1. What is RER?

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories a dog needs at rest in a thermoneutral environment. It represents the energy needed for basic physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RER equation:

Where:

• \( weight_{kg} \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• 70 — Metabolic constant for dogs
• 0.75 — Exponent that accounts for metabolic scaling

Explanation: The equation accounts for the non-linear relationship between body size and metabolic rate, with smaller animals having higher metabolic rates per unit of body weight.

3. Importance of RER Calculation

Details: RER is the foundation for determining a dog's daily caloric needs. It's used as a starting point for calculating maintenance energy requirements (MER) which are adjusted based on life stage, activity level, and health status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dog's weight in kilograms. For accurate results, weigh your dog rather than estimating. The weight must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert my dog's weight from pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide the weight in pounds by 2.205 to get kilograms. For example, 20 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 9.07 kg.

Q2: Is RER the same as daily calorie needs?
A: No, RER is the baseline. Daily needs are typically 1.2-1.8 × RER depending on activity level, life stage, and health status.

Q3: Does this work for puppies?
A: Puppies have higher energy needs. For puppies <4 months, use 3×RER; 4-12 months use 2×RER.

Q4: What about for weight loss?
A: For weight loss, feed approximately the RER amount (or slightly less for obese dogs under veterinary supervision).

Q5: Are there breed-specific differences?
A: Some breeds may have slightly different metabolic rates, but this equation provides a good starting point for all breeds.