition but acts hungry: They're likely getting appropriate calories despite appearing "starving." Strategies to manage food-seeking behavior: Feed multiple small meals instead of 1-2 large meals (satisfies more frequently), use slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders (extends eating time), add low-calorie vegetables to meals for volume (green beans, carrots, pumpkin—not onions or grapes), use portion of daily kibble for training rewards throughout day, provide adequate exercise (boredom mimics hunger), ignore begging behavior consistently (rewarding reinforces it), and ensure medical causes ruled out (intestinal parasites, diabetes, thyroid issues, Cushing's disease cause increased appetite—vet check if sudden change). Some breeds (Labradors, Beagles, Retrievers) have genetic mutations affecting satiety signals and are ALWAYS hungry—require strict portion control.

10. Does the type of food (dry, wet, raw) affect portion size?

Yes—calorie density varies dramatically by food type. Dry kibble: highest calorie density (300-450 kcal/cup), requires smallest volume. Wet/canned food: lower density (70-100 kcal/100g), requires larger volume for same calories—often 3-4x more by weight than dry. Raw diet: moderate density (130-180 kcal/100g), typically 2-3% of body weight fed daily. For example, a dog needing 1,000 kcal/day requires: Dry food (350 kcal/cup): 2.9 cups, Wet food (85 kcal/100g): 1,176 grams (about 2.6 lbs), or Raw food (150 kcal/100g): 667 grams (about 1.5 lbs). Volume differs but calories remain constant! When mixing food types: Calculate calories from each food type separately, ensure total equals target, and adjust if weight changes occur. Wet food advantage: higher water content aids hydration, increased satiety from larger volume. Dry food advantage: dental benefits, convenience, lower cost per calorie. Choose based on dog's needs, but always calculate by calories, not volume.